january 2014 - HMS Worcester

ASSOCIATION OF OLD WORCESTERS
JANUARY 2014
Loriol Williamson (53) - Honorary Secretary - Queensland Australia
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Well here we are at the start of another year - but a very special one,
the 100th. Anniversary of the Great War. If anyone has any information of
members who served in the Great War please forward them on to me as the
July issue will be dedicated to them.
You may remember the article on the ‘City of Adelaide’ a while back
when Michael PEMBERTON (59) campaigned to us about saving the vessel.
Well, recently the vessel was in the Thames (on a barge) in preparation to be
towed to Adelaide, Australia. Whilst there may be some disappointment at the
eventual outcome, we send our thanks to Michael for his tireless campaigning.
Some Association members have been concerned about the cosmetic
appearance of our Memorial at Greenhithe - fear not the Council has kept it
in good order.
As you may know I am scanning all the past issues of the Dog Watch
and placing them on our website for all to see - yes it is taking longer than I
expected - owing to other issues taking priority- but they will all appear over
time. More important - some of our issues are well worn- if any members
have copies sitting in their attic and the family are not worried about them,
please send them to me. They will then join our other issues where they live at
Chatham Dockyard, until such time as we find a new home for our
memorabilia - which is one of our top aims at the moment.
I must add - on producing this Dog Watch I am amazed at what so
many OWs’ have achieved in their life-time and we should all be proud of our
ship - whether it had one, two or three white stripes!!
Looking ahead, our Council are thinking of maybe our last big
function to take place in 2018 - which will celebrate 50 years of the ship’s
closure.
Please let us know of any ideas and venues you would like to hold this event.
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There is an Australian flavour to this issue and I am especially
grateful to Loriol WILLIAMSON (53) for his reminisces and collecting all
the material from ‘Down Under’.
To all other members including our President Colin STEERE
(47),who have sent their contributions to me - thank you.
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The New Technological Age
As one gets older the pace of life seems to accelerate and no more so
than in the new technological age. No longer are the letter and the Dog Watch
the primary methods of communication. It is now the email, the internet, social
sites, websites et al.
The Association must move with the times and our primary method of
giving out information is now the website and email. This means that those
members who do not have internet access must rely on the Dog Watch to keep
themselves informed. If you do have internet access then the website will carry
any new information that comes to light between the Dog Watch
publication dates. If you have email then you will be kept up to date through
this medium. It goes without saying therefore, that if I do not have your correct
email address, you will miss out. It is members responsibility to keep me
informed of all changes in your details: address, telephone number and email so
that we can easily impart valuable information to you.
If you change any of your details PLEASE TELL ME at
dave.glennie@btinternet.com or by Royal mail at my address on the last
page of the Dog Watch.
Thank you.
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David GLENNIE (60)
Honorary Secretary
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POSSIBLE CONWAY/WORCESTER/PANGBOURNE
REUNION, OCTOBER, 2015 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.
Consideration is being given to a combined College Reunion in
Sydney, Australia from Tuesday, 20th. October to Thursday 22nd. October
2015.
This is still in the planning stage and full details will be announced as
soon as possible both on the website and in the July edition of The Dog Watch.
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AOW AGM 2014 Winchester 9th. April, 2014
Following the success of last year’s Annual General Meeting format
in Devon (a two day event) it has been decided to offer a similar format for
this year’s AGM gathering and, as previously announced, the 2014 AGM of
the Association of Old Worcessters will be held in Winchester on Wednesday
9th. April, 2014.
The venue for the AGM and luncheon is the Mercure Winchester
Wessex Hotel which is centrally located in Winchester with superb views of
the world famous Cathedral which has witnessed over 900 years of English
history.
The meeting will take place in the Wykeham Suite at 1130hrs with
coffee and registration available from 1030hrs in the Kings Lounge. Following
the AGM a three course lunch will be served in the hotel’s Wessex Restaurant
at approximately 1300hrs.
For those wishing to make more of their visit to Winchester and
spend time with other OWs’ some overnight accommodation (with rooms
overlooking the Cathedral) has been reserved for the nights of Tuesday 8th.
and Wednesday 9th. of April at a special group rate.
Bookings can be made directly with the hotel quoting the booking
group code 0804OWA. Room rates including breakfast are £110 per night per
couple and £100 for single room occupancy.
The hotel details are as follows :Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel, Paternoster Row, Winchester, SO23 9LQ
Telephone: 01962 861611
Email: h6619@accor.com
For those arriving on the 8th. April it is proposed that we meet in the
bar of the hotel (Kings Lounge) at 1800hrs and then have dinner together in
the hotel or at a local hostelry (dependant on numbers)
It is anticipated that a visit to Winchester Cathedral will be arranged
on the morning of the 9th. before the AGM for those who wish to participate.
We will also be arranging for a meal at a local pub on the evening of
9th. April for those staying on after the AGM.
We look forward to a good representation from our membership in
Winchester and would appreciate your early confirmation of attendance.
The cost of the AGM luncheon and coffee beforehand will be £21.50
per person payable in advance to ‘Association of Old Worcesters’. Please fill
out the details requested in the booking form and send them along with a
cheque to:
John Marden (Chairman)
11 Rewlands Drive, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 6PA
Event email: ow2014agm@gmail.com
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Booking Form for AOW AGM 2014 Winchester - Wednesday 9th.
April, 2014
Please reserve ______ places at £21.50 each for the AOW AGM luncheon 9 th.
April, 2014 at the Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel (price includes tea/coffee
and a three course lunch, but does not include drinks, which will be available
from the bar).
I enclose a cheque for £ ________ made payable to ‘Association of Old
Worcesters’.
Please note advance tickets will not be issued and encashment of your cheque/
payment will indicate acceptance of your application.
Hotel accommodation reservations and payment should be made directly with
the Mercure Winchester Wessex Hotel – 01962 861611
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Details of those attending:
Title/
Rank
Forename
Surname
OW or
Guest
OW
Year of
Leaving
Please advise any special dietary requirements
Contact information
Address
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Telephone Contact No
_____________________________
Email address
_____________________________
Please send your application/booking form and payment to:
John Marden
11 Rewlands Drive,
Winchester.
SO22 6PA
Event email: ow2014agm@gmail.com
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OWYC 2013 AUTUMN NEWSLETTER - Peter Gormley (57)
Our highlight of the year was the June David Marsden Rendezvous on
the Hamble. The rendezvous was great fun and centered at the lovely Royal
Southern Yacht Club where David had done all the preparatory work before his
sad death. The Yacht Club balcony was a favourite spot for our first night
cocktail party held in glorious sunshine and attended by forty-two OWs’,
partners and friends. Our formal dinner was well attended by fifty-one guests.
These included David Marsden’s son and daughter and family. Ian Ward our
Commodore, gave a welcoming speech which was replied to by David Mead
RSYC’s Commodore. On Thursday after Rob WATSON’s (59) service at St.
Andrews we all met for lunch at a restaurant on the front. I was particularly
delighted that ten OWs’ managed to come by sail.
Ian WARD (53) invited Alan DEVINE (55) and myself to an autumn
Solent Cruise together on Ian’s boat ‘Spirit of Worcester’. We sailed out of
Gosport in pleasant weather and headed to Cowes and a cruise up the Medina
river. We spent the night anchored in Newton Creek and then the following day
a brisk crossing over to the river Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard. I was
particularly happy to make this visit as Andrew LANSDALE (62) our next
Commodore plans to hold his Commodores Rendezvous in this pretty spot in
2014. (Tuesday, 10th. June to Thursday 12th. June, 2014)
I have attended the funeral services of a few OWs’ particularly Peter
POSTON (57). We were shipmates and both left in 1957. We met up again at
the Reunion and tried to bridge the fifty year gap. Peter amused me by telling
the story when he passed his Master’s Certificate and went to visit his Marine
Superintendent on his first opportunity to find when he might get his first
command. The Superintendent, after searching through relevant documents,
told him that it was unlikely to happen before he was forty. Peter left shortly
afterwards to set up a successful meat wholesaling business.
In October, I attended the Royal Mail Postal Group reception aboard
HQS ‘Wellington’ to launch the MN Stamps - an article appears in this edition.
I talked to Robin Knox-Johnston about his round the world race, single handed,
where he took the lead from Donald Crowhurst who died in his ‘Spirit of
Teignmouth’. Robin won and gave his winnings to Donald’s widow.
Captain Ron Warwick (OC) was also in attendance. His father Bill
and I served together in the late 50’s on the RMS ‘Queen Mary’ when he was
Staff Captain.
