|
Here are some e mails I have received giving information about HMS Royal Oak
or requesting further information. If you can help please e mail the
addresses provided.
If there are no e mail addresses, please e mail me and I will forward them on
Newest e mails will be added to the top of the page.
Please note I print the messages as I receive them so am not responsible for grammar and spelling!!
PLEASE NOTE: This is a very big / long page!
If you are looking for something or someone in particular, use your Browser's "Find" function.
In Safari, for example it is Command F. I'm not sure what it is in other Browsers.
Hello Peter 
Best wishes Martin Hooper (nephew of stoker Tom Osborne) |
Dear Peter Following the death of my parents, I found this amongst my father's belongings. It was my Granny's 'autograph' book full of poems and messages from friends and family. The photos attached are two of the pages. I've looked up the names and on the official HMS Royal Oak list of crew members (https://battleofjutlandcrewlists.miraheze.org/wiki/HMS_Royal_Oak_Crew_List), most of these names are on it and listed as musicians in the Royal Marine Band: Joseph Peter Basham When I look up the HMS Royal Oak website, where it lists those lost and the survivors, I don't see any of them. My Granny lived in Ross-shire in the Highlands, so I am wondering if HMS Royal Oak came into Invergordon in 1919 and perhaps, she met the band then. She also worked in Edinburgh in the early 1920's (unsure of when she moved there - could be late 1919) so maybe it was Leith. I thought somebody might recognise some of the signatures. The page with all the signatures is dated 24th August 1919 and the poem by Bert Cotton is dated 4th September 1919. Anyway, it would be lovely to see if there's anyone who recognises any of the names. With best wishes Anne Watmough PS. The signature Rita Macdonald was my Aunty and I'm not sure what the blue-pencilled signature says. |
Wilfred Edward Andrews My uncle was one of the dead on board HMS Royal Oak in 1939 , |
Underwater video and 3D scans
18/10/20 |
Aubrey Amor Hello Peter, My brother, Marine Aubrey Amor was aboard on that fateful day, but fortunately survived My brother, like so many other survivors, would never talk about his ordeal with the family. I therefore try to read up as much as I can and when I can about it. I am now 84 years old and so coming to the end of my life. Time is therefore critical to me. I so wish I had come across your site earlier. I will therefore study it assiduously. |
JOHN CARTER P/K 60886 LEADING STOKER 1900 to 1939 Attached are some photos of my Grandfather who died on the Royal Oak in 1939 at Scapa Flow. His Family was from Portsmouth and lived at Tipner Green, Stamshaw. His wife was Alice Carter, with Children Hetty, Peggy,Sheila,Doreen and my Father John Edward Carter.
The first photo only recently came to light as i was collecting family photos and is of him in the centre back row as a goalkeeper. My father was not interested in playing football but without knowing this I also liked to play in Goal in local Havant football. Mid 1960's.
The second photo is of him at a slightly younger age and he served in many ships after WW1
The whole of our Family and all the subsequent grandchildren and Great grandchildren are immensely proud of his sacrifice so we may enjoy a Better and Free way of life. Click on image to see a larger version in a new window
|
Remembering my father George Edward Myers, lost on HMS Royal Oak, on this VE day. He is on the right. If anyone recognises the friend with him, please let me (his son Roger Edward Myers) know. My email address is rogermyers@btinternet.com. |
I have just come across some details for my grandad's (Robert Dall) late brother who served on The Royal Oak but sadly was killed on The Hood. Regards Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
'HMS Royal Oak In WW1 With Reference To HMS Royal Oak In 1939' by Godfrey Dykes Good morning. As conscious as anybody can be that did not lose love ones in the sinking of the 'Mighty Oak', I am cognisant with the sheer sensitivity of the Royal Oak [08] site and the associated website inter alia. My wife and I visited Orkney some many many years ago to pay our respects to the vessel, and the all too many graves and monuments in the Hoy areas. I am ex navy [1953-1984] and now an octogenarian, I dabble in naval history as a hobbyist. I have written this Word file 'HMS Royal Oak In WW1 With Reference To HMS Royal Oak In 1939'. It is available to download and read at leisure. http://www.godfreydykes.info/HMS_ROYAL_OAK_IN_WW1_WITH_REFERENCE_TO_HMS%20ROYAL_OAK_IN_1939.html It remains an integral part of my naval website, which carries [some hidden] getting on for a 1000 separate stories, and in addition to this I have several other naval technical websites. One day perhaps and hopefully, the navy will build and commission a new Royal Oak and it can wear again the Battle honours won by previous Royal Oak's. Yours sincerely Godfrey DYKES |
William Arthur Waterfield We are wanting to share with you the attached pictures of Williams Arthur Waterfield. We are wondering if you could put these onto your page at www.hmsroyaloak.co.uk/memo. Kind Regards
Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Photo from 1932 or 1938? I have come across a small photo of 12 crew members of the Royal Oak. The note on the back of the photo mentions Sunday 31 July, but no year so this may have been either 1932 or 1938 as they were the only 2 years in the 1930s being a Sunday. Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Stuart R. Whitmore (RN D/JX 134177) I recently came across this cutting that my mother had kept. Her uncle, Stuart R. Whitmore (RN D/JX 134177), served on the Royal Oak as an Able Seaman prior to the war, and was a survivor of the sinking of the Courageous on Sept 17th 1939. He went on to serve on HMS Victorious for the rest of the war, I believe. I'm afraid that this all I know at the moment, but thought you may be interested, and perhaps had some more information, particularly where I might learn of dates etc for his service. I don't think that I am in a position to obtain his service records from the Navy. Regards Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Hello Peter Click on image to see a larger version in a new window
Posted 13/12/18 |
Dear Mr. Rowlands: My book, 'The Sea Takes No Prisoners: Stories from the Men & Ships of the Royal Navy in the Second World War' was released in September by Unicorn Press (UK). It includes a chapter on the R battleships of which Royal Oak was one. The book's contents primarily contains memoirs, anecdotes and stories from veterans of the RN from 1939 Ð 1945. The chapter includes a number of direct accounts about the loss of Royal Oak in Scapa. I hope that the members of your team and organization might find my book interesting. Attached is a document with links to my Amazon author sites and to my blog that is directly related to the book. Thank you, Ed Wong, Louisville, Kentucky, USA 1. Blog about book with excerpts, photos and announcements. Includes unpublished material. 2. Amazon.co.uk author site. 3. Facebook page with announcements and links: 4. Amazon.com author site (USA) |
Alexander Basil Mennie Hi peter my granddad last ship was the royal oak , in the First World War his name is Alexander basil mennie , I have no photo of him in uniform I know he has got medal but not sure which ones my auntie sold them , and did not tell the family Patricia Saunders |
George Albert Hamblin and Herbert John Hamblin Dear Peter My mother who is 90 remarked last week that it was the anniversary of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. The family of one of the casualties, George Albert Hamblin, lived near my mother in St Thomas's, Oxford. She understood from her mother that George Hamblin was one of an uncle and nephew who died on the ship; my mother couldn't recall the other sailor's name. George's http://www.oxfordhistory.org.uk/war/lists_only/st_thomas.html I saw another Hamblin - Herbert John - listed as a casualty. Using the *Ancestry* website he does appear to have been George Hamblin's uncle; the youngest half-brother of George's father, Thomas Henry. Herbert John was born at Chilton Foliat, a village near Hungerford, Berkshire. Hoping this information is of interest, my mother thought it should be passed on, before memories fade. Regards, Mark Hathaway |
ALBERRY, Jack, Stoker 1c, P/KX 83975, MPK I'm Dave Alberry, I am came across this name 'ALBERRY, Jack, Stoker 1c, P/KX 83975, MPK' and he died during the sinking of the Royal Oak, I'm led to believe as a Stoker Class 1. It turns out the memorial for him is in my town so I wondered if he had any relation to me as my grandad said the family had a massive divide at one point. It would be amazing if anyone knew of him or even better had any photos or 'Dits'. Anything would be great help. Many thanks Dave.alberry94@gmail.com |
Leading Seaman, William,Percy Adams, J86379 Hello, While researching my genealogy on Guernsey relatives I came across 5th Aug 2018 |
Dear Peter, ps. the attached photo is of him receiving the Ushakov medal for serving on the Arctic Convoys. |
William Royal I have only today found your great site . I was pleased to be able to download a certificate from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission , which obviously anyone interested can do too Thank you for your fine efforts Regards |
W (Bill) Hancox Click on image to see a larger version in a new window Please find attached a photo that has just come into my possession from my father's youngest brother. It may be of interest to families of the other 4 sailors. It shows my dad W (Bill) Hancox with 4 other sailors on board the Royal Oak. He only joined the ship in the previous June. Dad is the one at the back without a cap. He survived the sinking, having run through blast screens which were on fire which blinded him and then was picked up by Daisy ll and filled up with whisky. He had cordite burns to his face and head. He spent time on a naval hospital ship and insisted that a nurse showed him the way out. Luckily the blindness was only temporary and he went on to serve to the end He rejoined as a reserve in '46 until '53 and served as training officer in the Outer Hebrides during the Korean war. Regards Gill Haynes |
Reginald George Birch (HMS Royal Oak Survivor)
Very pleased to have recently received the Arctic Star from The Ministry of Defence U.K for my father's service in the Russian Convoys later in the War. (HMS Hebe) Not bad for a chap who wasn't a very good swimmer. Malcolm Birch 3rd Sept 2017 |
Mac Williams My uncle Mac Williams, torpedoman, was a Royal Oak survivor. He was on survivors leave when i remember him carrying me, aged 2-3, from 1 Bristol Street to 21 Bristol St, Brighton during an air raid in 1942 (?). He stayed with us when attending reunions in Portsmouth. George Mason
|
Dear Sir, Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Arthur Gibbs My grandfather, Arthur Gibbs was a survivor of the catastrophe. My mother recently passed me some of his old letters and one described to his wife how he'd escaped from the ship that night. This inspired me to create a series of images using some of the words from his letter. I thought you might be interested in seeing them http://fitzgibbonphotography.com/sinking-royal-oak/ Kind regards,
|
Dear Peter, Last year I was researching the names on the Sandford and Holton Heath War Memorial Thank you so much for your help. Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Daisy 11 My name is Anita Whyte and i am researching my family history. This site is brilliant by the way, 4/12/16 Daisy 11 crew There was a lady on your website who was after the names of the crew of Daisy 2 on that night, I don,t know if anyone has contacted you but the photo,s and names were of the crew that night: John Gatt D.S.C was the skipper. John Stephen John Gardner Johnnie Duthie Alex Stephen Bobby Duthie. I hope this is of help Mick Fisher 17/1/17 Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
This is my Great Uncle Jack who served on the HMS Royal Oak. He died, aged 17/10/16 (Click on image for a larger version in a new window) |
Horace FORSEY 1921-1939 Dear Peter 11/10/16
|
Frank Bartholomew Hello Peter, my grandfather on my father's side of the family was a stoker 8/10/16 |
Model of H.M.S. Royal Oak, scale 1/350 Hello Peter, Agnes Ratter maggiemae67@live.com
|
I have been looking at the website and hope the attached photo and info. will be of interest to add to the collection.
Click on image to see a larger version in a new window |
Presentation casket to Lady Edith Edgcumbe nee Villiers
Click on images to see a larger version in a new window Further to Joanne Cairns message below, I visited Mount Edgcumbe House in Cornwall and saw the ornate carved casket presented to Lady Edith Edgcumbe with thanks for her help launching HMS Royal Oak at Devonport Dockyard. It is an oak presentation casket with the Edgcumbe boar on and intricate oak leaf carvings. Inside there is a painting of HMS Royal Oak passing Mount Edgcumbe by Ernest Harrington and a presentation Gavel and Chisel. The chisel is engraved HMS Royal Oak, 17th November 1914. Devonport Dockyard. Peter Rowlands
|
Hi Peter, Colin Gray colinjgray25@gmail.com |
William (Bill) Hughlock Sadly I have to report to you that my brother William (Bill) Hughlock a Royal Marine survivor from the sinking of HMS Royal Oak has recently passed away at the age of 95. Dave Hughlock |
Leonard Moses Hello Peter, I well remember that awful day 14 oct 1939, my sisters birthday, I lost my boyfriend ,Leonard Moses, ,I was 19 at the time and had never experienced so tragic an event. Leonard sent me a gold necklace which he had bought in scotland. for me, I received it two days after his death. I still have that necklace, still wrapped up in its brown paper,still with the postage stamp. Joan Hardcastle, nee Webb. |
Hi Peter, Laura Buttigieg Click on images to see a larger version in a new window |
Order of service St Magnus Cathedral 14/10/1948
Click on images to see a larger version in a new window (Photos provided by James Pirie, Buckie, Scotland)
|
Joshua Lawrence Roberts
I have enclosed another photo, and these seem to have been taken whilst on HMS Durban, I think the chap on the right may be Stoker Eric Sylvester, whose family have provided you with many photographs Stephen Roberts (Click on the images to see a larger version in a new window) |
Joshua Lawrence Roberts
I have enclosed another photo, and these seem to have been taken whilst on HMS Durban, I think the chap on the right may be Stoker Eric Sylvester, whose family have provided you with many photographs Stephen Roberts (Click on the images to see a larger version in a new window) |
Joshua Lawrence Roberts
I have enclosed another photo, and these seem to have been taken whilst on HMS Durban, I think the chap on the right may be Stoker Eric Sylvester, whose family have provided you with many photographs Stephen Roberts (Click on the images to see a larger version in a new window) |
E. Wheeler I am wondering if anyone can help me with information about E. Wheeler who lost his life on the Royal Oak? I am helping a friend with their family tree and I strongly suspect he was one of their grandfather's brothers. Any help at all which would help me confirm that he was the man I'm looking for would be gratefully received. Many thanks Sue Coates
|
Picture of Royal Oak in Malta
I saw this picture of HMS Royal Oak on its way out of Malta's Grand Harbour on facebook and figured you might like to see it: You can see a larger version in a new window by following this link: I found your site because I was intrigued about the ship. I hadn't heard of it before. Regards, Frank Abela |
George William Dell (Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window) Mr Rowlands Just come across your website about the HMS Royal Oak. My Grandad 'George William Dell' served on the Royal Oak from 11th July 1916 to 20th May 1919 as a stoker. Just wondered if you would be interested in the attached photograph which is of him on board playing a mandolin which my Aunt (his daughter) said was presented to him by the ship's company, although how much of the ship's company that actually involved is obviously opened to issue. Apparently it was always referred to as his ship. She also recalled running home to tell him that his ship had been sunk but he had already heard the news on the radio, was very upset and could not at first accept that it had happened. I do have his Service Record and his Stoker's Manual with a few pages of hand written notes, basically on boilers and how they function. There are also about twenty names written on the last sheet. I found your website very interesting and fascinating. Cannot understand how I have not seen it before. Regards Graeme Dell |
HMS Royal Oak 75th Anniversary Hi Peter, Just back from Orkney, and what a wonderful place. Thought you might be interested in this, and the attached pictures. My Uncle was Ordinary Seaman Cuthbert Heslop and you don't have a picture of him on your site. I've also included his last letter home, that arrived the Monday after he was killed. Just a life changing experience. I was interviewed for this report, and I was so happy with the final results. http://forces.tv/28584787#wk94Rm3FMzKARVUP.03 Thanks (Click on the images to see a larger version in a new window)
|
Hi Peter I have written a poem about the Royal Oak as a tribute, I have no 14th of October 1939 The night stole them, torpedoes in the dark, Andy Scotson |
Signal Boy Maurice RYALL
Today being the 75th anniversary of the sinking of HMS ROYAL OAK I thought Yours sincerely Anthony Gomm
(Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window) |
Royal Oak survivors photo
I have been given the attached picture of a sailor posting a list of Royal Oak survivors outside of Portsmouth Naval Barracks after the loss of the Ship unfortunatly the names on the list is unreadble, But someone may recognize the sad lady and those looking at the list, I thought it may be of interest to those using this site. Thank you Bryan Wilkins. (Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window) |
Postcards Hi Pete found these postcards in some family papers, we have no connection with the Royal Oak as a family. Have seen your site and thought they may be of interest to you. Regards Trev. (Click on each image to see a larger version in a new window)
|
Royal Oak survivor C. P. Casey My father w p casey passed away 1991 was one of the survivors from that terrible tragedy .he always talked about her not all good I'm afraid ,he was a leading seaman then and served until 1958 when he retired as cpo 1st class master at arms at Pompey hms victory I brought to several reunions over the years but he stopped due the emotional strain it caused him but he still thought of his old shipmates |
1932 - 1934 Brian Sylvester, Eric's son, has sent us over 40 excellent images from his father's photo album. They have been given their own page at www.hmsroyaloak.co.uk/sylvester.html
|
 William (Bill) Hughlock
Hello Peter Once again I want to thank you for your continued updating of the HMS Royal Oak pages, I quite often visit the pages and I am always amazed at the hard work you have put into them over the years.
David Hughlock Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window |
 Frank Ede update
This is a pre Second World War scanned photograph of my great uncle Frank Ede (left side, standing) when he was a Stoker First Class. The Leading Stoker sitting in the middle is his brother William 'Fred' Frederick Ede. The man on the right is, I have reason to believe, Frank's brother Stoker Second Class Edward 'Ted' Charles Ede. The three good conduct pay chevrons on Fred's left arm indicate a service of nine or so years; I believe he joined the Royal Navy in 1919 or 1920. As far as I know a sailor was awarded a maximum of three chevrons. I now know that Fred married Miss J Reed on 14 July 1934, at St Paul's Church, Crawley. I'd wager that the photo was taken on his wedding day. I also know that Frank married Miss Ivy May Reed in 1939, at St Michael's Church, Camberley, Surrey. Kind Regards, SSgt Kris Rudd. krisrudd33@hotmail.co.uk Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window |
| Frank Ede
I am Kristofer Rudd, a Geordie lad from Blyth, Northumberland. I am a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Military Police serving in Hampshire, Great Britain. I have established that my great uncle Frank EDE, from my dad's side of the family, was a Leading Stoker serving in the Royal Navy during the opening act of World War 2. From the extensive research I have completed to date I can provide the following information: P/KX 81595 Leading Stoker Frank EDE was probably born in Farnborough, Hampshire, sometime in October 1913. His birth was registered at the district of Hartley Wintney that year. His parents were Mr Allen EDE (born 1870) and Mrs Maud EDE (NFDK). His older sister, my much loved and dearly departed grandmother Mrs Elsie May RUDD (nee EDE) was born in 1912. I don't know where or when Frank enlisted with the Royal Navy, but he was eventually drafted aboard the mighty, venerable HMS Royal Oak. He was a Leading Rate and I assume that he would have had many good ship mates among his fellow Stokers. Frank married Miss Ivy May REED in 1939 and I have reason to believe that they lived in Camberley, Surrey (beautiful area). I have found no records in historic birth registers to indicate that Frank and Ivy had any children. Frank was among the other Sailors, Ratings and Officers who were tragically killed aboard HMS Royal Oak on 14th of October 1939. He was listed Missing Presumed Killed and I have no doubt that he was in the Stoker's Mess when one of U47's torpedoes hit that area of the ship. He was 25 years old. I have written to the Director Naval Personnel in a bid to get a copy of Frank's personnel record. Does anyone on this site have any information, photographs or stories involving Frank? If so, I'd love to hear from you or anyone related to Frank's family. Keep up the excellent work. Kristofer Rudd krisrudd33@hotmail.co.uk |
|
Augustus George Stanley I have just found your Site and read it. I live in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and my Mom, who was Charlotte Elizabeth Stanley, and a sister to Augustus George Stanley who was on the ship at the time it was sunk and killed. Mom was in Witbank, South Africa at the time, working on contract as a nurse at the Witbank Hospital, she was notified via a telegram from her Mom ( the parents were James and Annie Stanley from Dunmanway, Cork. Ireland ) of Gus's death. This was long before my time of course. I have somewhere in her papers the actual telegram that Mom received about her brother's death, received from her Mom some days later, after the event. She often spoke about him. My Dad was from S A, and joined up when the War broke out, and his Regiment went up North, with most being taken at Tobruk. He was not. My Mom and Dad married in 1945, and I have a sister, Shannon. I have just applied and received my Irish Passport, and am going back to Ireland sometime soon to try and trace the farm that my Grand Parents lived on in or near Knockduff. I have made some contact with the Stanley family over there, and we are in the process of establishing if we are connected. Thank you for the Site. Gavin Flanagan. |
WH Harvey
Hello Peter Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window |
| John (Jack) Brown
We have just been looking at your page on the website for the Royal Oak. My husband suggested I contact you regarding your request for anyone with a contact to the Royal Oak. My husbands name is Richard Brown and his Dad, John (Jack) Brown was in the Royal Navy and served on the Royal Oak. Jack was on the ship when it was hit and sunk in October 1939 and was one of the survivors. Kind regards Jan and Richard Brown |
|
Robert Martin Dear Peter, I discovered your site whilst looking for a place to share my new-found information. I hope it is of some use to you as I find it extremely exciting and I am proud to have the memories of a member of my family. My father's cousin, Robert Martin, was a survivor of HMS Royal Oak. He was 18 years old and only 20 months into his very long Navy career when the tragedy struck. I have attached some newspaper cuttings, telegrams and postcard/photographs that I found whilst clearing out Bob's home. Sadly Bob passed away on 3 January this year. He was 91 years old and served in the Royal Navy until he was 63. He was a Lieutenant Commander at retiring age but continued in service at HMS Dryad as Lieutenant (Retired) until 31 August 1984. He married May but they never had any children of their own and they lived all their married life in the same bungalow in Waterlooville. It was whilst helping May's nephew and niece to collate all Bob's belongings that we came across a box of Navy books, which they passed on to me as I come from a long line of Sailors. They thought that my sons, 3 of whom are currently serving in the Royal Navy, would be interested in the books. My husband, father, uncle and grandfather were all in the Navy too. Inside one of the books I found a treasure trove in the form of newspaper clippings, photos and - the thing that really made me stop and get my breathe back - 2 telegrams telling of Bob's safety. One from the Admiralty and one from Bob himself. I don't know which newspapers the clippings come from, but I guess it was the local publication at the time - something else for me to research. I trawled the internet initially looking for somewhere to share my find. I am very proud of Bob's story and I can certainly understand how his family would have been worried - my own son was serving on HMS Triumph when it fired the first missile on Libya in 2011 and I was worried sick when I discovered where they were. I appreciate that you were appealing for details of the wreck of HMS Royal Oak, but hope that Bob's story is of interest to you and your readers. I have been a regular reader since finding the site. I hope you are able to use this information. Kind regards Trisha Peterson (Mrs) Click on photos for a larger version in a new window
|
| Screenwriter looking for deck plans of Royal Oak
Dear Peter, I am a screenwriter and I am writing a feature film script about the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. I have already completed an epic about the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Whilst writing that, I found that there were things I could not understand without a deck plan. I now have the same problem, only more so, with the Royal Oak. Do you know where I can beg buy or borrow a deck plan of the battleship? I will, of course, gladly reimburse any expenses. Many thanks for your consideration, Jonathan Webb |
| Bertie Johnson
A report in the Western Morning News dated 26th February 2013 stated: A veteran of one of the great Second World War tragedies has died in Plymouth. |
| Lieutenant Robert Harper Gokenn?
Click on photos for a larger version in a new window I have in my possession a photograph of Lieutenant Robert Harper, the last name is obscure (Gokenn?). It is undated and features him in uniform. I am very happy to send it to you. I would really like to know who he was and what happened to him. My father served in the Navy aboard HMS Belfast but that is another story! He was one of the early supporters of the Royal Oak being considered for a proper memorial. His name was Robert Fisher. Yours sincerely Hazel Macmillan |
New photo of Royal Oak
For some time my son Graham West has been telling me about a picture of HMS Royal Oak that he had seen in a pub that he had visited. He asked about this picture because it was one that he had not seen before. The landlord told him that it was brought in by someone who asked if they would like this print which was a limited edition as their pub was named the same. Graham has recently been back to the pub and tried to take a photo of it. Unfortunately, because he had to use a flash it has reflected some of the surroundings in the room. Hopefully there is enough to be able to perhaps recognise the original. Could you please put it on the website and see if anyone knows anything about this picture. We personally would be delighted to be able to get a copy of it if possible, there may be someone who knows where it originated from. It was apparently taken in 1938 the year I was born and from the stern of the preceeding ship. I don't know if you can clean the picture up to make it more recognisable or not. I would be glad to hear your comments about this. A very Happy New Year to you and all who are associated with this memorable ship. Yours sincerely, Sheila F. West (nee Benney) Daughter of Chief Petty Officer Charles Edward Benney late of HMS Royal Oak Hi Sheila I contacted Dave Jeffery who is the landlord of the Royal Oak pub in Hooksway, West Sussex. http://www.royaloakhooksway.co.uk He kindly sent me the attached photos. This is a photo I have never seen before so I thought visitors would be interested to see it and if there is anyone who can shed more light on it, I am sure we would all like to hear from you. Regarding the centre photo there is an inaccuracy in that Royal Oak was obviously sunk by U47 rather than U27. Peter Rowlands |
 I have an old post card of the Royal Oak which I have scanned and attached for you if interested. The date of the card is not known but looks as if it was not armed at this time but the overall shape looks as though it may be the same one. If it is of use to your site please display as you seem fit. Cheers Terry Lloyd Click on the image to see a larger version in a new window Terry - I think this is a drawing of the previous Royal Oak. She served in the Special Flying Squadron in 1896, Mediterranean Fleet (1897-1902), Home Fleet (1903-1905), Reserve Fleet (1905-1907), and the new Home Fleet (1907-1911), before decommissioning in 1912 and being scrapped in 1914 Peter Rowlands |
|
Did Lady Edith Edgcumbe nee Villiers launch Royal Oak? I just came across your website after trying to find out about HMS Royal Oak. I work at Mount Edgcumbe House and today the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe came to see us and brought with him an item he owns but that he would like to loan to us for display in the house. It is an oak presentation casket with the Edgcumbe boar on and intricate oak leaf carvings. Inside there is a painting of HMS Royal Oak passing Mount Edgcumbe by Ernest Harrington and a presentation Gavel and Chisel. The chisel is engraved HMS Royal Oak, 17th November 1914. Devonport Dockyard. The Earl thinks this was given to Lady Edith Edgcumbe nee Villiers, the 5th Countess of Mount Edgcumbe (there is an EV monogram on the lid) because she was chosen to launch HMS Royal Oak. I wonder if you could confirm this for us as I can't find any mention of it online. Joanne Cairns Acknowledgement to the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and Mount Edgcumbe House Hi Joanne I don't know the answer to this one but hopefully someone will know and write in Peter |
  |
| Grandfather Arthur D Ketcher
I have just read the article about the Memorial book ref Kenneth Toop has placed at St Michael's church in Basingstoke. I was able to visit it today. I sent a pray to the crew who died and survived. From |
 Harold Derry
Please find enclosed copy of an article that appeared in the Berwick Advertiser in memory of those that had fallen during WW2, i believe it appeared circa 1946. You have my permission to use it. Regards, Click on the image for larger version in a new window |
 Joseph Henry Miller
Dear Peter, I attach a photograph of my late mother's brother, Joseph Henry Miller. He is identified on your roll call of those lost on Royal Oak. He was only nineteen years of age when he died and I will always remember the love with which he was rememberd in our family. I would greatly appreciate his photograph being displayed on your website. I also attach a poem I wrote about him after hearing stories from my mother. Regards, Keith Greener Click on the image for larger version in a new window *Our Josey (Joseph Henry Miller)* I heard your last gasp - the one you brought to me; I heard mother's heart - the one she shared with you; From Scarpa Flow's depths - you reached out to tell us; Keith Greener: 14th November 2012 This poem reflects my mother's experience the night her brother died on the Royal Oak. My late mother explained to me - I was not born until well after the war ended - that at the exact time the Royal Oak was sinking after being hit by a German U-Boat's torpedoes in Scarpa Flow, although hundreds of miles away living in Seaham Harbour, she heard heart-stopping choking noises on the stairs. Coastal towns, Seaham included, had been warned of a possible German invasion and my mother, believing this was happening, grabbed my two sisters out of bed and concealed them and herself in the wardrobe. The terrifying sounds lasted a short while then ended abruptly. Eventually realising that things in the house were normal and no person had entered, my mother worried that she may have experienced a premonition of her brother's death; something proven the following day. |
 Survivor Frank Brooke looking for news of survivor Mickey Davey My Father, Frank Brooke, asked me to post this message on your site. He was a survivor of the Royal Oak disaster, and is still alive and kicking, aged 92 years, on the Isle of Wight. (I have attached an old newspaper clipping which you may find of interest) He asled if anyone had any information on a friend of his, who also survived that fateful night, Mickey Davey. Hopefully someone might know something. Best wishes Sharon Wakefield Click on the image for larger version in a new window |