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The 40th. OWYC AGM and Winter Dinner was held at The Farmers
Club in London on 20th. January, 2014 with an almost full capacity of 52
members and guests - the highest attendance for many years. Congratulations
are extended to Peter GORMLEY (57), Honorary Secretary of the Old
Worcesters' Yacht Club, for arranging such an excellent evening.
During a lively AGM, chaired by the new Commodore Andrew
LANSDALE (62), other positions were also filled - Commander Bob
LINEKER (68) as Vice Commodore and Captain Trevor CRAWFORD (63) as
Rear Commodore. Captain Ray NEWBURY (44) continues as Master. Captain
Martin TREGONING (61) kindly volunteered to assist with the production of
the twice yearly Newsletter and has been given the title of Communications
Officer.
L-R: Ben PEACE (60), Nick
ROBERTSON (68), Martin
TREGONING (61), Dennis
ROYLE (63) and guests.
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L-R: Bob LINEKER (68),
Andrew LANSDALE (62),
Colin STEERE (47),
Anthony WILCKEN(52), David
PRECIOUS (59), Ian WARD
(53), Peter GORMLEY (57) and
guests.
Those attending the Dinner
were:
Alwyn ALLEN, Clive BRADBURY, Michael BRACE, John BUTTOLPH, Trevor
CRAWFORD, David DAVIS, Alan DEVINE, Bill DIXON-PHILLIP, Chris
EDGECOMBE, Peter GORMLEY, Andrew LANSDALE, Bob LINEKER, Don
MASON, Ray NEWBURY, Ben PEACE, David PRECIOUS, Nick ROBERTSON,
Dennis ROYLE, Simon RENDALL, President Colin STEERE, Martin TREGONING,
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East Kent Luncheon
Wednesday 12th. March, 2014
Our East Kent Luncheon will be held on Wednesday 12th. March at the
Dover Town Hall (Stone Hall) which is very nautical.
Time 1215hrs. for 1300hrs. lunch.
Price £20 per person.
Please send cheque to:- Captain Ron Little , ‘White Croft’,
Roman Road, Ashley nr. Dover Kent. CT15. 5HR.
Cheques payable to Association of Old Worcesters.
Put into S.A.E your application.
Envelope Size. C5 ( 162 x 229mm )
You will receive an acceptance card also a map of Dover showing the Town
Hall and car parks, some local information on the area will also be included.
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There will be free seating i.e. sit where and who you would like to sit with.
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Raffle prizes would be gratefully received.
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Stone Hall - Dover Town Hall
Stone Hall is the oldest and most grand of all the rooms. Originally
founded in 1203 and refurbished in 1853 by William Burgess. The windows
are a wonderful example of Victorian stained glass and depict six Lord
Wardens of the Cinque Ports in scenes from Dover's past.
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AOW (SW Branch) AGM and Luncheon
Thursday 27th. March, 2014
The SW Branch of the Association will hold its 2014 AGM and
Luncheon on Thursday 27th. March, 2014 at the Passage House Hotel, Hackney
Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3QH.
For those members and guests wishing to stay the previous evening and
possibly the night of the AGM, the itinerary will start on Wednesday (26th.)
evening with meeting in the Bar at 1800hrs followed by Dinner in the
Lighterman’s Restaurant in the Hotel at 1900hrs. The Hotel is offering a B&B
room rate of £80 per room (£65 single Occupancy), please contact direct to:
08453 30 03 93 and mention ‘Association of Old Worcesters’. After Breakfast
there are stunning views and birdlife to be enjoyed, before OWs’, partners and
friends assemble at Reception from 1100hrs for coffee, tea and biscuits.
The SW Branch AGM will be held at 1230hrs and Luncheon will be
served at 1300hrs. The cost for arrival Coffee and Lunch will be £21.00 per
person, please see the next page for all details.
In the evening (27th.) there will be a Pub Supper served at the Passage
House Inn, a short walk from the Hotel. Members are requested to book early
for the above event to facilitate catering arrangements, planning and to avoid
disappointment.
In addition to our Annual Lunch and AGM the SW Branch holds
informal Pub lunches at four venues throughout the South West starting at noon.
On the first Thursday of each month at the Passage House Inn, Newton Abbot
TQ12 3QH Contact: Peter FURNEAUX (61) paf@furno.co.uk.
On the second Thursday of each month at The County Arms, Truro
TR1 3PY Contact: John HINCHLIFFE (62) jhinchliffe747@aol.com.
On the third Thursday of each month at The Libertine, Westbourne,
Bournemouth. BH4 8EL Contact: Chris SMITH (60)
christopher.smith27@ntlworld.com.
On the fourth Thursday of each month at the Jolly Sailor, Saltford, Keynsham,
nr. Bristol BS31 3ER Contact: Malcolm WALLINGTON (55)
merryfield@talktalk.net
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The AOW (SW Branch) AGM and Luncheon 2014
The Passage House Hotel, Hackney Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton
Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3QH. From 11.00 a.m. Thursday 27th March 2014
Payment, in favour of ‘The Old Worcesters Association’, should be sent to:
Peter Furneaux, Hillcrest, Thorverton, EXETER, Devon. EX5 5JR.
The Ticket price of £21.00 includes arrival Tea/Coffee and biscuits
and Lunch and does not include Drinks from the Bar. Tickets will not be
issued; encashment of your payment is acceptance of your application.
The Hotel is offering a special B&B rate of £80 per room, (mention
Association of Old Worcesters) and please contact direct to: 08453 30 03 93
or: The Passage House Hotel, Hackney Lane, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot,
Devon, TQ12 3QH - 01626 355515 - stay@passagehousehotel.co.uk
Please reserve ………tickets at £21.00 each. I enclose a cheque for the sum of
£……...…
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Name, Rank &/or Title: ……………….…………… ….. Year of Leaving:
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Address: ………………………………...…..……………………
PLEASE INCLUDE ANY SPECIAL DIETRY REQUIREMENTS
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Royal Mail Merchant Navy Stamp Launch
Wednesday, 9th. October 2013
The UK Post Office regularly commemorates a special feature with
new issues of stamps and in September a series of six Merchant Navy Stamps
were produced. Members of the Association were invited by Royal Mail to
attend an evening function aboard HQS ‘Wellington’ to celebrate the recent
stamps issue. About 120 guests were present in the grand hall where there was
plenty of room for us to mingle.
Lord Prescott (himself a former seaman) was the Guest of Honour
along with many shipping dignitaries including Sir Robin-Knox Johnston and
Captain Ron Warwick (OC) - the last Master of the former ‘Queens’.
We spoke to Richard Doughty CEO of The Cutty Sark Trust and
Jessica Lewis the Curator whom Michael WHEELER (61) managed to talk
about our memorabilia and future storage possibilities.
Michael also introduced us to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who was most
interesting to talk to. Both Michael and Robin were former officers with British
India Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. (‘BI’)
Peter GORMLEY (57) was chatting to Captain Ron Warwick (OC)
about old times as Peter sailed with Cunard with him.
Michael Everard (recently elected by Council as an Honorary
Member of The Association) was pleased to see us and we reminisced about
Greenhithe!
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Michael Wheeler with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
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Just before Lord Prescott gave his speech, Peter also managed to
speak to him and reminded him that he was the Purser aboard the mv
‘Brittanic’ when he was also onboard! He burst out laughing and said he
would have to change his speech as he was going to make some jokes about
the ‘Brittanic’!
His speech was very funny and interesting and brought the evening to
a close.
Other OWs’ present were Michael BRACE (56), Jeremy CAREW
(59), Colin STEERE (47) and Trevor POLLITT (66).
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John Prescott (former Deputy Prime Minister) with Peter Gormley.
Details of the six-stamp set follow on the next three pages. The stamps are
available from www.royal mail. com /merchant navy, or by phone on
08457 641 641.
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‘Atlas’, 1813.
Unusually for East Indiamen,
the Honourable East India Company’s
ship ‘Atlas’ was not built on the
Thames but on the Humber, by
Thomas Steemson, of Hull. Her first
voyage was to Madras, India and
Whampoa, China. in 1813. This was
the year the Company lost its
monopoly on trade to and from India,
although it retained that of the lucrative China tea trade until 1834.
She made a further voyage to Madras, Penang and Whampoa before
the end of the Napoleonic War in 1815, carrying an outward cargo of various
goods as well as mail, letters of credit and bullion, all of which facilitated trade.
On her homeward voyage she brought tea, porcelain, silk and saltpetre
for gunpowder. After two transfers of ownership and nine voyages. Captain
Charles Otway Mayne, who had commanded her since her commissioning, sold
her for £4,100 in August 1830, by which time she was considered fit only to be
broken up.
‘Britannia’, 1840
Following the first crossings of the North Atlantic by steamships, the
British Government offered a contract worth £60,000 to carry mail to Canada
and the United States. Nova Scotia’s, Samuel Cunard and his British partners
secured the commission and ordered four paddle steamers from Clydesdale
shipyards.
The first of these was the ‘Britannia’ which although fitted with sails,
was powered by a steam engine constructed by Robert Napier. Her maiden
voyage left Liverpool on 4th. July, 1840 to be greeted at Halifax, Nova Scotia,
12 days later by cheering crowds and fireworks.
Although ‘Britannia’ and her
sisters were soon superseded by faster
propeller driven steamers, they
established one of Britain’s most
enduring brand images. As the first
steamer to carry letters under contract
to Royal mail, the ‘Britannia’ added
the abbreviation ’RMS’- ‘Royal Mail
Ship’ - to the nautical lexicon.
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‘Cutty Sark’, 1870
Built in 1869 by Scott & Linton at
Dumbarton on the Clyde for the China tea trade,
the ‘Cutty Sark’ was named after the chemise
worn by the witch Nannie in Robert Burn’s poem
‘Tam O’ Shanter’. At 963 tons and of composite
build, with wooden planking secured to an iron
frame, she was designed to carry her valuable cargo fast enough to catch the
premium prices at the start of the seasonal tea market in London.
Initially blighted by lacklustre commanders and the gradual loss of
the tea trade to steamers when the Suez Canal opened, the ‘Cutty Sark’
realised her potential in the Australian wool trade. From 1885, under Captain
Woodget, she made good passages home via the stormy Southern Ocean and
Cape Horn.
Sold to the Portuguese in 1895, she was re-acquired for the nation by
Captain Dowman in 1922*. (see page 30)
Moored in Falmouth as a training ship, she was moved to the Thames
in 1938 to join HMS ‘Worcester’ at Greenhithe as a Merchant Navy cadet
training ship. In 1954, she was docked as an exhibit at Greenwich, where today
she may be seen newly restored, an astonishing survivor of the great days of
British sail.
‘Queen Elizabeth’, 1940
Built by John Brown on the Clyde and launched on 27th.
September, 1938 by Queen Elizabeth later The Queen Mother, the ‘Queen
Elizabeth’ was the largest ship in the world, at 83,673 registered tons and
1,031 feet in length. The ship was requisitioned by the government in March
1940 and began carrying troops, first from Australia and then as Allied forces
were built up for the D-Day invasion of France, from America to Great Britain
- a total of 750,000 troops over half a million miles . In the first months of
peace, the ‘Queen Elizabeth’ returned troops to North America and took GI
brides to their new homes.
It was not until 21st. October, 1946 that she arrived in New York
carrying 823 first-class, 662 cabin-class and 798 third-class passengers, a task
that she performed regularly until 1968. By this
time, the number of passengers crossing the
Atlantic by sea was declining in favour of air
travel. The ship caught fire when being converted
into a floating university in Hong Kong in January
1972. Having capsized she was partially dismantled
and her remains buried under the reclaimed land of
a new container terminal.
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‘Clan Matheson’, 1919
The ‘Clan Matheson’ was launched at
William Hamilton’s Port Glasgow yard on 18th.
February, 1919. Powered by a triple expansion
steam engine built by David Rowan & Co., she
was registered at 5,613 gross tons.
Owned by the Glasgow firm of Cayzer,
Irvine, operators of the Clan Line, she was 397 feet in length, with a beam of 34
feet and a speed of 11.5 knots.
The Clan Line of cargo liners ran scheduled services from Great
Britain to South and East Africa and to India and specialised in heavy lifts,
carrying most of the rolling stock and locomotives for the Indian railways.
During the second world war, in February, 1940, the ship was
requisitioned by the government, she was later bombed and set on fire by
Japanese aircraft while at Calcutta (Kolkata), India on 5th. December, 1943.
Repaired, she returned to Clan Line service after the war but in 1948
was sold, suffering several changes of name and ownership. In January, 1955,
renamed ‘Empire Claire’ , the ship was loaded with obsolete ammunition and
poison gas canisters; after leaving Stranraer on 27th. July, she was scuttled off
Rockall in the North Atlantic.
‘Lord Hinton’, 1986
The ‘Lord Hinton’ was constructed in
1986 by Govan Shipbuilders Ltd., on the
Clyde. She was named after Lord Hinton, a
pioneer of atomic energy and the first
Chairman of the now defunct Central
Electricity Generating Board.
Her role was to carry coal from the
Tyne Tees Coal Terminal to Kingsnorth
power station on the river Medway in Kent.
Following the collapse of British coalmining and the privatisation of power
generation, the ‘Lord Hinton’ and Kingsnorth itself were acquired by the
generating giant E.ON in 2004.
For about a decade, the huge collier carried cargo from coal
exchanges in Europe to ensure that regular just-in time deliveries enabled
Kingsnorth to supply the National Grid, representing the end of a tradition of
coal supply by sea that dates back to the 17th. Century.
After years of loyal service to E.ON and to the UK flag, the ‘Lord
Hinton’ was retired from the coal trade and the British register in December,
2012. The vessel was sold for further trading in more temperate climes.
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Merchant Navy Day Memorial Service
Sunday, 8th. September
2013
Once again another
great turnout for this special
day with seafarers coming
from all over the country.
This year’s Guest of
Honour was The First Sea
Lord, Admiral Sir George
Zambellas KCB.DSC. ADC.
The Battle of the
Atlantic was especially remembered this year. Colin STEERE (47), our
President, laid a wreath on behalf of our Association.
The ‘Conway’ Club Dinner & Dance
12th. October, 2013
Well done to our
President and his wife Doreen for
travelling all the way to
Edinburgh to attend the annual
‘Conway’ Club Dinner and Dance
which was held this year at the
Marriot Hotel, Edinburgh. The
picture shows our President Colin
STEERE (47), Vivian Foster,
President of the Merchant Navy
Association and Christopher B.
Smith (left ‘Conway’ 1960),
President of the Conway Club ( equivalent to our Chairman in office for three
years starting 1st. January, 2013.)
The Chairman of the Merchant Navy Association is John SAIL (66).
The General Manager of the hotel is Peter Dornom, son of David
DORNOM (51), past Chairman of our SW Branch!
What a small world!
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Remembrance Sunday - Tower Hill MN Memorial
Sunday 10th. November, 2013
Thirty OWs’ and guests attended
at Tower Hill amid a brilliantly sunny day,
numbers were a little down on past years
owing to commitments for some of our
regular attendees.
The day started at the ‘Liberty
Bounds’ for coffee and then we walked
over to All Hallows church for our very
personal short service in the crypt by
Reverend Bertrand Olivier, where we remembered those who fell in the two
world wars and other conflicts.
Christopher FARNFIELD (61), past Chairman laid our two wreaths
by our two memorial plaques in the crypt.
After our service we strolled over to the sunken garden at Tower Hill
to join in the service at the MN Memorial which was well attended by a couple
of hundred people.
Colin STEERE (47), our President laid our wreath at the memorial on
behalf of our Association.
Our ensign back at full mast and National Anthem sung we made our
way back to All Hallows where some of us joined in their regular Sunday
Service.
At the end of the service there was refreshments for everyone where
we all mingled for a while with a glass of wine before being called to ‘The
Kitchen’ next to the church where we enjoyed our lovely Sunday lunch.
The favourite quote of the day was from - Dennis DIX (46) - about
his time in the Korean War - He came home aboard the Cruiser HMS ‘Belfast’
now moored close by in the Thames.
Thanks to Ben PEACE (60) and Alan DEVINE (55) for their help in
the church.
3rd. Monday in the Month at the ‘Liberty Bounds’ - Tower Hill
We must congratulate Roger SNAPE (48), on his long running regular
Reunion Meetings which are still popular, with Dennis DIX (46) and Mike
THOMAS (51) being the mainstay, but others members attend to join them
during the year. Today, 20th. January, 2014, David PRECIOUS (59) and
Trevor POLLITT (66) joined in for a pleasant afternoon.
Well done to all.