 John Stevenson
Hi Peter I hope this is of interest to you I only came across this recently courtesy of a relative It is my relation John Stevenson (picture here) who lost his life on the Oak Regards Gordon McFarlane Click on the image for larger version in a new window |
| Video tribute to Joseph Pascal Wilkins
I recently put together a tribute to my Grandfather and crew of the Royal Oak which is dedicated to my Dad, Bryan Joseph Wilkins. I posted a link on the Royal Oak page on facebook so that anyone interested in watching it could. Unfortunately my link has been temporarily disabled due to it generating too much traffic. I have uploaded the video to Aframe media services were it is available to view and download in different formats https://app.aframe.com/links/3fea980c43d41a9f491194ba0a2110eb I am therefore writing to you to graciously ask if you could add the Tribute video to the Royal Oak website. I would be eternally grateful if this could be made possible. I have attached the link to the file for you to download, view and consider. Thank you for you time Peter, Kind regards, Mark Wilkins |
| John James Perriman's photo album
I have a copy of the photographic log for HMS Royal Oak from 1927-1929 as my grand father John James Perriman was on the ship during his career. I was wondering if this is a common item? The album has 22 double sided pages with 3 or 4 postcards or photos on each Many thanks Jo Clews
|
| Corporal John J Coombes
I am writing on behalf of my sister Jane. Our father, a Royal Marine Corporal at the time, survived the sinking of HMS ROYAL OAK but lost his life later in the war as a Sergeant during the evacuation of Crete. He wrote the enclosed summary of his experience of the sinking of HMS ROYAL OAK in a letter written whilst at Arborfield Camp a few months after the sinking (pic of him and his trainee group at Arborfield attached, and also one of him before the War - he is the one closest to the tent door). The original handwritten letter is owned by Jane and is previously undisclosed, but a copy has recently been given to the Royal Marines' Museum, Eastney and, if you felt it appropriate, Jane would be pleased for it to be included in your own excellent HMS ROYAL OAK website. The Royal Marines' Museum have no objection to this. My sisters and I and our spouses went to Orkney on the 70th anniversary of the sinking, and I was privileged to meet Royal Oak survivor Royal Marine Colonel Norman Thackeray there, who had been a Marine at the time of the sinking, and remembered our father. I hope you will find this of interest for your website. Best wishes Lieutenant-Commander Mike Coombes OBE BSc Royal Navy (Retd) (Click on the images for a larger version in a new window)
Extract of letter written by Corporal John J Coombes a few months after the event, recounting his own experience on the sinking of HMS ROYAL OAK at Scapa Flow: I can talk about the Royal Oak affair (now very much out of the limelight) without getting all upset. At first I used to feel very miserable when I thought of the splendid men who I had lost, and it unsettled me a little. I make very few good friends, two of them went with her. I was on watch, 12-4, and had just gone down to see the Keyboard Sentry. A sailor came along for the magazine keys and as he was signing the book we heard a very muffled explosion forward. All of the plates in the ship rang against each other and the whole ship shuddered. I told the sentry, who was scared, to stay on his post, and ran forward to the marines mess deck myself. One or two men were turning out of their hammocks, most stayed where they were. They thought, I guess, that it was a small collision or something, and did not want to have to get up in the middle of the night as they were not duty watch. I can understand it. I went from there onto the quarter-deck, and for about a quarter of an hour people were coming and going, and an investigation was going on forward. I was sent to tell the drifter to get up steam. We just stood and wondered and talked. There was a faint smell of cordite, or something similar. We were so keyed up that the second explosion, which was terrific, was not, in my experience at least, half so bad a shock as it might very easily have been. There was a flash, the whole ship was blown up, and debris shot up into the air. It was followed almost immediately by another and the ship straight away started to heel over. Dense flames swept right over the quarter deck, they almost choked one. I could not keep my footing on the deck. She was heeling to starboard, so I ran to the port rail and hung on. Several men were either jumping into the drifter or over the boom into the picket boat. Part of the superstructure had crashed over and smashed the launch on the starboard side. When the ship was nearly on her side I decided that she really was going to sink, and made up my mind when the starboard side of the quarterdeck went up (The marines mess deck below was just over the magazine) I climbed the rail and ran down the ship's side. Men were trying to scramble through the ports from inside. We could see the flames inside as we helped a few out. We had hardly rescued any before she turned right over. I scrambled onto the keel, and jumped as far to port as I could. Thought 'I shall be dragged down'. I was drawn under, but not far, I kicked and struggled through arms and legs and got to the top again. (The depth was not great, and therefore the suction was not too bad. Some men say that the keel re-appeared, but I did not see it). The sea was thick with heads. I swam to get away from them, and struck out on my own. I must have gone about 200 yards when I found a piece of wood, and held on to it. There were cries for help all around, the sound of engines, but I could see nothing. A sailor swam up from somewhere. I remember saying something about making our way to shore holding onto the wood. About 1 3/4 miles away were cliffs, the other way, low beach, about 4 miles away. We kicked out for low beach. We started out but gave up because of the cold! Whilst we were still kicking the drifter came near to us, we shouted but were not heard. A little later she passed again, going very slowly. We took a chance, left the wood, struck out for her and came up as she stopped to pick some men from off of a Carly raft. It was devilish cold and we stayed for another two hours in the drifter until she was nearly full. By the time that they had taken us on board the Pegasus I had nearly given up the ghost. Three or four men died of exposure. I heard all about the worst part, which I personally had not witnessed, from other men. The sheets of flame below which burned them in their hammocks, mess decks blowing up under their feet etc ... Thats all. Corporal John J Coombes |
| 3D hologram of Royal Oak
Dear Peter, I run a tech startup company in Edinburgh specialising in scientific 3D visualisation using holographic technology. ADUS UK, who scanned the Royal Oak a couple of years ago, contacted us about the feasibility of making a hologram from their scan data. I am pleased to report that we managed to do it and it will be released shortly in the form of a video. It is planned to show the hologram at the Orkney museum. I hope that you would find this holographic depiction of interest and we would welcome any opportunity to publicise our work further. Please see below for a video of the Royal Oak hologram: Best regards, Javid
Tel: +44 (0)131 650 7813 |
 Royal Oak book mark
A Gentleman I know has asked if I could establish whether there is any value to the attached item which is in his possession. He believes it may be used as a book mark and it's about the size of a man's middle finger. I wonder if anyone may be able to advise. Kind regards Howard Millman Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
 William Barrie Anderson
I've visited your web site on several occasions to learn more about HMS Royal Oak and found my late uncle's name on the roll call of those lost - W B Anderson. His name was William Barrie Anderson and he was born in Twechar which is in North Lanarkshire near Glasgow. I found a framed painting of him in his uniform and a cut out of the ship stuck to the bottom of it. I had it restored by a friend and then took a photograph of it which I have attached. Regards Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
 Royal Oak - The locomotive
Loco Owner Dave Cunningham and his team of volunteers are currently completing the repaint of 50 017 into original Network South East livery. The work has been taken place over the past 14 months and the bodywork overhaul has included stripping the bodywork back to bare metal and extensive replating and refabricating work. After months of preparation work, the final coats of gloss are now being applied. |
| Portsmouth Cathedral plaque
I attended the Portsmouth Cathedral Sunday 18th and laid a copy of the Royal Oak badge at the inlaid stone dedicated to all boy seaman killed in WW11 under the age of 18 years, in all 534 killed in action 24 other causes all serving on 80 warships throughout the war,, of those 125 were of the Royal Oak, because I lost my father on the Oak I felt a duty to attend and knowing several surviving Royal Oak boy seaman I was pleased that I did, At the Cathedral other former boy seaman of RN & RM which included many standard bearers from different Associations, as seen in the attached photo's, over 200 packed the Cathdral. Regards Click on an image for a larger version in a new window
|
| John W Fowler
Thank you for a great website my grandfather served on the royal oak and I am chasing any information on John w Fowler any information from any one would be fantastic I still don't even know what he looked like so any photos would be fantastic Mark Fowler mchookyf@me.com |
 New Book
Gunther Prien - My Way to Scapa Flow by Guenter Lauke, Lauke Gunter (Ed.) Price: 42,50 EUR http://www.ciando.com/ebook/bid-291103-guenther-prien-my-way-to-scapa-flow/ |
| Harry Jones P/JX Boy 1st Class
Southwater War Memorial Regiment Died age 16 Cemetery Family Born 23rd October 1923 in Queen Street, Horsham. Went first to school in Southwater and later Denne Road Infants School, St John's School and then Victory Road School, where he became Chief Monitor and School Captain. In 1936 he won the high jump at the Sussex County School Championships, clearing 4ft 9 inches. He sent away for papers to join the Navy when he was just 11 years old and on 8th February 1938 he joined HMS Vincent at Gosport for training, being promoted to Leading Boy after only two months. Later he became PO Boy and then Instructor Boy, the highest rank he could obtain in the Barracks. Click on images for a larger version in a new window
|
| Freddie Clark
I found some old photos and information of my great uncle Freddie Clark who died on the Royal Oak, he joined the service under age he was 16 years old, he was from Birmingham, its great what you have done on this web site in paying homage to all the men and boys that died for their country, thanks from our family. Roy Clark (Click on images to see larger versions in a new window)
|
|
Ronald Schofield Dear Mr. Rowlands My name is Sarah Wilson and I am a keen history student. I have just started studying the 2nd World War and have known for sometime that my great uncle was a victim of the HMS Royal Oak disaster in 1939. I have never taken much interest in it but I visited your website 2 days ago and have loved reading all the information about the men on board and interesting facts about the vessel itself. I have been able to supply photo's of my uncle to the royal navy website which is now displayed next to him name which I am very happy about. Ronald Schofield was the only son of Clarence and Bridget Ann Scholfield. Clarence Schofield had died a few years before my uncle's death. The family was devastated when he died at only 22 years of age. My uncle actually has the telegrams that were sent from the war office to my great Grandma, informing her of her sons death. I have a picture of him in his naval uniform and another man of whom I do not know the identity. My parents asked my grandma, Marjory Alice (Ronald's sister) if she would like to visit Portsmouth and see the memorial but she was too upset even all those years later. My Great grandmother did not want any part in the investigation as she was too devastated. I do not think my grandparents ever recovered from his death and even now, my father (Ronald's nephew) seems upset. My grandmother died in 2000 and being only 6, I never got chance to ask her about the tragic incident at Scapa Flow. It has been my ambition to visit Scapa Flow on the anniversary to see the wreath be placed on the ship. I am a keen history student and would be keen to visit many places but this place I feel is more special than all the rest. I have attached the picture of him. Ron is the man standing top right. The other picture we are unsure if it is Ronald or whether it is another uncle. I hope this information has been of some help for your fantastic website-thank you! Best regards, Sarah Wilson |
|
Thomas H Chadwick I would like to share a little of my family history and connection with HMS Royal Oak. Also provide comment on something that Col. R.C Mitchell (Retd) wrote on your page as well as my brother in law Herb Ilic. My paternal Grandfather was born in Oldham in 1899 and enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1914, he served on various ships during WW1 and took semi retirement during the late 20's and early 30's from regular service and joined the Navy Reserves. Prior to the commencement of WW2 he was re-enlisted and in or around July 1939 re joined the HMS Royal Oak as a Chief Stoker. I recall my dad saying to me that grandad was pleased going back to the "Old Girl" as he had served on the Oak earlier in his career. I believe that my grandfather may have replaced Col R.C Mitchell's injured father... Unfortunately, my granddad never made it off the Oak and went down with her on that fateful night. (My dad was only 14 yrs at the time). My father Thomas Chadwick enlisted in the British Army in 1941 (16 yrs, he lied about his age) he spent 6 months in the infantry at which time he and a couple of his mates joined the Royal Welsh Airborne Regiment. My father served with distinction in France, Italy, Palestine and I believe he was also in North Africa as I have his African Star. Like my brother in law stated on your web site, my father was a cook but carried his Tommy Gun with pride! Dad was one of the first troops to be confronted with the Germans Tiger Tank, he had a few stories about those days I tell you. During WW2 my mother served in the Land Army as a Nurse, her family took more than its fair share of casualties. Her father William Sale lost all of his 5 younger brothers in Europe and her mother's brother Tom Dolan (pre war Northern England Heavy Weight Boxing Champ) lost his leg and later his life at his own hand. I never knew what my Grandfather Thomas H Chadwick did as a job in the Royal Navy not until I had enlisted myself and met an officer that showed an interest in helping me research his Service History. Its uncanny that so long from the Oaks fate that I unwittingly followed my grandfather footsteps and became a stoker... Kind Regards |