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Maritime Foundation - Service of Thanksgiving
A special Service of Thanksgiving took place at All Hallows by the
Tower, London on 10th. October, 2013 when, once again, we remembered
those who have lost their lives at sea and who have no known grave and whose
names are recorded in the Memorial Book. This is an annual service but with a
special significance this year as there was a re-dedication of a Memorial
Plaque to Force Z. Both Michael BRACE (56) and David PRECIOUS (59)
were present at the service.
By way of explanation, on 10th. December,1941 the battleship HMS
‘Prince of Wales’ and the battle cruiser HMS ‘Repulse’ were sunk by a
Japanese air attack off the Malay Peninsula. The two ships were part of Force
Z, under the command of Admiral Sir Tom Phillips. Sadly, 840 of the two
ships' crews died during or as a direct result of the attack, Admiral Phillips
being among them.
In 1946, the Phillips family arranged for a plaque to be installed in the
church of St. Mary's at Rhoslefain, North Wales where the family had their
roots but in 2011 the church was deconsecrated and it was decided to relocate
the plaque to the Mariners' Chapel within All Hallows by the Tower (well
known to Old Worcesters’ for the annual Remembrance Day service).
An appeal is now underway, by the Maritime Foundation, to
establish Memorial Books in other maritime centres in the UK and, to find out
more about the Lost at Sea Appeal, visit the website www.lostatsea.org.uk
LATE NEWS
A special Commemorative Dinner, organised by the Institute of
Directors, is being held in London on the 26th. February, in memory of the
Battle of The Atlantic. Old Worcester Tony DITCHAM (40) is one of the
Guests of Honour (see page 20 of this Dog Watch) and David PRECIOUS
(59) will be pleased to act as co-ordinator for any OWs’ who would like to
make up an OW table for this special evening.
This black-tie / uniform dinner will welcome guest speakers to share
their stories of the seafarers of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy who
ensured survival of this country.
The three course dinner with wine (ticket price £79) will be held in the
traditional surroundings of 116 Pall Mall with proceeds going to the ‘Lost At
Sea Appeal’.
Please contact David on 01403 864321 (e mail: david@thornden.co.uk)
for more information.
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The Arctic Medal
The Arctic Medal was awarded this year
after many years of wrangling between
governments, to all those who served on Royal
Navy or Merchant vessels in convoys to Russia
round the North Coast of Norway during the
Second World War.
The Association is aware of three OWs’
who have received The Arctic Medal and it is
likely that there are others who the Council does
not know about. The Association congratulates all
Old Worcester’s who have richly deserved this
award, sadly so long in coming.
These convoys were not only through
tempestuous and icy seas but subject to constant
attacks by the Germans.
R.J.V. PERRIN (39)
It was with the sure knowledge, that if your ship was sunk by weather or
enemy action, it was certain death for none could live in the icy waters.
Our President has written to each of the three recipients:
R.J (Jim) V. PERRIN (39)
Captain Angus H. BABER (40)
A (Tony) G.F. DITCHAM (40)
- Living in Sidmouth, Devon.
- Living in Exmouth, Devon.
- Living in Powys, Wales.
They all received their medals by post but Jim and Angus, with an Old
Pangbournian were invited to attend the
Trafalgar Day Service at Exeter Cathedral,
where they had to hand their medals back!
The service was organised by the
Exeter Flotilla, with a congregation of over a
1,000 including a Royal Marine Band, the
Dartmouth Admiral, Mayor and others. The
Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Sir Eric Dancer
KCVO. CBE. KstJ. JP. RNR presented them
with their medals during the service.
Captain A.H. BABER (40)
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The President has received
replies from all three OWs’ either by
telephone or letter and the one from
Tony DITCHAM (40) highlights the
sacrifices that Old Worcester’s made
during WWII.
Eight cadets of his term were
a ‘gang’. Of them four lost their lives
in the war: D.C. FORD (40) and B.P.
STEVENSON (40) in HMS ‘Hood’,
W.A.M. BAYLEY (40) in the Fleet Air Arm and was killed in action whilst
attached to HMS ‘Condor’, aged 19 years and H.M. ROSS (40) in a convoy
to Malta, his ship ‘Waimarama’ had a deck cargo of petrol which caught fire
when the ship sank. The sea too was alight.
With the Merchant Navy stamps issued in September by Royal Mail,
a miniature sheet of four first class stamps were also issued commemorating
Atlantic and Arctic Convoys, one of the stamps shows ice being cleared from
the deck of HMS ‘King George V’ on an Arctic Convoy. At the bottom of the
sheet is a quotation by Winston Churchill:
‘The
only
thing
that
ever
really frightened me
during the war was
the U-Boat peril’.
This
highlights the vital
part played by Old
Worcesters’ in the
Merchant Ships and
those
in
the
escorting Royal Navy
Ships in the Second
World War.
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COLIN STEERE’S - MEMORIES OF THE CORONATION FLEET
REVIEW AT SPITHEAD 15TH. JUNE, 1953
The first Naval Review
was in June 1495 when Henry VII
selected Portsmouth as a Royal
Dockyard.
There have been many
Royal Reviews since, mainly on
the Monarch’s Coronation and
anniversaries.
HMS ‘Finisterre’
At this review the Queen and Prince Philip and other members of the
Royal family onboard the frigate HMS ‘Surprise’, performing the duty of
Royal Yacht, reviewed the Fleet of our warships which were very large in
numbers and also warships from the Commonwealth and Foreign countries.
There were also 300 aircraft in the Review Fly past which included some from
the Commonwealth Navies.
There were also Merchant Vessels and Coastal Vessels in large
numbers in attendance.
Colin writes:
Having just come out of the Royal Navy for medical reasons, I did not
expect, when I wrote to Commander STEELE (1909) VC. RN. asking if I
could use his name as a referee, that it was the start of a momentous three
months in my life and the life of HMS ‘Worcester’ and that I would be back as
an Officer on a Royal Navy ship.
I trained and commanded the Guard of Honour for the Duke of
Edinburgh when he came to the ship to accept the ‘Cutty Sark’ for the Nation.
Then all the cadets went to Royal Naval ships for ten to twelve days for
the Coronation Fleet Review. Each of the six groups of cadets had an Officer in
charge of them. Four of the Officers were OWs’ and all served as an Officer on
HMS ‘Worcester’, another was the
current First Officer and the other a
Master of the ship for thirty-six years.
Commander Steele and the Master were
recalled to the Royal
Navy at the
beginning of World War II, re-joining the
ship at the end of hostilities.
HMS ‘ Jutland’
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HMS ‘ Start Bay’
The six officers were:
Commander
G.C.
STEELE VC. RN. Hon. Captain
RNR
(OW
09)
Captain
Superintendent 1929 -1957 when
he retired. During the war he was
on anti-submarine equipment
duties, known to all OWs’ if only
by name. He took 30 cadets to the
destroyer HMS ‘Finisterre’ at Portsmouth.
Lieutenant-Commander B.N. Knight RN, First Officer 1952-1954 left
to become Secretary of Battersea Dogs Home. He took 50 cadets to the
destroyer HMS ‘Jutland’ at Portsmouth.
Lieutenant J.H. MANN (OW 46), Officer 1955-1957, left to join the
Royal Nigerian Navy. He took 30 cadets to the frigate HMS ‘Melbreak’ at
Chatham.
Mr R.M. RICHARDSON (OW 19), Officer 1932-1951, left to
become Secretary of the Merchant Navy Training Board. He took 30 cadets to
the frigate HMS ‘Bicester’ at Chatham.
Commander W.H. Mullhall DSC. RD. RNR, Master 1929-1965,
when he retired. His war years were mainly as Commodore of Convoys. He
took 30 cadets to the frigate HMS ‘Contest’ at Portsmouth.
Sub-Lieutenant C.J. STEERE RN. (OW 47), Officer 1953, he left to
become a Chartered Accountant. He took 45 cadets to the frigate HMS ‘Start
Bay’ at Portsmouth.
Hammocks had to be taken to the ships and the cadets had been
practicing lashing them up with rope every morning. It was evident when they
were manhandled on and off trains that some of the younger cadets had not the
strength to lash them tight enough! We went to Waterloo by rush hour trains in
a number of parties. Loading hammocks delayed the trains at Greenhithe and
unloading them at Waterloo East. I can still remember an irate man leaning out
of a carriage window at Waterloo
complaining bitterly about the delay we
were causing.
HMS ‘Bicester’
22
The Chatham ships had to sail round to Portsmouth but the Portsmouth
ships did not spend much time at sea.
The cadets, as they did on the ‘Worcester’, climbed the mast, not
realising that they were breaching Royal Naval rules. It was necessary to ask
permission ‘to go aloft’. This was so that the Officer of the day knew and that
the radar fuses were withdrawn, so that no one was hit or electrocuted, luckily
there was no radar working.
When we boarded HMS ‘Start Bay’, the Commanding Officer,
Lieutenant-Commander T.C.BABB RD.RNR.(35) gave the cadets a
welcoming speech and the bit that took the wind out of my sails was that he did
not know what the current rules on the ‘Worcester’ were now about
smoking, but, providing the cadets conformed to the ship’s rules he did not
mind them smoking!
One day, HMS ‘Start Bay’s’ only motor boat broke down and
appeared to be out of action for the duration. Lieutenant-Commander Babb
asked if ‘Worcester’ cadets could run routine boat trips in a pulling whaler. This
was naturally agreed. After the first trip the coxswain asked, as it was a long
way to the jetty and the boat was fully equipped for sailing, could they do the
trip under sail. This too was agreed. This poses an interesting question. Was the
last ever routine boat trip under sail from a Royal Navy ship to the shore in
Portsmouth Harbour carried out by ‘Worcester’ cadets?
Before the ships moved out to the Solent, further down the line of
moored (head to stern) vessels was a destroyer, I believe HMS ‘Camperdown’,
with a similar number of ‘Conway’ cadets onboard. Commander Steele issued a
challenge for a boat race between the cadets in the two ships in five oared
whalers. The course being from the destroyer to HMS ‘Start Bay’. The
challenge was accepted. ‘Worcester’ led from the start and won comfortably
with enough time to toss oars and cheer the ‘Conway’ crew over the line.
HMS ‘Melbreak’
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HMS ‘Contest’
Whether Commander Steele and the rail authorities realised the
chaos to rush hour trains when over 150 cadets and hammocks went down to
Portsmouth or not, a special train was laid on taking us up to London Bridge
and down to Greenhithe without changing!
We then went back to normal summer routine with sports day and
prize day to the end of term.
This issue of the Dog Watch is
highlighting our members in
the Antipodes.
I was really pleased
to receive this photo of
Loriol WILLIAMSON (53)
(left) and Mike GUSTERTON
(53) taken onboard HMS
‘Contest’ at the Spithead
Review at Portsmouth 1953.
(editor)
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THE ASSOCIATION OF OLD WORCESTERS
QUEENSLAND
LORIOL WILLIAMSON (53) RELATES TO 30 YEARS AS
H0NORARY SECRETARY (QLD)
Association of Old Worcesters (QLD) Annual Lunch onboard ‘Worcester’
1989
The
Association
of
Old
Worcesters (Queensland) Annual
Lunch commenced in 1984 aboard
Tony PARSONS (37) ‘Worcester’
yacht registered in London,
coinciding with the Southport
Yacht Club ‘Blessing of the Fleet’.
The Sail Past awarded the prize for
smartest boat and crew, reason
Tony’s rig of the day Summer
Term whites. Loriol WILLIAMSON (53) was nominated Hon. Sec in 1984.
With failing health Tony reluctantly had to put ‘Worcester’ up for sale. The last
Sail Past of OWs’ honoured respect to Tony by presentation of a glass decanter
with ‘Worcester II’ engraved by the talented Bill HARMAN (27). The
occasion was reported in the Gold Coast Bulletin 30 th. August, 1989, see photo
above refers. The annual tradition then transferred shore side, with OWs’
taking turn to host at home, yacht club or restaurant.
Annual OW (QLD) Golf Challenge
The ‘Worcester’ challenge to win on the rugby field or rowing or elsewhere
still exists half a century later. Malcolm CRAMB (55)
and David GREENHALGH (54) first
met on the ‘Worcester’ and renewed
contact aboard Tony’s ‘Worcester’
remaining close colleagues since.
Both keen golfers initiated the
annual OW Golf Challenge in 1988, the
‘Worcester Dollar Trophy’.
Malcolm receiving the trophy in
1993 with David runner up.
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‘Worcester’ versus ‘Conway’ Centenary Rowing Race Brisbane
1990
L-R: Peter MARCHBANK(60),
David GREENHALGH(54), Mike
LEDINGHAM(59) Loriol
WILLIAMSON(53),
Malcolm CRAMB (55)
‘Worcester’ renewed the inaugural challenge 100 years after the first
race. The modern light shells and sliding seats are a far cry from the heavy
gigs and fixed thwarts, and the aged 50 plus rowers struggled to maintain
balance. With the same traditional will to win Malcolm CRAMB (55)
Coxswain Worcester Rowing Colours called increased stroke rate, and
‘Worcester’ pulled ahead and won. The following year, ‘Worcester’
maintained the same tradition and again won. In appreciation of the use of
facilities the winning crew presented their Worcester pennant to Brisbane
Boys College, which has been framed and displayed with other College
trophies.
Two OWs’ (QLD) Honoured - Marine Charts.
Captain H. CHESTERMAN MBE DSC* RNR
(33)
‘CHESTERMAN REEF’ gazetted 1999, in Lat.
22 03 S. Long. 152 25 E. Served Royal Navy
WW II. Distinguished himself on Atlantic
convoys and HMS ‘Zinnia’ when sunk by U Boat.
Served 20 years as Master - Barrier Reef
Lighthouse ships.
Captain P. DANN
(52)
‘PETER DANN BEACON’ gazetted in 1990,
Moreton Bay 2K west of Tangalooma. A
Director/Manager of Wiltrans Shipping (QLD),
Deputy Chairman Marine Board (QLD) and
Norwegian Consulate (QLD) Peter was awarded
a Norwegian Knighthood.
Runner up as Queen’s Gold Medallist 1952.
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CONWAY WORCESTER PANGBOURNE ASSOCIATION
QUEENSLAND, ANNUAL DINNER, UNITED SERVICE CLUB
1989
Our glimpses of the past photo shows:
L-R Back: Andy Gough (OC50), John Rendell (OC50), Geoff Lott (OC50), Michael
McNair (OC59), Pat KIRBY (OW46), Alan RUMBLE (OW45), John WILLIMENT
(OW53), Alan CARADINE (OW52), Michael LEDINGHAM (OW59), Loriol
WILLIAMSON (OW53), David Earnshaw (OC54), Front: John Ellis (OC54), George
Holmes (OC55), Jim Quinn (OC59), Miles Ballam (OC66), Keith PEGGRAM (OW 51),
Tony PARSONS (OW37), Harold CHESTERMAN (OW33),Phil Gibson (OC38), Tony
Asworth (OC56).
The History of CWP (QLD)
Records indicate the CWP (QLD) possibly hosted one Reunion in 1976
with the CWP (QLD) Association officially inaugurated at the Embassy Hotel,
Brisbane in 1983. Loriol WILLIAMSON (53), was nominated Hon. Sec. 1986,
promoting development and introduction of CWP ‘Happy Hour’ every 3rd.
month. By popular vote was improved to every 2nd. month, at MJ’s restaurant.
The Annual Dinner continued at different locations, finally settling for the
United Service Club. The annual joint Ship association together with partners
continues popular. Brisbane hosted the Inaugural CWP Biennial Australasian
Reunion in 2002. Also the CWP Reunion Brisbane 2013 including invitation to
Warsash, ‘General Botha’ OBA and ‘Mercury’. Unfortunately, recently overall
numbers have reduced with some sadly crossing the bar. In future the joint Ship
CWP Association and fellowship with Warsash, GBOBA, ‘Mercury’ may
influence ‘Worcester’ (AUS) survival in the long term.
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ASSOCIATION OF OLD WORCESTERS (QLD) ANNUAL LUNCH
5th. SEPTEMBER, 2013
Cruises Restaurant, ‘Port Side Cruise Terminal’, Hamilton, Brisbane
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L-R Back: Chris LANGFORD (62), Keith PEGGRAM (51), Peter MARCHBANK
(60), Matthew CARRELL (50), Mike BARTLETT (57), Alan CARADINE (52),Front:
Loriol WILLIAMSON (53), Peter WOODHEAD (60), Giles MARTIN (62), together
with partners.
We recently enjoyed a return to the old Hamilton Wharfs, where
many of us berthed, and frequented the Breakfast Creek and Hamilton hotels.