| Royal Marines Online
I am involved in a project to produce Rolls of Honour for Royal Marines over the various conflicts/ campaigns/ events. The belief is that when they cross the Bar they will only die if they are forgotten. So far I have put together items on over 8000. I try to get as much as possible on each man since they were more than just a name. Regards Ted Sparrow http://www.royalmarinesonline.com/Scapa-Flow-1939.php
|
| Horace Baber
Dear Peter, Firstly, thank you for providing such a wonderful website on the Royal Oak. Many thanks,Vic Millard |
John Gatt's medals and pocket watch
I thought you might like to see this photo. It is of my grandfathers medals. The silver pocket watch on the left was presented to him from friends and relatives of the Royal Oak. Iain Gatt
(Click on images to see larger versions in a new window) |
| Stanley Wood
I am hoping you can help solve a mystery by putting some photographs onto the Royal Oak website if possible. I have attached a file with four photographs of my uncle Stanley Wood who was one of the Boy Sailors who died, aged 17, on the Royal Oak in 1939. The first photograph is of Stan when he was training on HMS Ganges, the second is Stan with a friend, again on the HMS Ganges, the third is of Stan, sitting on the far right, with two friends and he is alongside the guns presumably on the Royal Oak and the final photograph is another friend of Stan's who my Dad says is called Stevenson (I don't know if that is the correct spelling of his surname) and he thinks he served on the Royal Oak with Stan. We, as a family, have wondered over the years who these men are and if any of them survived if they served with Stan on the Royal Oak and we would be grateful if any one could help us put names to these friends in the photographs. If you cannot open the file, please let me know and I will attach the photographs individually. My Dad, Morgan Wood, has always told us how his Mum was notified of Stan's death, it must have been a real trauma for her and the many other families who received similar telegrams. There were a number of other men on the Oak with the same name or initials as Stan and my grandmother received a telegram to say that Stan had been saved, then another to say that he had perished and it wasn't until a kind neighbour sent a telegram to the Naval Office, that she finally found out that he had in fact died along with so many other brave men. After looking on the website I read about Buckley Memorials commenting on the Royal Oak emblem request, it was my family who had requested the Royal Oak emblem for a memorial headstone, I must admit that I have only ever seen one emblem, that of the crown and was surprised at the emblem etched on our memorial when I was expecting to see the crown but we are happy with the work done. Thanks for all the emails on the website, it is a fantastic tribute to so many brave men who lost their lives and those who survived that tragic night in 1939 and enables others to understand a little more of the unfolding events. Kind regards Val Farragher valerie.farragher@btinternet.com
|
| Ernest J Amos
Hello, i've been researching my family tree and found that my 1st cousin 2x removed, Ernest J Amos was killed on the Royal Oak. My Dad says that his mom told him about this. I had no idea until I started looking. I don't think that Ernest had any siblings and his immediate family would be long gone. Would his name be on the memorial? I'd like to go and see it at some stage. Justine Walshe Hi Justine Thanks for your e mail enquiry. Best wishes |
 Arthur Edwards
Hi Peter, It's been a while since I have been on your site & it has grown. I was looking through my photo's & found a picture of my great Uncle Arthur Edwards who was lost on The Royal Oak. It was taken at my late Grand parents big day, I have attached a copy for your file. Kind Regards, Troy Edwards Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
 Mystery photograph
I've been looking into my family history and have found the attached photograph. Hi Jean I can't shed any more light for you but hopefully there might be someone out there who can Best wishes Peter Rowlands |
| Walter Slawson
I'm inquiring on behalf of my wife, Heather Smith. We have just discovered that her Great Uncle, Walter Slawson, Ordinary Seaman, died on the Royal Oak. He was from Llanidloes in Mid Wales. The website is a very moving record of the event. With the passage of time it is unlikely that there is a survivor from the tragedy who has any recollection of Walter, but it is worth a try, of course. It would be interesting what part of the ship he was stationed at and what his tasks were. I was especially moved by the decription of the hellish fiery conditions on board at the end, recorded by a survivor. It is not my business to salute the memory of crew as I have had no military or naval involvement of any kind. But of course we owe our freedom to their willingness to defend it. Thank you all. Steve Smith |
| William Boyle
My Uncle, William Boyle - my father's brother - went down on the Royal Oak. I think he had a young family but I have no idea where they are or who they are, if anyone can help I would love to hear from them. Thank you. Tina Raghoobar |
| Hi Peter,
A few weeks ago we had a request for a HMS Royal Oak badge to be etched next to an inscription for a "Stanley Woods, 1921-1939" The client brought in a picture of a sewn badge, which wasn't great quality so I decided to google it and find a better one. This didn't prove easy, but when I googled "hms royal oak", your page was on top and I spent a while reading through everything, great job with it all! Anyway, I decided to recreate the old badge in the style of modern badges. As your website was top of google, I thought I'd send the result on to you. I thought it might be good to get it out there in case anyone finds themselves in need of a good quality, modern-day representation of the badge. I noticed there were 2 versions, one with a fleur-de-lis and one with a crown, so I have attached both! I'm not sure what the difference is but maybe you will know. Thanks again for the website, it is a great tribute to those lost as well as a very informative source for people who are interested in anything to do with the Royal Oak. If you need anything else, you can add me on facebook or just reply to me on this email (work address). Regards, (Click on images for a larger version in a new window) |
| Victor Roy Thompson survivor
It is with great sadness that must tell you of my fathers passing last night 22 July 2011. After surviving the Royal Oak sinking my father went on to serve in the Royal Navy for a further 25 years. during the war he served on the Manchester and various other ships. In the early 50's he was loaned to the Royal Malayan Navy, during this time he was shot at by terrorists as he rode back to barracks on his motor cycle. We as family joined him in 1952 in Singapore and after 2 years. We returned to my fathers home Town of Tamworth where he joined HMS Gamecock at that time a Royal Naval Air Station. I can remember the Gannets and Seafires (now an army barracks I believe). In 1956 we moved to Portsmouth where he took over the Gym in HM Barracks Victory now known as HMB Nelson, because of this drafting I am very proud to say, it enabled to me to join the HMS Victory Sea Cadets at the age of 7 (privileged to the sons of serving Royal Naval personnel only), here I learned how to scrub decks and polish Bright work! As a Chief PTI my father was involved in the formation of the Amateur Athletics Association, He was an Amateur Boxing Association Referee and a great football player and fan. Summer Saturdays always involved a coach trip to some Athletic ground somewhere with 'his' team. My Father retired from the Royal Navy in 1959 as Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (today's equivalent I think would be Fleet Chief), he joined Eton College as a Gym Master and went on to get involved in the 'Disabled Games' (now known as the Para Olympics I believe) at that time they took place at Stowe School near Buckingham and at Stoke Mandeville near Aylesbury. He was also a national swimming coach and was involved in the Tokyo and Mexico Olympics. He had been ill for a very long time, drawn out I am sure by his physical fitness, though expected it still comes as a shock and his place will now be filled with loving memories. For me at least he was a real hero and I am confident that he is now with my mother and has rejoined his ship. God Bless D R Thompson |
Royal Oak badge?
My name is Steve Ramsey, I live here on the Isle of Wight. I wonder if you can assist me please?, Some years ago now I came across a badge that is an anchor with an oakleaf and acorn attached, this was pinned on a piece of cardboard along with a British Legend lapel badge. Looking on your fantastic website a short while ago I noticed your e-mail address and wonder if you would recognise this badge as an item associated with HMS Royal Oak? |
Walter A.C. Jacobs
My name is Patrick (RICK) Michael Johnson, Walter A.C. Jacobs was my uncle who went down with the Royal Oak on Oct. 14 1939. My mother, Daphne Margaret Jacobs (maiden name) was Walters sister. She will be 90 years old this fall and is not always clear on information going back to the war. I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction as to find out more about my uncle. I have in my possession three letters written by my uncle on H.M.S.Royal Oak stationary dated 1/9/39 and 1/10/39 the third one has no date. They are more notes than letters not saying very much and very short. I also have a letter addressed to my uncle from the Royal Naval and Royal Marina Recruiting Office on 1(a)Southgate Street, Winchester. It refers to his application for entry into the H.M. Royal Navy and instructs him to attend this office for medical and educational examination. It is dated August 31,1938 and requests him to attend on Sept. 5 1938. It goes on to say a railway warrant for his return journey was attached. I find all this very fascinating and would like to know more about my uncle and his time aboard the Royal Oak. Any information regarding his service would be greatly appreciated. My mother gave me a picture of him in dressed in his uniform when I was 16 years old and I have had that picture hanging in my home ever since then and I know very little about the man. Thankyou for your time P.M.Johnson Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
| AJ Hoskins
Hello my name is Rachael Seng and my great grandfather AJ Hoskins was a survivor of the Royal Oak sinking, his daughter is my grandmother and she was 80 in march, his then wife, son and two daughters were in Malta when the ship was sunk, we are trying to find out as much as we can as my grandmother would like to know if there are any other siblings out there as my great grandfather re married after the war, we know that he died in the late 1960's of a pulmonary embolism, and we have photos of him before the war, my 6 year old son looks very similar, and the family has his blue eyes. Any help in this matter would be most appreciated as I would like my family to know their family history, any help regarding anything on my great-grandfather would be appreciated. Many thanks Rachael Seng |
| I wonder if you could help me find the name of a relative who lost his life when the ship was sunk.
My sister, who is now 80 years old, recalled that when she was about 10 years old our mother had told her that her cousin had lost his life on the Royal Oak. We don't know which branch of the family he came from so don't know his name but we do know that he lived in Great Harwood, Lancashire ( maybe in Holgate Street). Would you be able to give me this information or if not, can you give me advice as to who I could contact. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to give. Kind regards |
| A new Royal Oak memorial has been erected in Scapa Bay
The obelisk was paid for by donations from survivors, families of those lost and friends of the H.M.S Royal Oak Survivors Association, payment of the lapel pins and a donation from Orkney Marine Services on behalf of OIC. (Click on the image for a larger version in a new window)
|
George Alexander McMillan
(Click on the image for a larger version in a new window) These are some pictures of George Alexander McMillan who perished with the sinking of the Royal Oak in 1939 and I would be grateful to hear from anybody who can remember him. He was the step brother of my wife's mother and his late older brother John was also in the FAA. John married a WREN who survives him. My wife has some other memorabilia that she will be happy to share if it is of interest but mainly she would like to find out anything more about George who was very close to his step sister. Dick Foyle |
W.TICKNER R.A.
hi peter, i have attached a pic of a "diddy box" W.TICKNER R.A. H.M.S. ERIN , H.M.S. ROYAL OAK. it is shown on your site some years ago but this is an improved picture. i don't understand why there would be R.A. people aboard unless they manned the guns.? perhaps you could add this again in case it rings a bell with some of the new watchers. (Click on the image for a larger version in a new window) |
| Charles Edward Monkman
I am an amateur genealogist researching my family history. My father in law, James Thomson had an uncle who served on the Royal Oak. I'm not sure if he was still on the ship when it sent down but he did survive the war. My father-in-laws's uncle was a Charles Edward Monkman who served as a marine on the Royal Oak from 1927 to 1932. Regards
|
Thomas Hughes
Dear Peter, (Click on the images for a larger version in a new window) |
| Sidney Clipperton?
Dear Peter, I found your web site by way of a google search when looking for the roll of the lost from HMS Royal Oak. What an excellent site. I wonder if you may be able to help. I had a maiden aunt who was engaged to a member of the crew of HMS Royal Oak who was lost. Sadly she died some years ago and I am now working on the memory of my elderly mother now in her 90s. She recalls that the name Sidney Clipperton and that he was telegraphist. She recalls running letters between the two when he was in RNB Chatham prior to the war. I have searched you roll of honour and cannot find the name Sidney Clipperton and wonder if you might be able to shed any light on the reason for this. I recall in the 1970s my Aunt mentioning his name prior to my returning to HMS Hermione which was due to enter Scapa Flow for Remembrance Day whilst taking part in a Joint Maritime Course. We held our Remembrance service and laid a wreath at the site of the wreck. Whilst speaking to my mother yesterday she described his as a leading telegraphist but then said that he wore a POs uniform and not a junior rates square rig so he could have been an acting PO Tel or had been rated PO. She also recalls that he came from the Great Yarmouth area and that his family were well connected there. My aunt did not marry and continued to work as a nurse for the rest of her working life. Any help you may be able to give would be most appreciated. Kind Regards _ Steve Stephen G Small |
|
Albert Edward MILLER Royal Leamington Spa, War Memorial Roll of Honour 1939 9th November 2010 Dear Sir / Madam, I would be very grateful if you would please consider this letter of enquiry; After completing the 'Roll of Honour' for the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own) 1939-1945(1946-1947) i have begun the Leamington WW2 Roll of Honour 1939-. Amongst those commemorated is; Boy 1st Class, P/JX158589, Albert Edward MILLER (HMS Royal Oak) Royal Navy Died: 14th October 1939, Aged: 16. Commemorated: Portsmouth Naval Memorial I would be very grateful for your consideration of this letter of enquiry and any help or advice afforded me regarding information about Albert, his job on board and HMS Royal Oak at the time of Albert's death please. Thank You. Kindest Regards Mr. David John Eason GCM husrollho@yahoo.co.uk |
| Ernie Upham
Yours sincerely (Click on the image for a larger version) |
Harold George Lilley
Having discovered your website recently, you may like to know that my father-in-law, who is approaching 95, lost a cousin on HMS Royal Oak - Harold George Lilley from New Milton, Hampshire who was always known as George within the family. (Click on the image for a larger version) |
| Edward Joseph O'Neill
My name is Martin. I've recently discovered that my Great Grandfather, Edward Joseph O'Neill, was a crew member on the HMS Royal Oak as a Sick Berth Attendant. He joined the Royal Navy in 1920 and whilst the HMS Royal Oak was deployed in Malta he married my Great Grandmother, Janet Rosina Gibson, and in that same year she gave birth to my Grandfather, Michael John O'Neill, whom I believe would have been born in Malta and then brought to live in Plymouth, Devon. Other than this I have no information on them and their time in Malta with the Royal Navy. I believe that they would have been living (at least Mother and Son) in Plymouth by 1933. If there is anyone that might be able to help me find out more about them and their time on the HMS Royal Oak in Malta then I will be extremely grateful. Take care, Martin O'Neill |
| G.Shepherd
I recently discovered my mother was adopted and I am investigating a link to G.Shepherd who perished on the Royal Oak- he was married to my grandmother nee Annie Leach from Portsmouth and he may have been my grandfather! Thank you for your help John Britten |
|
Hearts of Oak
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dilip Sarkar is retired policeman and a deep wreck diver who has dived the German naval wrecks at Orkney on several occasions. He is the author of over 20 history books and in 2003 was made an MBE for services to aviation history. He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society in 2006. He lives in Worcester. Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS PO Box 1941, Worcester WR1 9BQ 07512 342 085 info@dilipsarkarmbe.co.uk |
| Photos & Drawings 1923 - 1939
I am taking this occasion to write to you as I have perused your website with great interest. My father served aboard the 'Royal Oak' from 1923 thru 1939 as Chief Stoker. He served on other ships as well during this time, including 'HMS Marlborough, HMS Ark Royal, 1st Submarine Flotilla, etc but to name a few. He always returned though to his 'Mother' ship. It was only through as unfortunate accident to his hand and wrist that saw him medically discharged in June 1939, otherwise he would have been on board during its fateful demise, and I wouldn't be sending you this message now!! (Shakespeare. King John Act V Scene 7) Yours sincerely Col. R.C. Mitchell (retd) Click on image to see a larger version in a new window
|
| George Williams
Peter , a year ago I used your web site and asked if any one had any information on my Great uncle George Williams who died on the Royal oak. Kind regards
|
| Alan Chick
He came from Portsmouth and the Royal oak was his first ship. He was the son of Frederick George Chick and Caroline A. Chick (Bull) and came from a long line of Servicemen and Naval Dockyard workers. My father was his elder brother. Sincerely Maureen Moore (Chick) Click on the image for a larger version |
| W Cheesley
Peter , I was scanning your site recently and came across W Cheesley who died on Royal Oak aged 29, in the "family requests" with an e mail from Simon Cheesly regarding his grandfather W Cheesley. W Cheesley was my mothers brother and I have photos of my Uncle Bill and family details that I am sure Could you help me locate them Regards Ken Ford s-ford9@sky.com
|
| John Neston Mead, Albert Valentine Frost and Victor Ayles
Dear Peter, If anyone knows of the whereabouts or has information on any of these three men I'd be very interested as would my mother and my aunt. Thank you so much. Kind regards, |
| Ronald Sharp
I have just recently discovered and read your website with much interest. Kind regards Click on images for larger versions |
| Daisy 11
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my site visit today. I have been researching the family of late and was always curious about the Daisy II - or the Daisy aye aye as mum called it! So when I discovered via the Aberdeen Ship Building Museum Project of her involvement with HMS Royal Oak I was delighted to find your site and read the tale of one of the survivors. It appears that my grandparents, Maggie and John McPherson, were owners of the ship 1939-43. She was a steel built Steam Herring Drifter commissioned in 1908. Her length 86'1", beam 18'2" & draft 8'10". The records report that she rescued 375 crew members of the Royal Oak and that John Gath of Rosehearty was skipper at the time. She continued in service, fishing, until 1950 when the registry closed on 30th May and she was sold for scrap. Fiona Crawford |
| 'The Fallen Oak' 3D visualisation
There is an excellent 3d visualisation clip of Royal Oak underwater at www.adus-uk.com/TheFallenOak.html
|
| Charles Edward Ferry
I am looking for any information on my grandad Charles Edward Ferry I understand from family that he was a survivour of the Royal Oak and he was effected badly he died in 1972 I am trying to do our family tree If anyone as any information I would be most grateful |
Walter Clive Bonner
I am looking for family members from Walter Clive Bonner, Godalming Surrey --1913-- 14.10.1939. He was a crew member of H.M.S. Royal Oak and Rank Band Corporal. His grand-father was also my grand-father. I have a letter written to my mother a few months before his death. Also a photo from him in uniform (right). I would be pleased to hear from anyone with connections or who may have known something about him. Eileen Junge |
| Royal Oak christmas card & tie pin
Hi Peter I thought you might like these photo's of my royal oak christmas card & tie pin for your memorabilia page on your excellent webpage, i think the date is around about 1930. Regards
|
| Arthur Kempster
My name is Rhianedd Preece. My nana'a brother, Arthur Kempster, was on the HMS Royal Oak when it sank and was presumed dead. He left his home in Rhyl when he was young to join the navy and his family did not hear from him again until news of his death at just 19 years old. |
| Stephen Duncan
My name is Jack Duncan, my dad Stephen Duncan, Seaman 12769 served in the Royal Navy 1926 - 1932, during that time he served on the following ships: Royal Oak I am trying to trace some records of my Dad and I would be grateful if anyone knows of any sources that may have crew pictures or information. Thanks and Best Regards, Jack Duncan duncanj@bellnet.ca |
|
Dear Mr.Rowlands, One of the pieces is called: The music is very amusing, jazzy. With best regards, http://www.channelclassics.com/music-from-the-roaring-twenties.html |
 Royal Oak photo
Here is a photo sent to me by Tom Redman which I thought you might like for your excellent site. Click on the image for a larger version in a new window |
Survivor William Hughlock I am the youngest brother to HMS Royal Oak survivor William Hughlock. Yours sincererly, |
 Royal Oak in the backgroundPlease find attached a photo of HMS Revenge with Royal Oak in the background. Best wishes Peter Mitchell www.submerged.co.uk |
 Tampion
I thought you might like to know that there is a tampion from Royal Oak on display at Charlestown Museum in Cornwall. Best wishes Click on image for a larger version |
| Vincent Marchant
I recently had a look at the Royal Oak website, and noticed the name of seaman Vincent Marchant, who managed to swim ashore after the shiphad been struck. I have been researching my family history, and have a Vincent Marchant, born 1886, in my tree. I have very little information about him, and wondered if this is the same person, or somehow related. Is there any way I can get further details about this seaman? |
| Lt. A.M. Seymour
Hi Peter, If anyone did and would like to contact me please pass on my e-mail address. Thank you. |
George MacGregor I was moved by the recent documentary on the sinking of the Oak. Mark Robinson Click on images for larger versions |
Drawing by Joe Instance 
Peter Click on image for a larger version |
|
Cornelius Curtin I came across your site while I was looking for some info on war memorials, Scapa Flow in particular, as my relative was killed there. Marie Davis |
| J.O.H.Derry
I have been led to believe there will be a Royal Oak Memorial service at Norham. If anyone has any details please forward them. I am oldest surviving relative of J.O.H.Derry who was probably the youngest to go down with the ship and first casualty from Berwick upon Tweed in WW2. |
| Ronald John McAngus Hart
I am trying to find out about my father's service record. His full name was Ronald John McAngus Hart (known as Ronnie) not Donald and was listed among the survivors after the sinking of the Royal Oak. His service number was p/jx 157014, having joined the Royal Oak from HMS. Caledonia three months before the sinking. Ronnie was sixteen at the time and one of the boy sailors. He came from the village of Hilton of Cadboll in Ross shire, there were other boys on that ship from the same area, at least one other from Hilton. Patricia Roberts. |
| Tribute
I've just visited your site and read the article about the sinking of HMS Royal Oak. Best Wishes |
 R. J. Western
I have this photo of my uncle that was taken on 21st March 1938 as you can see by his cap it say H.M.S St Vincent but I know he lost his life on board Royal Oak even though he died before I was born nearly 20 years after his death my mum and Granddad told me so much about him. B. J. Phillips |
| Cornelius McCabe
I have been reading your website regarding the Royal Oak. Best Regards Thank you for your kind reply. Best regards |
| Royal Marines
My name is The Rev'd Stuart Hallam and I am a Royal Navy Commando Chaplain currently serving at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. I am very interested in HMS Royal Oak, particularly as it is the 70 anniversary of her sinking. Stuart. |
| Andrew Paterson
Stumbled upon your site after sitting down to watch the 70th anniversary documentary with my Grandfather on STV tonight. He is a survivor of the disaster and served on The Mighty Oak for many years prior to its sinking. He left the ship on the night of October 13th 1939 after being ordered to join a patrol vessel doing routine searches of the boom area. This was to prove fourtuitous as this was the first time he had left the ship for this duty. A true stroke of luck as all of his crewmates were killed just a few hours later... |
| Construction sketches
Today I came across the Royal Oak website for the first time via the BBC News item http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8302318.stm (and associated link) regarding today's visit of HRH The Princess Royal. Kind regards, |
| HMS Neptune Association
The Committee and Members of the HMS Neptune Association would like to associate themselves with the Memorial Service being held today, 14th October 2009, in Scapa Flow: to remember, with pride, the crew of HMS Royal Oak, recalling not just your ship's historic contribution to the war effort through historic naval engagements during the dark days of two World Wars, but also its contribution to the high morale of His Majesty's Royal Navy. With kind regards, Mrs. Gillian Wadden, Vice-Chairman and Hon. Secretary of the Neptune Association |
| 14 year olds aboard?
Dear Peter, |
| Mr. Rowlands,
I've just spent a few minutes going through your HMS ROYAL OAK website.. very well done. It's only fitting that what happened to this fine ship is remembered. The one ship like that here in the US is the ARIZONA in Pearl Harbor. Not only do I think people should remember that ship, but also the men still entombed aboard her. My parents went to Hawaii back in 2000 and both told me the experience of seeing the oil from ARIZONA float up and being on the memorial as eerie. My father was 13 at the time of Pearl Harbor and told me that he was working on an airplane model when the news came over. My mother said she and her brother were trying to make root beer from root beer candy when the news came in. Sincerely, |
| Dear Peter, Today is a historic day. Are you able to confirm a recurring memory from my childhood. In 1939 as a 5 year old my mother went to collect me from Liverpool eye hospital after some pioneer surgery. She always told me that she took me on the Royal Oak which was docked in Liverpool, probably only a few days before she went to Scapa Flow ( a guess on my part) She recounted how a sailor picked me up and carried me onboard up the gangplank. I have a possible memory of this but in view of the many times I heard the story it may be a false memory. Does anyone visiting this site have any more information?. Reggie Dickinson Now aged 75 Leicestershire |
| Stanley Raymond Wood
I watched the History Channel programme on the Royal oak last night. I wondered if any of the remaining survivors remember my late father who died in 1999? |
| Arthur George Ackerman
Arthur George Ackerman (known as George) sadly died in the Royal Oak on 14/10/1939 with many of his ship mates. He was my grandfather's cousin, but grew up with my grandfather's family, as his mother died when he was only 8 years old. Sarah |
| G Trewinnard
I came across your site following a link from the Defence News website, reporting on the Princess Royal's commemoration two days ago. I had heard a rumour from my grandfather that there was a Trewinnard on the Best Regards, |
| FRED BEALING
MY GREAT UNCLE [MY MOTHERS UNCLE..HER MOTHERS BROTHER] WAS PETTY OFFICER FRED BEALING..HE WENT DOWN WITH THE ROYAL OAK..I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF ANY OF THE SURVIVORS KNEW HIM.. CHRISTINE COOK |
| Dear Peter,
Celebrating my 70th birthday led to some reminiscing. Beat Wishes |
| Royal Oak Survivors Association Limited Edition Print
In June 2009 Simon Brown was invited by the Royal Navy to photograph and document HMS Royal Oak. Simon has donated this image to the Royal Oak Survivors Association and a limited number of prints will be signed by some of the remaining survivors. All proceeds of the sale will be used by the Royal Oak Survivors Association to help fund the building of a permanent memorial to their comrades in Scapa Bay. |
| John Stroomer
My grandfather, John Stroomer, served on the Royal Oak at the Battle of Jutland. He was a baker. Glynis Kent (Click photos for larger versions)
|
| Cap tallies
Regards, (Click on image to enlarge) |
| John Valentine Sawbridge 1898 - 1960
I found your website yesterday when I put Royal Oak into my search engine. What a wonderful site! Thank you so much for all your hard work. Penny Harris [nee Sawbridge] |
| R. A. Barnfather
I have been looking at your website of the Royal Oak that sank at Scapa Flow and wondered if anyone had information regarding RAYMOND ARTHUR BARNFATHER who along with many others went to his watery grave aged just 16. He was my Mother's cousin and as she has often spoken about him and as she is now aged 87 herself it would be wonderful for her to have closure. |
| I wondered if you would be interested in putting this poem on your website of HMS Royal Oak. It was written by my wife who is the niece of one of the sailors who perished that night. She never knew her Uncle but has always been haunted by the manner of his death and wrote this poem during a creative writing degree course and found it somewhat cathartic. Regards, David Oakley In Memory of
They were at Scapa Flow, Then the first torpedo hit, Plunged into the waves below, The ship turned over: She became a 29,000 ton tomb. To the men who died that day. Leading Seaman Instance said. He went back to sea again. Special Operations P. Eight hundred and thirty three men Kathleen E. Oakley. |
| E H MILES photo?
hi peter regards graham leary |
| George Williams
Hello Peter, I have been doing the family tree and only found out in the last couple of days that George was my Grand mothers uncle, her mothers Brother. Kind regards |
 Ribbons
Click on image for a larger version Marc BENOIT |
|
Edwin Cox
Well done on your site which i think is a good idea, I happened to find it when looking for some info on the "Oak" |
|
Dear Peter & Mr. French, What a surprise I got the other day on opening up Peters' Royal Oak website to see your photo of some Royal Oak crew members. Although, I was really looking for anybody recognising the name of my cousin Ernest Brymer [who died on the Royal Oak ] I think I recognise my Dad in your photo! He is the one standing with his hands behind his back on the right hand side and is Kenneth R. Laslett. Previous posting: |
| Royal Oak photos
Hi Peter, I came across your web site when I was trying to find out some info about the Royal Oak. My Grandfather served on the Royal Oak During the first world war so was curious to find out a wee bit more about her. Best regards Alan Inglis (Click on images for a larger version) Please note the right hand image of the rear guns is particularly interesting as it shows the seaplane launcher above them
Hi Peter, here are some more photos. My Grandfather is in the front row , bottom right of the football team photos. Alan Inglis
|
| Ignacio Guisti
I have recently gone into search of our family tree and have come across a cousin of my grandmother by the name of I.Guisti (believe his name is Ignacio) from Malta who died in 1939 on the HMS Royal Oak. Thank you, Mark Ellul marke@adam.com.au |
 Peter
I have looked at your site with great interest as a great-uncle of mine, Cecil Boylett Davey, lost his life on HMS Royal Oak. Click on image for a larger version |
| Samuel Blood
Just wished to pass along this information about Samuel Blood who was only 16 when he lost his life on the Royal Oak. Commonwealth War Graves Commission (UK) Wonderful information on the H.M.S. Royal Oak web site. David Fleming |
| Petty officer Puddy
Hello Peter Regards John Legg |
| George Alexander Langlands
I was very interested in the Royal Oak website. I found the website whilst researching my family tree. |
| Tough
Hi |
|
(Click on images for larger versions) Dear Peter, Congratulations on an excellent website. What better way to commemorate the lives of all those who served on 'Royal Oak' and particularly those who lost their lives in the tragic events of 1939! It would be appreciated if you could add this message and photographs to your site, if that is possible. Unlike many of the Boys and Seamen who are already featured on the website, my father, Ronald Abbess, sadly contracted TB during his service in the Royal Navy and was discharged on medical grounds in September, 1938. After a long illness, he eventually died in 1945 when I was still a young child. Following his initial training at HMS 'Ganges' at Shotley, my father served on the 'Royal Oak' from 22nd. June, 1932 to 25th. April, 1934. I believe that most of this time was spent in the Mediterranean. A photograph of my father in his tropical kit, taken at the 'Black and White Studios' at Malta in 1933 is attached. I see that Roger Myers has already posted on the site a photograph of his father, taken in Malta in 1933. Presumably, our respective fathers must have been on the RO at the same time After a few months back at Chatham (the Port where he was based), he joined HMS 'Emerald' on 31st. August, 1934. I believe it was this voyage that took him 'across the line' to Mombasa in East Africa; and to Ceylon and other parts of the Indian Continent - returning to Chatham on 23rd. February, 1937. I have a lovely album which contains lots of photographs of the many places which my father visited in his travels during his service in the Royal Navy. In fact, one of the photographs is identical to the one already posted on the site by John Gorton, showing the Royal Oak Marathon Team in 1934. Although my father doesn’t appear to be included in the team, I do recognise someone who must have been a good mate of my Dad. He is the one in the back row, fourth from the left. I believe his name is Dick. I also have a portrait photograph of Dick in Dad’s album and a copy of this is attached. At least I think it is the same person. The portrait photograph bears the date 29th. June, 1934 on the reverse. Does anyone have any information about Dick or know what happened to him?