The Butter Berth, Bretts Wharf has been demolished and replaced with the
new Port Side Cruise Terminal, restaurants, shops and high rise units. The
BWWD Container Terminal once managed by Keith PEGGRAM (51), also
the PAD Line Ro/Ro Maritime Berth has been demolished and awaiting
development. The old P&O Bulk Sand/ Grain sheds remain solitary relics of
the past. We enjoyed swinging the lamp over a glass or two, midst the old and
new environmentally friendly dockside.
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New Posts AOW Australia
With the support of the President, Chairman and Council AOW UK,
two new Posts have been implemented to promote the Association of Old
Worcesters (Australia) to ensure the development and survival in the long term.
The two posts are:
Richard POCOCK (58) ‘President Association Old Worcesters (Australia)’.
Loriol WILLIAMSON (53) ‘Hon. Sec. Association of Old Worcesters
(Australia)’.
********************
Taken from the Summer 1953 Dog Watch.
On the 2nd. July, 1953,
voting for The Queen’s Gold
Medal took place with Mr. M.C.
Houlder,
Acting
Chairman,
presiding
again
over
the
proceedings. Votes ran close,
which brought excitement. Cadet
Captain C.H.P. BROWN (53)
had the honour of winning the
Gold Medal; Senior Cadet
Captain L.G. WILLIAMSON
(53) gained second place, and
won the gold watch presented by
P&O. Mr. Houlder made a
speech in which he told the
cadets to uphold the ‘Worcester’
traditions. Captain STEELE
(1909) replied in a vote of thanks.
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Lord Leathers presenting Loriol with his Gold Watch.
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The inscription on the back of the watch is shown below.
HMS WORCESTER
PORT OF LONDON PRIZE
Presented by
P. & O. S. N. Co
TO CADET
LORIOL GLEGG WILLIAMSON
the cadet who was
second in the
competition for
HER MAJESTY'S GOLD MEDAL
MID-SUMMER 1953
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NB: the Prize Day presentation photo Gold Watch identifies my white
lapel sashes signifying accepted Midshipman RNR by the Admiralty
Board of Interview - Loriol.
***********************************
Editor’s Note:
* Re the ‘Cutty Sark’ , 1870, stamp on Page 14, our President
wrote to the British Philatelic Bulletin (Royal Mail’s Monthly Magazine)
pointing out that the ‘Cutty Sark’ was presented to the Nation in 1953
by the Thames Nautical Training College, HMS ‘Worcester’ - this letter
was published in the Bulletin in October last year.
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The current membership of The Association, as of 1st. January, 2014
stands at 954 (989) with a further 335 (335) members for whom we hold no
current address details.
MISSING MEMBERS
We are concerned about the increasing number of returned Dog
Watches which is not only an unnecessary expense for the Association but a worry as regards the whereabouts of OWs’ - please
see page three.
Please advise our Honorary Secretary of any change of address.
***********************
Our Own Garden Party
We were pleased to receive this picture below which was taken at
Peter Gildea-Evans garden, who taught Geography on the ship in the sixties.
Brian CUSHING (65), Roger BOATMAN (64), aka ‘Dandy’ Lt. Peter GildeaEvans, John DANIELS (65) and Bill BODDINGTON (66)
The above visit Peter regularly.
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Charles FAWCETT ( 1959)
We thank Charles for his update of a happy retirement and news of
Greg Spencer - and many thanks for his obituary of Ron HOWE.
In 1984, Charles was transferred, with his family, from Auckland to
New York for a two-year posting with a major shipping line. Thirty years
later, he is still in the U.S.
having also lived in San
Francisco for seven years, and
now in Seattle for the past
fourteen years. His wife,
Wendy, said that it always
seemed that they would just
finish renovating their house and
then would be transferred yet
again! However after a lifetime
in the shipping industry, Charles
is now retired without any fears
of being moved again.
A lifelong yachtsman, he has taught sailing for the last ten years as a
volunteer at Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats.
Charles FAWCETT (59) (right) together with Greg SPENCER (59) cruising
aboard ‘Avalon’ in Croatia June, 2013.
Charles no longer races sailing dinghies but still sails each year in the
Med. aboard a Bavaria 44’ belonging to a boyhood friend. Currently, the yacht
is based just outside Split and they think that this year they will cruise south to
Dubrovnik and Montenegro and maybe even back to Greece.
He is also a USCG licensed skipper on a couple of local historic
schooners which take out passengers on Lake Washington and the Puget
Sound.
Charles is a keen artist using water-based oils as his medium. His
favourite themes, not surprisingly, center around maritime subjects. He is a
member of the American Society of Marine Artists and secretary of the Puget
Sound Group of Northwest Artists. Some of his work has been published and
his paintings can also be seen at local galleries and juried shows throughout
the West Coast.
His website is www.charlesnfawcett.com He would like to compare
notes with other OWs’ who set paintbrush to canvas!
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D. Robson *
1947 - 49
B.B. Hobbs
1955 - 57
J.D. Cleaver
1944 - 46
S.L.H. Lewis *
1953 - 56
A.C. Gilder *
1951 - 52
J. Hutchinson
1949 - 50
B.R. Martin
1941 - 43
S. Hibbert
1966 - 69
J.A. Lee *
1949 - 51
E.H. Farrow
1952 - 53
I.C. MacKinnon
1945 - 47
M.C. Calder *
1948 - 50
A.W. Hogg
1941 - 42
I.J. Stewart
1949 - 50
R. Howe (Lecturer)
1958 - 64
G.D. Shearn *
1952 - 54
J.L. Coutts-Milne *
1945 - 47
Y.S. Wah *
1959 - 61
News of the ‘Crossing of the Bar’ of the Old Worcesters’ shown in
the above table has been received since our last issue. We mourn, with
sadness and with those they have left behind; may they rest in peace.
As will be noted our obituaries which follow vary from those
which cover a lot of ground to those with much less.
Members’ assistance in ensuring that we have as comprehensive
coverage of all of those who ‘cross the bar’, would be very much
appreciated.
* = denotes a full obituary if possible, will be in the next issue
***********************
Commander Tom Whinyates R.D. RNR (1929 - 31)
Tom WHINYATES, was born in Falmouth on
19th. January, 1915 and joined the ship in the Lent term
1929 from Dunheved College, Launceston. He left in
the Lent term 1931, with the distinction of having won
the King’s Gold Medal, to join P&O.
At the outbreak of war in 1939 he transferred to
the Royal Navy and spent the next two years based in
Gibraltar on the armed motor yacht ‘Sayonara’
involved in boarding and searching suspicious
merchant vessels. For this work he was mentioned in
dispatches.
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In 1941 Tom returned to the U.K. and married Joan and for the next
two years was based on Whale Island, Portsmouth as a gunnery instructor.
After this tour he was assigned to Arctic convoy duty on the destroyers HMS
‘Zephyr’ and HMS ‘Myngs’, escorting merchant vessels to and from Russia.
He entered Copenhagen on VE day and headed the victory parade in
Wilhelmshaven. His final Royal Navy duty was in Singapore where the flotilla
reclaimed the dockyards from the Japanese.
After his demob, in 1946 Tom returned to P&O and remained with
them until he swallowed the anchor in 1960, having risen to command with
P&O and attained the rank of Commander in the RNR. He then joined John
Lewis in Oxford Street, remaining with them until 1970 when he joined the
family firm of Sherry & Haycock as retail sales director until retirement in
1980.
He was still active until ‘crossing the bar’ on 29th. January, 2013 at
the age of ninety-eight, as the second OW Senior Hand.
Stephen Hibbert (1966 - 68)
Stephen HIBBERT, was born on 11th. May, 1952 in Trowbridge and
joined the ship in the Lent term 1966 from the Lutterell County Secondary
School, Nottingham. He left in the Summer term 1968, when the ship closed,
to complete his training ashore at the Merchant
Navy College, Greenhithe, which he left in the
Summer term 1969 to join Shell Tankers. He then
joined Coe Metcalfe Shipping Company.
After leaving the sea he moved to
Philadelphia, U.S.A. to work for Caleb Brett and
then to California where he was employed by
Westport Petroleum as West Coast Operations
Manager.
Stephen died in the USA on 1st. June,
2013 after a two year battle with biliary cancer
only three weeks after celebrating his 61st. birthday. The Association offers its
condolences to his wife Sandra, his children Simon and Sophie, granddaughter Olivia and parents Frank and Rosalie.
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Reverend Ian James Stewart BA BD (1949 - 1950)
Ian was born in London on 9th. July,
1933 and joined the ship in the Lent term
1949 from the Beckenham and Penge County
Grammar School. He left in the Michaelmas
term 1950 to join Brocklebank. After
completing his apprenticeship he sailed with
Cunard and United Baltic and whilst in the
USA met June his wife to be.