Thank you once again for providing such an interesting website. I should be pleased to hear from anyone with information about Dick; about the group photograph; or indeed about anyone who may have served with my father. Sincerely, Jean Peters (nee Abbess) (PS. Does anyone know if the incidence of TB was very high in the Royal Navy at that time?) |
 John Furlong and the Cumberland Class
Dear Peter Click on the image to see a larger version |
 Able seaman Joseph Thomson
Dear Peter, Click on the image to see a larger version |
| Norman Victor Pead
Hello there, my grandfather was on the Royal Oak, Norman Victor Pead. I am his grandson, Norman. |
 Donald (Dan) MacAngus
Dear Peter: here i am ,old and sick, and lo and behold ,Irene smyth puts up a letter about her grandfather Hugh Vass , lost on the Royal Oak. |
 Hugh Vass
Peter,
Hello Peter, There is also a clip on YouTube about U47 returning to Germany at |
| John Stanley Crockett
Hello Peter, |
Thomas Fredrick Britton
My cousin Betty Britton,daughter of Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton who was lost with the Royal Oak has sent me 2 photographs etc. for you to post on your site if you think they are of interest. |
| Royal Oak painting and geranium
Perhaps the Royal Oak Associaton members would like to know that in the Royal Oak pub at Chilgrove, West Sussex there is an oil painting, one of only 50 copies of HMS Royal Oak. The picture was done from the stern of the ship in line afront so it views the Royal Oak bow on taking a heavy sea and dipping her bow in. I haven't seen it myself but my son has and says that it is very impressive. Does anyone else know of this picture and have a copy? |
| William Edward Chesman
|
| Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton
I would like to add to my cousin Joan's message about my Uncle Tom.Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton. |
| H.Pither
Dear Peter Yours sincerely (Click on images for larger versions) |
| Hit by U47?
My great grandfather was the skipper of a trawler commandeered during the war and he was based in Scapa Flow during the time the Royal Oak was sunk. My granddad has told me that it was believed that his father's boat came into contact with the U-boat as it was leaving the area. His trawler (named the John Herd) was arriving back into the harbour after the incident and therefore was not expressly involved with rescuing survivors. Regards |
| John Welch
i have just visited your site and found it very interesting, i am the grandson of one of the survivors, JOHN WELCH. i believe he was either a chief petty officer or petty officer i am very keen to get hold of a photo of him in uniform as part of a christmas present for my grandmother. as nobody in the family has any photos of him, and as he died 31 years ago i was only 5 years old and never had the opportunity to see any pictures of him when he was in the navy i would be very gratefull if you could help me and maybe point me in the right direction to get the info i need |
| Loses from the seaboard villages
I am currently researching the servicemen/women lost in the Parish of Nigg & Shandwick during WW2. Four of these men lost their lives serving on the Royal Oak. Here is the information that I have at the moment.
Seaman Hugh Vass Seaman Hugh Vass Seaman David Vass Seaman Bertie Vass If anyone has anything else I would be very grateful. |
| John Welch
i have just visited your site and found it very interesting, i am the grandson of one of the survivors, JOHN WELCH. i believe he was either a chief petty officer or petty officer i am very keen to get hold of a photo of him in uniform as part of a christmas present for my grandmother. as nobody in the family has any photos of him, and as he died 31 years ago i was only 5 years old and never had the opportunity to see any pictures of him when he was in the navy i would be very gratefull if you could help me and maybe point me in the right direction to get the info i need |
| James Colbourne
My grandfather would dearly like to find out as much information as possible about his cousin James Colbourne who perished on the Royal Oak. I wondered if anyone remembers him, has photos |
| Eric Charles Leach
My late uncle Eric was a 19 year old stoker on the Royal Oak and perished along with his shipmates at Scapa. His home town was Portsmouth and I'd be interested in any information that any of the other relatives might have regarding Eric and his mates. |
 Albert Reginald Turvey
Hi Peter, Mark Turvey. Click on the image to see a larger version |
 HMS Royal Oak watercolour
Dear Peter, With best wishes, Click on the image to see a larger version |
 Harry Beswick
I am researching the royal oak for a school project, my great uncle harry beswick sadly was one of those lost on the royal oak....he was only 19 according to my great nanny, the navy records have age unknown, He had a unhappy home life and ran off to join the navy (very strict father) my great nanny never forgave him, very sad. Michaela... age 10 yrs Hello peter, thankyou for getting back to me so soon, i have spoken to my great nanny today and found out that my great great uncle Harry william james Beswick, born and lived in frankly, birmingham, was a stoker in the soak room and he wouldnt have known a thing about what had happened' my great nanny ( florence' and sister 'Alice' remember a friend of his called 'Billy' who had survived visited them and told the family this. apparently Billy was sweet on Alice! |
 Ken Conway and A. Craven
hi Peter. Click on image for a larger version |
 Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton
This is probably the last photograph taken of my uncle Able Seaman Thomas Fredrick Britton. I think it was also the last leave he had before the fatal day. It is taken in his garden in Portsmouth with his sister Irene (my mother). He left behind a wife Norah and three children Betty, John and Allan. Click on image for a larger version |
| The passing of George White
I am glad to have found your excellent web site. A very good friend of mine George White who was fortunate to survive the Royal Oak disaster swam for his life just a month before his seventeenth birthday. Sadly,George passed away in the early hours of August 21st having been admitted to hospital just a few days earlier. |
| Royal Oak photo
Dear Peter, I am in my late sixty's. As a young boy my parents had a photograph of the Royal Oak on our wall. This was not a photo that had been taken by a rating or anybody not important.This was a professional large photo, with a gold line around it and gold lettering under it "H.M.S. ROYAL OAK" |
| Contact details for Sean Smith re George C Pollard
On visiting your 'Royal Oak' site I noticed that a Sean Smith asked if anyone could help with information concerning his great-uncle, George C Pollard. George Macgregor |
 John Sidney Hall
It is with regret that we have to announce that another Royal Oak survivor has passed away. (Click on the image for a larger version) |
| School trip
Dear Peter, |
| Mystery Royal Oak badge
My wife Margaret is very pleased the badge is useful and in good hands. |
 Attatched a photo of my personally built 1/500 scale HMS Royal Oak. Its a Russian produced model kit, sadly now out of production! I had to scoured the internet to find it and was lucky. I dedicated the model to the fallen of HMS Royal Oak.Regards. Michael. michaelnottage@hotmail.co.uk |
Ronald Hanes
My late grandfather, Ronald Hanes was a survivor of Black Friday but is not listed in the book of the same name. Click on image for a larger version |
 Cyril Sibley
Hi, Thanks for a brilliant site. It has helped an elderly lady ( Eileen Tasker) to know the facts of the sinking, she was engaged to Cyril Sibley a stoker on the Royal Oak ( formally on HMS Albatross), She would be grateful if anyone knew Cyril also known as Nick or any relations who may still be alive. S. Terry cudhill@btinternet.com Click on image to enlarge |
  Grandfather, Survivor Henry Balch
I liked to draw as a child and as a young teen. I drew this ship in honour of my Grandfathers Ship HMS Royal Oak. I wrote to CinC Portsmouth and several letters pass between us and he found time to see me and my drawings and gave me a most splendid day. Click on images to enlarge |
| William Ernest Rowland DCM
Aaron Rowland Click on images to enlarge Hi i sent an email to you a couple of weeks ago about my great grandfather William Ernest Rowland, i've recently discovered more photos of him and i thought would be great for your site. |
| Sutherland, H.J.
My husbands uncle, Sutherland, H.J. lost his life on the Royal Oak. we have never known much about him as my mother-in-law passed away when we had only been married a few years. Any information would be appreciated. |
 'Last Dawn'
Peter, Derek Rodger Any further info try www.argyllpublishing.com and go to Maritime. Click on the image to see a larger version |
| Henry James Sadler
I was sorting out some old photos and came across many including this one of a ships crew which includes someone I knew as Uncle Henry as my father grew up with him. Henry James Sadler is sitting crossed leg in the front row fourth from the signage on the right. Best regards Click on images to enlarge |
|
| HMS RAMILLIES
Click on images for a larger version |
| Aubry John Priestley and Ronald Thomas Parker
(Click on images for larger versions) I have been tracing my family tree and have found that a great uncle of mine (Aubrey John Priestley (known as 'John')) and his cousin both went down with HMS Royal Oak. As a part of my research a distant relative that I didn't even know has found some photos for me that I thought may interest you. These may also be of interest to Peter Kingfisher who has put a request on the 'requests' page about 'Mountford, H.C.L' - the photo of the two Boys stood together, the one on the left is Aubrey John Priestley, the one on the right is more than likely HCL Mountford. I have emailed Peter but got no reply even after correcting his misspelled email address. Feel free to include these photos, clippings and my full email (including email address) on your website. If you do this, can you also give credit to Susan Winfield who supplied me with them - I am very thankful that she passed these on to me. Regards, David Priestley david@starteckonline.com |
| Denis Roy Woolgar
Hello. |
| Raymond Geoffrey HULL - radio operator
My uncle Raymond Geoffrey HULL was lost when the Royal Oak sank. He was, I understand, a radio operator. His records are easily found on your website and the CWGC website but I haven't any photographs of him. My grandmother proudly displayed a formal photograph of him in her home in Andover, Hampshire, but I do not know what happened to it. I would like to know if you have any advice to offer. Maybe visitors to your website can help, and I also wonder if Royal Naval records of his service might also still exist. Perhaps his personnel file, if it has survived him, might be available for inspection, and might also contain a photograph of him when he enlisted? |
|
Albert Eaton looking for Hank McCarthy I have just visited your wonderful site at the request of my father, Albert Eaton, who is 87 years of age, he actually served for a while on H.M.S Hood before being transferred to just prior to it being sunk, to submarines he tells me that the reason the Hood sunk was because they removed some of its Armour plating to accommodate his radio room just above the magazine room . Regards , |
| R. H. Gardiner
I've just found your site, my dad was a survivor RH Gardiner, he was an able seaman then but retired as a Lt Commander. (Click on image for a larger version)
|
|
I recently came into possession of several photos that belonged to my Grandfather, Henry (Harry) Murrell M23585. AR.GR.RN. My Grandfather is seated in the photo with the seaman in the boiler suit standing to his left. the rear of the photo is signed and dated 14/5/1918. I have no information or the other trio, although the rear of the photo is dated '19/8/18 with G Deacons compliments' Best Wishes, (Click on image for a larger version) |
|
Les Jelley My grandfather (who served on the British Aircraft Carrier Indefatigable from 42 onwards) who recently passed away had a brother Les Jelley who lost his life when the Royal Oak was sunk. I would be extremely grateful if anyone that had any information on my great uncle Less could pass it on. Regards morris113@optusnet.com.au |
|
Hal Branch Thank you for putting together this site. I am looking for information about Hal Branch, Supply Petty Officer who was my husband's father and who died on board HMS Royal Oak in October 1939. Thank you for your assistance. jane_branch@tiscali.co.uk |
|
I thought visitors to your web site might like to know that they can purchase prints of HMS Royal Oak by the artists Anthony Saunders, Ivan Berryman and Randall Wilson at www.naval-art.com/hms_royal_oak.htm Best wishes |
|
I have just been looking at your website, and what a stunning tribute to the Officers and Men who served in her. yours aye (Click on image for a larger version) |
|
My name is Ray Barnfather my uncle, also called Raymond, was a casualty on the Royal Oak I was browsing through the list of casualties and I noticed a minor discrepancy with his initials It is Raymond Arthur Barnfather not R.N. he was a Boy 1st Class aged 16 and his official number was P/JX 158573 I enclose a photo of him for your excellent website and hope maybe one of the few survivors may remember him. (Click on image for a larger version) |
|
HMS Royal Oak's motto You have an email from simon cassidy titled 'questions can you help'. I have an answer, HMS Royal Oak's motto was 'Old but Firm'. I will at sometime display the pictures of HMS Royal Oak Ships Badge on my website. Michael Nottage |
|
Edward Williams Queen Maud's Funeral My father Edward Williams was a serving member of the Royal Navy until 1941 - when he was invalided out. He served on HMS Royal Oak as a Leading Seaman from Sept 1938 to January 1939. In November 1938 he formed part of a guard of honour - standing guard by the coffin of Queen Maud who had died in the UK and was being taken back to Norway. There was a photgraph of him in the family home when I was a child. He is shown presumably on board the ship standing at the corner of the draped coffin with his head bowed over his upturned rifle.When my father died in 1964 my mother in her grief destroyed many things which should have been retained. Have tried UK military establishments in case they have a copy of this picture-no luck. Have written to Archives office in Oslo - they can't help. I would love to trace this to show to my own children and grandchildren Regards |
|
V. R. Thompson will be 85 shortly and his son, Don Thompson, contacted me to say that he would be happy to talk of his experience. I phoned him on the 12th October 2007 and the following is a transcript of our conversation: I was just 14 days away from my 17th birthday and was a Boy Seaman 1st Class, Messenger to the Navigating Officer. I was on watch from midnight to 1am and was in communication with the Transmission Station. I looked at my watch and saw it was 3 minutes past one so I went to get my relief watch and suddenly there was a loud bang and the sound of anchor chain running out. About 10 minutes later there was a series of very loud explosions amidships and the ship rose in the water and started to roll at a fast rate. Several men were getting into a small picket boat but it had no power and as more men piled in, it capsized, throwing Thompson into the water.
It was a dark night and the sounds of other survivors gradually faded away into silence but suddenly an oar flashed over his head and he heard a voice say "There's one over here and he's still alive". He was taken to the Pegasus and down into the engine room to warm up. The following day he was transferred to Thurso and after 2 days was put on a train to Portsmouth and allowed 17 days leave before being posted to HMS Frobisher and eventually on 13th December 1939 to HMS Manchester where he was involved in the Norwegian Campaign. At no time was he consulted about how he felt following the sinking and, as events and movements transpired so quickly he was unable to ascertain who had been lost or survived. (Click on images for a larger version) |
|
Here is a photo of my late Brother and his schoolboy friend both from brighton, who joined the Royal Oak from St Vincent at the age of 17 and a half years, in total over 30 from the Sussex area went down in the Royal Oak. If there are any survivers from the Sussex area i would love to hear from them. William Simmons (Bill) Tel. 00 34 96 579 5687. RBLWELFARE@telefonica.net(Click on image for a larger version) |
|
royal oak, crossed anchors in the other corners. any suggestions. no dates so could pre pre war ! no trace in yr index. cheers brian tinsub@aol.com |
| J. J. Rutherford
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| 68th Anniversary
With the 68th Royal Oak Memorial service coming up in a few days, my thoughts returned to my fathers papers on the Royal Oak. In the back of his copy of Alexander McKee's, 1960 Corgi Edition of "Black Saturday" my father had penned the following words: "When the waves over In the front of the book Herbert Herrmann had penned "Herbert Herrmann My thoughts will be with all on the 14 Oct. Mike Pattison mike.pattisonATtiscali.co.uk |
| Dear Peter,
I must commend you for your wonderful internet site honoring HMS Royal Oak. Its fortunate that we have a gentlemen like yourself who has become involved and dedicated to preserving the history of this fine ship and the memory of its gallant crew who were lost that fateful night these many years ago. We have been to Orkney many times and never fail to remember the events of her sinking. Only a few weeks ago we were lunching in the Commodore restaurant which as you know overlooks the path that the submarine used to penetrate the Flow and have driven many times over the years across No1 Barrier which of course spans Holm Sound. Again, this year we visited the memorial at Scapa Bay and looked at the names of those who paid the supreme sacrifice. Many times we had visited the Cathedral in Kirkwall and have seen the memorial to HMS Royal Oak. Many years ago on my first visit to Orkney I had the great honor of being introduced to Skipper John Gatt, DSO, RNR (ret), former Skipper of the Admiralty Drifter Daisy. I can tell you Peter I felt humbled to be in this man's presence. His unassuming character and humanity are something I will never forget. What Skipper Gatt did for the survivors you have equaled for all of the Ship's Company and this famous vessel. You deserve and I hope you get some official recognition. Again, thank you. Sincerely, Noel Howard Hall, CD |
| C F Cornish
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| Royal Oak poem
Thought you might be interested in a poem I found among dad's papers, it is HMS ROYAL OAK |
|
Marathon team? Hello Peter I have found a photo of the HMS ROYAL OAK marathon team and I was wondering if it was the same ROYAL OAK. I have been interested in stories about the ROYAL OAK for many years . thank you (Click on image for a larger version) |
|
George Edward Myers
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| Fleet signal
Digging into the more obscure corners of my family tree, I discover my grandfather Frank William Skepper was aboard the HMS Pegasus when the Royal Oak was sunk on 14th October 1939. I have a Fleet signal from Cpt Benn of the HMS Voltaire sent to the Pegasus thanking her, dated 14th October 1939. Steve Skepper steveskepper@hotmail.com |
| Plaque ceremony 1948
My father Rev G Arthur Fryer was the officiating minister at the unveiling of the plaque in St Magnus Cathedral in Oct 1948. (Click on images for a larger versions)
Regards Anne Evans, New Zealand andevans@ihug.co.nz REPLY RECEIVED I saw your interesting note on the Royal Oak web site about the unveiling of the plaque in 1948 at St Magnus. You may be interested to know that the Abrahams were an old established Jewish family from Plymouth (the 2nd oldest synagogue in the UK ) and all saw distinguished service in WW1 and WW2 as naval pilots and crew as well as naval photographers. One of the brothers was ship's photographer on the Repulse, sunk by the Japanese in 1942, but happily survived and was shipped with some lucky others to Australia. We have in our Jewish Military Museum in Hendon, London, a huge photo album which belonged to the family, discovered at a car boot sale, and shows their history and includes many military photos of members of the family. We had several Jewish sailors on the Royal Oak. Martin Sugarman, Archivist, Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women of the UK - AJEX martin.sugarman@yahoo.co.uk |
| James Arthur Smith
(Click on image for a larger version) |
| John Furlong
I found your web site very informitive. I would appreicate if anyone had Photos or information on John Furlong lost at Scapa Flow 13/10/39. He was son of William and Margeret Furlong Wexford Ireland. He would have been 19 years old at the time. lydaogrady@yahoo.ie |
 Oil painting
Hi saw your website and thought you might be interested in this picture i purchased at a boot sale in Portsmouth. its in oils on a board backed canvas you cant see the complete word oak but I'm sure that's what it is kosmos244@yahoo.co.uk Click on the photo for a larger version |
| HMS Pegasus
Dear Peter, |
 Robert (Bob) Wyatt
Dear Peter, (Click on image for a larger version) |
| AWJ Diable
Reading your articles on the Royal Oak, I was wondering if you could assist me in resolving the following: Update
Royal Palace Dec 3/38 Dear Mr Diable May 5/39 Dear Mr Diable |
| Rear Admiral Blagrove
http://www.admirals.org.uk/admirals/radm/blagrovehec.htm Rear Admiral Blagrove who was lost in HMS Royal Oak is featured in the above website. nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk |
| E Clements
I have recently lost my Great Grandmother and just before she passed away she was showing me some old photo's that she had recently found in the box was a photo of her brother E Clements and on the back of the photo were the words HMS Royal Oak. I have just been looking at your web site and noticed that one of the people that died was in fact a E Clements. Regards |
 Reg Birch, survivor
I recently located the above photos both noted on the back as HMS Royal Oak. I wrote to you some time ago (my note is still on your family request page). Reg survived the sinking - he is on the right in both photos but the other sailors are un-named. Regards, Malcolm Birch birchfamily@optusnet.com.au
(Click on images for a larger version) |
 Royal Oak Survivor Henry Balch
This is a photo of my Grandfather, HMS Royal Oak Survivor Henry Balch. My Grandfather is seen here 'Standing' the fellow seated is either a relation or close oppo. They are seen here in their No2 fore and arf and was probably taken in 1940-41. nottage2005@hotmail.co.uk (Click on the image for a larger version) |
|
I have attached a photo of Joseph Arthur Cutler from Hull in East Yorkshire who went down with the Oak. He was my Grandma's brother. The date on the back of the photo is 16/5/39. We believe he died shortly before his 20th birthday. His death record said he was a blacksmith 5th Class. K.Gilfillan pandora666@pandora666.karoo.co.uk(Click on the image for a larger version) |
|
Dear Peter, I am sad to inform you that Peter Morris, survivor of the Oak passed away in Portsmouth on 8th February 2007 after a short illness. He was 88 years old but still able to vividly recount his memories of that tragic day to his Grandhildren and Great Grandhilden, plus anyone else who would listen! He will be greatly missed by all his family and large circle of friends. Regards Barry & Ann Hugo (Nee Morris) Hugobaznann@aol.com (Click on the image for a larger version) |
|
John Atter My father, John Atter, was a survivor of the Royal Oak and, as was the habit of many stories from the war, he told us very little about it. I only know that he managed to survive because he was on a watch boat at the time. He was only 21 and went on to serve on many other ships including HMS Glasgow and HMS Vanguard. Unfortunately, my father died in 1986 and we gleaned very little more about the Royal Oak. He was a regular attendee at the reunions in Portsmouth until, I think, 1985. I was speaking to a serving naval officer recently and I was very moved to hear that, when they are in Scapa Flow, the ship's flag is lowered to half-mast and the entire crew observe a minute's silence. This apparently applies to every Royal Navy ship that passes over the wreck of the Royal Oak. Not much information, I know, but Dad would have liked me to contribute. Lorraine Lunn (nee Atter) 10/5/07 |
|
For many a long year now I have had a piece of naval history sitting outside my dining room which I purchased for £25 from a local follies shop and I have always wondered about its origin, the stewards who would have banged it and the officers who would have responded to its call. Godfrey Dykes 10/5/07 |
|
E. D. Densham I remember my late mother telling me about her parents stopping their neighbour of theirs from listing to the radio all day so she did not her about the sinking of the Royal Oak until she was told that he was safe It was the mother of E D Densham, who was one of the survivor. J.S.Evans 10/5/07 |
|
(Click on image for a larger version) My husband and I have just returned from a holiday in South Africa. We thought you might be interested to learn that my cousin Myrna Lumley, sister to ERNEST BRYMER, who died on the Royal Oak, was able to show me a cutting that was published at the time of the disaster. We photographed it and so I am able to attach it for your interest. Regards, 10/5/07 |
|
George Olive I have just discovered your website whilst looking for crew information on Sailors who served on the Royal Oak. Regards |
|
J.T.Pearce (Click on image for a larger version)
I have attached a couple if pictures and a copy of the telegram from my own collection. Please feel free to use them on your web site. The pictures may be pre WW2, I'm not too sure of the date, but the medals may be a clue. If anyone does contact you in the future with information on J.T.Pearce, please let me know. I believe he later went on to serve on the HMS Shropshire. Cheers |
|
Up to date e mail address for Rob Knight? Hello Peter, Its Brian Godwin as you may remember my uncle Thomas was lost on the royal oak in 1939 and we have e-mailed each other many times over the last year. Kind Regards 10/5/07 |
|
Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M
Thank you for all your help and e-mails in the past, Agnesmcb@aol.com |
|
Letter from John Gatt to a survivor
Please find attached the scan of John Gatt's Letter. I have also included a couple of photographs, one is of my father (Corporal H Pattison RM) with the inevitable cigarette, the other is of four of his shipmates I think they were taken onboard Royal Oak, but can't be certain. Have you seen the January 2007 issue No. 630 of Navy News. They have an article (Page 20) on the pumping out of the oil from Royal Oak with some excellent side scan sonar pictures of Royal Oak taken in 2006. They also have some of the article and more pictures on their website http://www.navynews.co.uk/articles/2006/0612/0006122101.asp. I believe the Royal Oak ships crest the Navy News show on page 20 to be incorrect and have emailed the Navy New editor suggesting it is incorrect. Regards Mike Pattison mike.pattison@tiscali.co.uk |
|
George Arthur East Could anyone help me in my search for my Great Gandfather George Arthur East (known as Digger), he served on Hms Royal Oak & I know he joined the Navy in time for WW1, other than that I have very little information. There is also a family story that he was one of the first divers for the Navy to use a diving suit, but trying to investigate that i would understand that he should of perhaps been on Hms Excellent although I am beginning to think it maybe a myth! I would really appreciate any info & congratulations on such a great site. many thanks Clare Chapman clarey59@btopenworld.com |
|
R. W. Huscroft I am looking for information on R.W Huscroft who died on the HMS Royal Oak. He may be my great uncle or my dads cousin, i would like to know his full name and what he did in his private life as my family want to know more about our relatives and we think we could know more with your help. Thank you very much, Carol Huscroft |
|
We are a seafaring family from the Hull area, our tradition is of merchant navy, local tugs on the river Humber and north sea and the Royal Navy Recently after the death of my father who was ex Ark Royal I found in some effects a "Royal Oak" cap marker My fathers brother, whom I am named after died on the Oak although he was a champion swimmer, that ia the extent of my knowledge! This contact to you simply as a result of entering the ships name as a search but I am just interested to know more about my uncle and how he actually died or speak to a survivor who knew him maybe best Wishes Clive Edward Jones clive@edwardjones.karoo.co.uk |
|
George Davidson McGregor - Update I sent a letter to the Managing Director of the Pipex.com and they forwarded a letter to Wilson Lee for me. Wilson Lee has since been in touch via letter saying he purchased the medals at a market in 1970. Although the 3 medals say they are George Douglas McGregor and not Davidson, I'm sure there can't be any mistake... there was only 1 George McGregor who lost his life on the Oak. I'll let you know of the outcome in due course. I need to reply to his letter which is hand written. My thanks again for your help. Mark P.S. I mentioned to Pipex that I would keep them informed and if their PR department would like to publicise it in local or natioinal press or alike etc. |
|
Douglas William Victor Sheldrick Peter, It might be of interest? My father was on the Royal Oak the night she went down. He was Stoker KX 95686 - Douglas William Victor Sheldrick. Fortunately, he survived, thanks to the gallant rescuers that prevailed that fatefull night. Dad served on many warships later on after The Oak, one of which was the King George V and was serving on that ship when the Bismark was sunk. War was a terrible thing Dad used to say nevertheless he was proudly keen to serve his country. Dad pasted away 31/10/2002, in hospital - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He was 83. I had his ashes committed to sea via Royal Australian Navy and they were scattered in South Pacific Ocean off Nth.Queensland - a bit warmer than Scapa Flow. He is sailing again. God bless him and rest in peace. Kindest Regards, Mike Sheldrick. e-mail: mike.sheldrick@shute-eng.com.au |
|
Contact made through the website Royal Marine Kenneth Joseph John Wood One of my father's former comrades in the Royal Marines and, like him, a survivor of the sinking of the Royal Oak was able to contact my family recently thanks to your website. This would probably never have happened but for your enterprise! With sincere thanks, Yours faithfully, John R Wood (Father was Royal Marine Kenneth Joseph John Wood. He died on 27 April 1963 at Acton in Suffolk). |
|
Able Seaman Harold Brown
I have attached a photo of him sent to his late Mother showing the signet ring he had purchased with money sent for his 'coming of age' birthday. This was the last correspondence his family ever received from him. I hope you can make use of the photograph on your site. If I may request from other families out there with any photographs of the original memorial service held in Kirkwall, I would really appreciate the chance to have some photographs of this. My late Father got some for my late Grandmother but they don't seem to have survived her lifetime which is rather sad for me. Eileen Charnley Derby Click on image to enlarge |
| Cyril. J. Stanley
(Click image for a larger version)