They married in 1957 and lived in
Beckenham, where he had been brought up.
In 1960 he obtained his Masters ticket and
shortly thereafter ‘swallowed the anchor’ and
joined the family bakery business for three
years. In 1963 he and his family moved to the USA and he pursued his calling
to enter the church. He was ordained in 1968 and served in several churches in
the USA and UK. He was also an Associate Chaplain/Ships Visitor with the
Boston Seaman’s Friend Society before retiring in 1998.
He remained active after retirement as a volunteer pastoral visitor at a
local hospital and he and June enjoyed visiting Europe annually. Ian also
enjoyed playing the fiddle with various Orchestras.
Ian, whilst not enjoying the best of health, will be remembered as one
of the three ministers officiating at the Portsmouth Cathedral Service during the
2012 Reunion, and his reading of the seafarers version of the Psalm 23 (see
page 26 in September 2012 issue) deeply affected us all.
The Lord is my Pilot, I have all that I need.
He takes me to be in open waters, he sails with me through calm seas.
He restores my confidence, he plots my course according to his plan.
Even though I sail through the eye of a hurricane I will fear no disaster, for you
are with me. Your sextant readings and compass bearings reassure me.
You lay out the chart table in the midst of the storm, you give me my
responsibilities. I lack nothing.
Surely a steady course and a safe voyage will accompany me all the days of my
life.
And I will finally moor in the safe harbour of the Lord forever.
Ian ‘crossed the bar’ on 8th August, 2013 aged eighty after a two year
battle with a carcinoid tumour, in Scarborough Maine USA, surrounded by his
family. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, June and his three sons, a
brother and sister, six grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephew.
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Captain John Donald Cleaver QSM (1944 - 46)
John CLEAVER was born on 17th. April, 1928 in Walmer, Kent and
joined the ship in the Summer term 1944 from Barnstable Grammar School.
He left in the Lent term 1946 to join the British India Steam Navigation
Company and his first trip lasted for over three years, transferring to various
other Company ships abroad. He was to remain at sea
for forty-four years. The last twenty-five were spent
with the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand.
He married Gwenyth in 1953 and they
emigrated to New Zealand, living in Christchurch and
in 1956 moved to Lyttleton where he spent the rest of
his life.
He was deeply affected by the loss of the
‘Wahine’ in 1968 on which, but for a last minute switch of shifts, he would
have been in command when she foundered on Barrett Reef and capsized at
the mouth of Wellington Harbour in an exceptional storm, with the deaths of
fifty-three souls.
John came ashore in 1990 and dedicated the
remainder of his life to serving his local community
for which he was awarded the Queen’s Service
Medal. He passed away on 10th. July, 2013 aged
eighty-five. The ship was represented at the funeral
by Old Worcesters Robin KEER-KEER (55) and
Chris BAUGH (58).
Basil Betram Hobbs (1955 - 57)
Basil Betram HOBBS, was born on 7th. September, 1939. He joined
the ship from the Northwood School of Coaching in the Lent term 1955 and
left in the Lent term 1957 to join Shaw Savill and later The New Zealand
Shipping Co. When he swallowed the anchor he joined Wimpey’s and became
involved in drilling, boring and harbour construction, working in Australia
and later on contract in Bahrain. He was also a trained Deep Sea Diver.
He later returned to the UK and joined his brother-in-law in an
industrial removal venture. It was a success but a few years after the failure of
his first marriage he remarried and sought to realise an ambition of owning and
living on a yacht, which he did for five years, making regular trips to the
Mediterranean.
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Deciding to put down roots he sought to
realise another ambition and bought a farm in
Mojacar Spain, where he built a villa, whilst living
in a caravan and grew citrus fruits and olives for
the last twelve years of his life.
Bas visited the UK in 2012 for the
Portsmouth Reunion and to attend his
grand-daughter’s 18th. birthday celebration, after
which, on his return to Spain, he felt unwell. He
was diagnosed with lymphoma and ‘crossed the
bar’ on 22nd. July, 2013.
Captain John Hutchinson (1949 - 50)
John HUTCHINSON, was born in Romford, Essex on 27th. June,
1934 and joined the ship in the Lent term 1949. He left in the Michaelmas term
1950 to join BP tankers where he rose to Master commanding VLCCs.
He married Mary in 1977 and deciding to come ashore, took an office
job,still with BP, working at Britannic House, London where he was
responsible for Fleet safety.
After taking early retirement John led a full and varied life. He
undertook voluntary work for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, was a School
Governor and Justice of the Peace at Bournemouth Magistrates Court. He was
also a keen sportsman and excelled at tennis. In later life he took up lawn bowls
at which he also excelled. He was Club Secretary and also coached new
players.
Sadly, after a short battle with
cancer, John crossed the bar on 7th.
August, 2013 at the age of seventy-nine.
John was the elder brother of
Captain Peter Mitchell HUTCHINSON
(53).
Our condolences are expressed to
John’s widow Mary and to brother Peter.
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Bernard Reginald Martin (1941 - 43)
Bernard Reginald MARTIN, was born in
Swindon, Wiltshire on 22nd. March, 1926. In 1939 at
the age of thirteen he joined the T.S. ‘Mercury’ but
left after one term and joined ‘Worcester’ in the
Summer term 1941 from Sandford St. Boys School.
He left in the Lent term 1943 to join Prince Line on
his seventeenth birthday.
In 1946 he married Valerie and in 1948
decided to leave the sea when their daughter was born.
He joined Silvertown Lubricants which led him to
Gulf Oil as a Management Trainee and in 1950 his
career took off in marine sales. He rose to senior management and travelled
extensively.
Ben officially retired in 1979 but continued working as a consultant
and adviser to Gulf Oil until 1986. He passed away on 25th. September, 2013
aged eighty-seven.
His family was represented by his sister Barbara to whom we pass on
our condolences, the ship was represented at the funeral in Exeter by David
GLENNIE (60), David DORNOM (51), Peter FURNEAUX (61) and Peter
FREAN (56).
Ian Christie MacKinnon (1945 - 47)
Ian Christie MacKINNON, was born in Elgin, Scotland on 14th.
August, 1930 where his father was an Electrical Engineer. He joined the ship
in the Summer term 1945 from The Elgin Academy and left in the Lent term
1947 to serve his apprenticeship with Donaldson Line and after passing 2nd.
Mates joined Alfred Holt where he remained for six years. In 1956 he joined
the Manchester Ship Canal Pilots as a Helmsman, progressing to pilot and
remaining in that capacity until his retirement in 1990
during which time he was the Manchester Liners
preferred pilot.
In retirement he chose to ignore things
nautical and spend as much time as possible on the
golf course.
Ian suffered a heart attack and ‘crossed the
bar’ on 26th. October, 2013 aged eighty-three. He is
survived by his wife Aileen and daughters Eileen,
Alison and Rhona as well as numerous grandchildren. At the funeral the ship was represented by
Alan CRUIKSHANK (47).
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Edward Howard Farrow (1952 - 53)
Edward Howard FARROW was born in
Hendon, Middlesex on 28th. January, 1936 and
joined the ship in the Lent term 1952 from
Canford School Dorset. He left in the Michaelmas
term 1953 to join P&O. He married Barbara in
1958 and after starting a family left the sea in
1960 and became a florist. By 1974 his marriage
was foundering and he returned to sea with Buries
Markes obtaining his Masters Ticket in 1978.
He returned to P&O in 1979 when they
started a Jetfoil service from St. Katherine’s Dock
London to Ostend. The venture only lasted one
season before the craft was sold to Far East
Hydrofoils, Hong Kong. Ted took up an offer to join the new owners and moved
to Hong Kong where they operated successfully, running a service between
Hong Kong and Macao.
Ted remained in Hong Kong and from 1983 until 1987 was General
Secretary of the MN Officers Guild before moving into marine surveying and
consultancy as Marine Director, before starting his own Company Scorpio
working in the same field which he pursued until retirement. In 1994 he married
Juliet.
When his health deteriorated his daughter persuaded him to return to
the UK which he did in 2009. Ted passed away on 13th. October, 2013 aged
seventy-seven. He is survived by his wife Juliet and daughters from his first
marriage Jane and Susie.
**********************
Many thanks to Charles FAWCETT (59) for sending us Ron’s obituary - he
will be well remembered to those onboard the ship during his time.
Ron HOWE (Teacher), who taught at the ‘Worcester’ between 1958
and 1964 died recently of cancer after a short illness. He was 83. Known as the
gentle giant he was born in Bradford on the 17th. February, 1930 where his
parents ran a grocery shop. Determined not to enter that profession he joined the
training ship HMS ‘Conway’ followed by Gordonstoun.
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He served his apprenticeship with
Bibby Line and various other companies
and he gained his Extra Master’s in July
1956 and while studying met his future wife
Jackie, she worked at one nautical school
there while he studied at the other.
Having obtained his Extra’s he
applied for two jobs ashore. Red tape being
what it is he didn’t get the results until he
was well and truly back at sea. This was
lucky because if he had taken one of them
based in Hong Kong he would have
drowned with the rest of the crew when their
ship was lost off the Seychelles.
He and Jackie got married in 1958 and came south to live in
Gravesend and to teach nautical subjects aboard the ‘Worcester’ and in 1964
they bought a bungalow and 14 acres of land near Maidstone and he
became a maths lecturer at Maidstone College .
Ron retired from teaching full time in 1989 but continued to teach
adult classes part time and they planted a seven acre field of varieties of
daffodils as a retirement job.
I found Ron to be a very inspiring teacher, he blended practical
knowledge with theory in a way that kept us all interested.
My wife and I have kept in touch with the Howe’s throughout the
years and last year had lunch with them whilst in the UK for the OW Reunion.
Dr Arthur Welton Hogg (1941 - 1942)
Arthur Welton HOGG was born in Dunedin, New Zealand on 5th.
December, 1924 and attended the Scots College in Wellington. Having gained
a scholarship with the New Zealand Shipping Co. he left New Zealand to join
‘Worcester’ in 1940 on the m.v.‘Rotarua’ which had the misfortune of being
torpedoed in the Atlantic. Arthur spent a week in a lifeboat before being picked
up off the coast of Scotland. He finally joined ‘Worcester’ in the Lent term
1941 and left in the Michaelmas term 1942 to join N.Z.S. Co. with whom he
remained for the duration of the war.
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After the war he returned to Dunedin and attended the Otago University
to study medicine and graduated in 1951 with an MB ChB (Bachelor of
Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). In 1953, after completing his medical
residency in Wellington Hospital, he married Barbara and worked as a GP in
Okata, NZ before moving back to the UK in 1959 where he worked as a Medical
Consultant for eight years and whilst there completed a post graduate MRCP
(Member of the Royal College of Physicians) with Edinburgh membership.
In 1968 Arthur moved to Melbourne where he spent two years at the
Alfred Hospital before returning to New Zealand in 1970 to take a position as
Senior Gerontologist at the Waikato Hospital, Hamilton where he remained until
retirement in 1989.
After an active retirement Arthur ‘crossed the bar’ in his own home in
Oakura on 24th. August, 2013 at the age of eighty-eight from leukaemia.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, four children and older sister
Peggy.
Contributions to Obituaries
In compiling an obituary for the ‘Dog Watch‘, it can be of great help to
the Editor to make contact as early as possible with anyone who can provide
suitable material. The text of a funeral address would obviously be of great
value, but OW contemporaries and friends of the deceased from seafaring days,
may be able to provide career highlights and anecdotes or other details likely to
be of particular interest to our Dog Watch readers.
As soon as the Honorary Secretary is informed that an Old Worcester
has died, he posts it on the Worcester web-site in the Obituaries section of the
Forum. This may be the first intimation of the death for OWs’ who may have
had links with the deceased in the past but are no longer in regular touch.
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the obituary of an Old Worcester
who has recently passed away, or can suggest other potential sources, is asked to
contact Roger BOATMAN (64), Editor (Obituaries)
Email: boatman83@talktalk.net.
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R.J.K. Baldwin, 70, Carlton Hill, Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8HR
Email Bob: robertjk_baldwin@ Tiscali.co.uk
Cost
£
Inland Europe
£
£
ROW
£
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1227 374236
OW. Ties (Colours)
10.00
1.75
2.75
3.75
OW. Ties (Striped)
10.00
1.75
2.75
3.75
OW. Ties (Crown and ‘W’ logo)
11.50
1.75
2.75
3.75
OW. Cravats
14.00
2.00
2.75
3.75
OW. Blazer badges
12.00
1.50
2.25
3.00
Tie Clips with ‘Worcester’ crest.
3.50
1.25
2.00
2.50
Cuff Links with ‘Worcester’ crest.
8.00
1.25
2.00
2.75
Webbing Belts, with ‘Worcester’ crested buckle. (Size 44”)
15.00
2.75
3.75
4.75
Lifeboats of Brightstone Bay
1.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
‘For Valour’ - The V.C.s of ‘Conway’ & ‘Worcester’
1.00
0.75
2.00
3.00
Members Address List (Printed Copy)
5.00
3.50
4.50
6.50
Members Address List. (PDF Format, sent by email)
5.00
nil
nil
nil
Print of HMS ‘Worcester’ - by W.M. Birchall
1.00
1.50
2.00
3.00
‘Worcester’ - Eagle Comic, coloured side elevation
5.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
Copy of a Lithograph by K. Martin - ’Ingress Abbey’
0.50
1.50
2.00
3.00
HMS ‘Worcester’ - Wall Shields (standard or personalised logos)
45.00
4.50
5.00
8.00
HMS ‘Worcester’ - Notelets (Packet of 10)
3.00
1.75
2.75
3.75
HMS ‘Worcester’ - a Photographic History - edited by B.M.S.
Beale OW
15.00
4.00
7.00
10.50
Harold Wylie Coloured Prints (Large) 545 x 325mm
20.00
4.50
6.50
10.50
Harold Wylie Coloured Prints (Small) 400 x 225mm
12.50
4.00
5.00
8.00
OW Scarf in Pure Wool - 65”x 9”
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OWYC Slop Chest - from: A.J. Devine, ‘Knightly Lodge’, Fawsley, Daventry, Northants. NN11 3BA
Email: Alan Devine - ajdandca@sky.com
Item
Cost £
Inland £
Europe £
Yachting Caps - OWYC Logo
14.00
2.00
4.00
Yachting Caps - OWYC Logo & Braided Peak
16.00
2.00
4.00
Worcester Ensigns - 48” x 24” - Bunting
70.00
2.00
4.00
Worcester Ensigns - 36” x 18” - Bunting
60.00
2.00
4.00
OWYC Burgees - 24” - Bunting
35.00
2.00
4.00
OWYC Burgees - 18” - Bunting
30.00
2.00
4.00
OWYC Towelling Scarf
10.00
2.00
4.00
HMS ‘Worcester’ - Wall Shield - Standard Logo
35.00
2.00
4.00
HMS ‘Worcester’ - Wall Shield - Personalised Logo
35.00
2.00
4.00
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Other items still available:
Photographic History of HMS ‘Worcester’ - 150th. Anniversary Edition.
£20 - p&p: UK-£7.00 - EU- £11.00 - ROW- £19.00.
2012 Memorabilia items still available:
Polo Shirts (L), (XL), (XXL) - £12.00 each - p&p: UK £4, EU £6, ROW £9
Baseball Caps - £9.00 each - p&p: as above.
Table Flags - £10.00 each - p&p: as above.
Porcelain China Mugs - £5.00 each - p&p: UK £4, EU £9, ROW £12.
Special price for 6 Mugs including p&p in UK only £40.
Coasters - £3.00 each - p&p on application - depending on quantity ordered.
Placemats - £8.00 each - p&p as above.
One Time Special Offer on 6 Placemats & 6 Coasters - £60.00 plus £10.00
p&p in the UK only.
Also available - 8 Placemats & 8 Coasters - £75.00 plus £12.00 p&p in the
UK only.
Bob BALDWIN (58) and his
wife Pat who tirelessly runs
our Slop Chest at all of our
functions - well done.
Alan DEVINE (55), who also tirelessly looks
after our OWYC Slop Chest at our functions.
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The Association is always pleased to hear from members (or their families)
and our main points of contact are shown below.
HON.SEC
DAVID GLENNIE
25 WOOLBROOK RISE
SIDMOUTH
DEVON
EX10 9UD
TEL: 01395 578 722
E-mail: dave.glennie@btinternet.com
EDITOR
T.J. POLLITT
46 GOLDCREST CLOSE
THAMESMEAD
LONDON
SE28 8HZ
TEL: 07796 583 328
E-mail: trevor.pollitt@btinternet.com
Association of Old Worcesters Website:
(www.hms-worcester.co.uk)
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