Cyril joined the Navy as a recruit at the age of fifteen years old, he completed his training as part of the crew of the HMS Ganges and was then posted to the Royal Oak. He was aged only seventeen when he was lost Myself and Dad are travelling to Scapa Flow for this years memorial service (14th October 06) and would like to kindly request that you post Cyril's picture onto your 'Family Notices' section of your web site in the hope that somebody might have any further details of his time in the Navy, either whilst training or on board the Royal Oak Again many thanks for your work with the web site - excellent Best Regards Andy & Richard Stanley astanley@abeng.co.uk or richard.stanley@virgin.net |
|
Albert Edward Hicks I am writing in the hope that you can help me with finding some photos. My grandfather, Albert Edward Hicks, went down with the Royal Oak. I am suprising my father and bringing him to visit the war grave in early January (18 -21). As well as that I'd like to make him a book with photos and information in as this is something he has always talked about and is very emotional about. I noticed on your site a section named 'new crew photos', on this there is a picture of torpedomen on their lunchbreak on the Royal Oak. I would very much like to buy or copy this photograph if possible as the man in the centre of the picture, I am certain is my grandfather. Can you help. I have emailed the contact name of the person who supplied them but have had no reply. It would mean the world to me if I could obtain some of these photographs. Many thanks Claire Hicks |
|
Last photo of Royal Oak? Please find attached photograph of the Royal Oak which was taken by a relation of mine. I had Kenneth Toop have a look at it last year, and although its not too clear as the original was so small he identified it as the Royal Oak. I wonder if this could be only only picture ever taken as she lay at anchor below the cliffs at Gaitnip, as I am sure that photography would have been extremely restricted during the war. I though you may want to add it to your website. I wonder how long before the sinking this may have been taken, maybe you know how long she was at anchor in that position before the sinking? My relation worked in Scapa Flow before the war on the tugs which were used during the salvage of the German Fleet, but I must find out hat his job was during the war. This was one of only around 12 photographs which I have in my possession from him, the others show tugs and the upturned hulls of some of the salvaged wrecks as well as a couple of other bits and pieces. With the anniversary coming round again, it came back into my mind. All the best Craig Taylor craig@orkneytoday.co.uk |
|
Harold William Gill i have just done some research trying to find one of my great grandfathers, his name was Harold william Gill, Service no:P/KX76025 (Leading Stoker) on board the H.M.S Royal Oak. survivors list shows that he wasn't one of them and the lost list shows him on it. but there is some confusion with his date of death. the ship sank on 13/10/1939 and my grandfather died on 14/10/1939 and he is not at the lyoness naval cemetry. i dont know where he is buried and until my family find out then we cant grieve or finally lay him to rest properly. i would like to know if there are any survivors who knew him or could give me some advice about where to start looking. thanks e-mail: wolfboy059@aol.com |
|
James Verdun Hearn Good morning, I have just found your website about the Royal Oak. My father, James Verdun Hearn was one of the survivors and I think that when he passed away 20 years ago we found his naval papers. I believe my elder brother gave them to someone in Chester le Street, Co. Durham (where we were born) who was doing some research on the ship. My father always said that he was on deck having a cigarette when the ship was hit, he ended up in the water (unable to swim) and was eventually picked up by a rescue ship. He spent his 21st birthday (dob 5.11.1918) in the burns unit of (I believe) Aberdeen hospital. I know that when he went into the water he was on fire but amazingly the only evidence of this was a slight scar under his left arm where his vest had melted into his skin. This he said was due to the excellent treatment at the hospital. He would often tell me of his travels - I know he spent some time in Malta - on a holiday some 20 years ago I met a man who was also on the Oak while sitting in a bar in Valetta (it is a small world). If you have come across mention of my father in any of your research I would be grateful if you could let me know as I am sure my sister and 2 brothers would also be interested in any information you may have. Unfortunately, our mother also passed away 11 years ago so we cannot ask her for any information. I also have the book Black Saturday and my father is mentioned in it. Regards Beatrice Mason |
|
George C Pollard I have discovered that the name of my great uncle was George C Pollard not George E Pollard, it just goes to show how very little information I have avalaible on this member of my family. I hope now someone who visits your web site will be able to forward some information to me regarding George and maybe even a photo of what he looked like as none exsists within my family. Regards Sean Smith seananthonysmith@aol.com |
|
Thomas George Godwin 1913-1939 H.M.S. St Vincent, H.M.S. Aberdeen, H.M.S. Malaya, H.M.S. Royal Oak The picture shows Tommy (left) with a shipmate from H.M.S. Malaya. This is the piece that was in the Portsmouth Evening news, Oct 1939: Mr and Mrs Godwin of Westbourne are still puzzled over the fate of their son, Leading Telegraphist, Thomas George Godwin. Not many weeks ago they received a letter from him written in his usual cheerful manner. He was at that time attached to an escort ship. When news of the loss of the Royal Oak became known, his mother was on a visit to Portchester and while there tendered sympathy to the families of the bereaved. She was about to purchase a birthday card and send it to her son for his 26th birthday. After arriving home, she decided to send him a greetings telegram. Husband or Son When his birthday arrived however, she was sadly surprised to receive a letter from the Admiralty indicating that he had been lost. But the letter included the word husband', so she felt that a mistake had been made. However, later that day the news was confirmed that in fact it was her son that had died on the Royal Oak. Obvious Mistake "I had no idea that he was on that ill fated ship, even when the first letter arrived I knew it must be a mistake, it was addressed to 'the wife of' not 'the mother'. When the second letter came showing the confusion had arisen over the names Goodwin and Godwin, it was clear that my son was one of the victims." First Westbourne Casualty "I received the first letter on his 26th birthday. It felt strange that Dad and I thought that our boy was safe on an escort ship. He is the first casualty from the village and we hope the last, everyone spoke very highly of him". Brian Godwin brian.godwin@sky.com |
|
Official report of the sinking A number of people have asked for details on the availability of copies of the official report including interviews with survivors. If you or any readers can inform me how I can obtain a copy I will be grateful of the information. My father L/S L G Squires did not survive the sinking. Regards Robert F Squires rfsquires@btopenworld.comRobert. |
|
Royal Oak ID A friend of mine asked me if I could identify the ship in a photograph which he had been given, because he knew I was interested in maritime history he thought I may be able to help. I realized the ship in question was from the 'R' class battleships, and in fact, after referring to my collection of books I identified the ship as HMS Royal Oak. What made the ID positive was the cutaways on both port and starboard bow just forward of 'A' turret, I have been unable to find any reference to these features and I was wondering if you could through some light on this matter. I think the 'R' class ships have had a bad press over the years mainly because Churchill considered them 3rd rate ships mainly due to their low speed. Great website. J E Todd james.todd453@ntlworld.com |
|
Thomas Moylan I have just found your HMS Royal Oak website and would be interested to trace anyone who has any further information on my great great uncle, Able Seaman Thomas Moylan (P/J 9494) who sadly went down with the ship in 1939. He was the son of James and Florence Moylan and married to Matilda Moylan and they lived in West Norwood, Surrey. Any photos would be appreciated. Many thanks for a wonderful website. Kind regards Nina Spencer-Holmes |
|
U47 rescue? I have a small corollary story to the sinking of the Royal Oak. I don't suppose this story will add anything to your work, but I thought it worth passing on. With best regards, |
1919 photo
I have taken a photo of my photograph to try to show the ingenuity of photography way back in 1919. The photograph shows the entire crew of the Royal Oak positioned in a huge semi circle underneath one of her guns, the camera is clockwork operated and take one continual shot from one side to the other that results in a flat end result. My grandfather is in the middle quite close to the Captain, he had the picture rolled up in a cupboard for seventy years so I had it mounted under glass to protect it, that's his original hat band as well. If I can find somewhere able to copy the photo without damaging it then I might consider making replicas to pass on to descendants that have relatives in the photo. When looking at the photo almost all the faces are clearly visible and I find it very haunting to look at the vast array of men that served onboard her at this time. Hope this is of interest Rgds John Jacobs crackerj33@btinternet.com |
|
Leslie William Wiggins As the proud great nephew of Leslie William Wiggins who lost his life on the Royal Oak, I would be very thankful if either yourself or anyone else would have any information with regard to my great uncle. My Grandfather recently passed away and losing his brother at a young age was clearly a very sore topic of conversation with him so I did not ask many questions on the subject. However my Grandfather did give me Leslie's toolbox and I am very proud to have this in my possession. It is believed that there was a photograph of Leslie in uniform but after his death this disappeared. My Grandfather did not have any photographs of him. Below is some information which I have gathered LESLIE WILLIAM WIGGINS Ordnance Artificer 4th Class, P/MX 55597, H.M.S. Royal Oak, Royal Navy Who died on Saturday 14 October 1939. Age 23 Son of William Edward and Ada Millicent Wiggins, of Dartford, Kent. PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, Panel 35, Column 3. I am now approaching my 21st Birthday and it saddens me greatly to think my great uncle did not see much past that age. Any information would be greatly appreciated by my family Thanks Louis Wiggins |
| G D McGregor - Wilson Lee please make contact
About halfway down this page there is an entry from a Wilson Lee at email address dwf@dsl.pipex.com this is what he wrote: "G D McGregor - Help wanted I am proud to say that I am the Great Nephew of Goerge Davidson McGregor who died on the Royal Oak. As far as I know there is no memorial or grave for George other than the official war grave at Scapa Flow. I've never been told about a brother in the RAF... perhaps Aunt Nel (George's sister now dead) and Uncle Fred from Dunfermline neglected to tell me that. I know there were 5 brothers (including George.) and 3 sisters; George, Harry, Fred, Bobby, ?(1 brother's name is not known)?, Jessie, Nel and Jemima. I don't know the brother's whereabouts but Harry went to Australia and came over to Britain a long time ago and one brother may have gone to Canada. Jessie still lives in Newcastle Upon Tyne with her husband Dennis Shippen. Can you be a relative of one of these? My Father is very keen to meet anyone from his mother's side of the family as we've had his father's genealogy done some time ago. I've tried emailing Lee but it was undeliverable (dwf@dsl.pipex.com). Lee, If you come back to this site can you please get in touch? I have a feeling you must be related if you have George's medals. My family and I would like very much to talk to you and perhaps meet. Thank you Mark Robinson Jim Bentley This is probably a long shot but thought I would throw out a hook. I'm sure he is looking down right now and cursing me for sending this email, but I'd like to lay his mind to rest and return it to it's home in some way. How can I best achieve this? I am a qualified diver and I'd also like to dive the wreck. I'm particulary intersted in the card game story and would like to hear from anyone who knew my Grandfather. Regards Carl Bentley carl_bentley@hotmail.com bentley.carl@gmail.com Ellis Willcock Dear Peter, thank you for a really good webpage. I've been doing some research into the above Telegraphist, who was my wife's uncle, and who sadly perished on the "Oak" when she was torpedoed. We visited Orkney last September, and it was heartening to see that the ship and men are respectfully remembered. In St. Magnus' Cathedral the Oak's bell is hung with a book of Remembrance below in a glass case. Every week a page is turned to display another set of names of those who died, and these are remembered in prayers. The Museum in Kirkwall also has a number of research documents and a copy of the book extant in the Cathedral. we were able to purchase a video there which we had viewed in the centre, and which was a story of the battleship and its demise. The day that we went to see the site of the sinking was fair, and the sun and sea combined to portray a very beautiful and serene setting of its resting place. We are again off to Orkney this weekend, and will be revisiting the site, along with the other sites of historical and archeological interest. I am sure that your other users may find the orkney.org page of some use in finding out a bit more about their families. We'll probably be revisiting Orkney again later in the year, so if your readers have any requests that someone on the ground can help with ,then send me an email. We also intend to go to the Memorial at Southsea during the Summer to see Ellis' name, but I understand that the Navy have cocked up in spelling his name incorrectly as Willcox (nothing new there then!) Rob Knight roblizknight@hotmail.com I'm currently restoring my ship badges which are hung on the walls of my Aunt and Uncles Pub in Pompey and have just restored their HMS Royal Oak Badge this weekend. Its made of Plaster of Paris and these badges would of been given out to VIPs and Organisations that visited the ships.
R. D. James News of Old Boys Extract from County Express 21st October 1939 It was with the deepest regret that the boys and staff of Old Swinford Hospital, Stourbridge, learned that among those lost in the sinking of H M S Royal Oak was R D James, Clifton-on-Teme, an old boy of the school. He entered the school in September 1928 and left in December 1936. By that time he was a prefect, and had been captain of the School Rugby, Association Football and Cricket teams. As a prefect he led the school in its corporate life, and set an inspiring example to the younger boys, but it was on the playing field that he was at his best. He was not merely captain in name but proved himself a real leader-encouraging the others, never sparing himself and always in the thick of it. Coupled with this was his very cheerful disposition. He was a true Scout who smiled and whistled under difficulties. The Headmaster awards a medal each year to the boy who the school thinks has done most for the school during the year and it was no surprise that 'Jaker' as everyone called him, received his before he left. Some time after leaving, James decided to join the Royal Navy. He was stationed at Portsmouth, where he was trained to become a gunner. During his leaves he invariably paid visits to the school. It was on his last visit in May that it was learned that he was to join H M S Royal Oak. Now comes the news that before reaching the age of 19 he has given his life for his country. |
|
Eric Whitmore I am Martin and am sending this e-mail from Malta. A few weeks ago i came across and subsequently bought an old book. When opening this book i found (to my surprise!!) that it was signed. The writing goes as follows 'To seargent's mess Ghajn Tuffieha from Seargent E. Whitmore Royal Oak 1939. Investigations later revealed to me that Sgt.Whitmore died when HMS Royal Oak was sunk. I was just wondering if you would be able to give me information about Sgt. Whitmore's family. Thanks and keep up the good work, Martin Micallef |
Eric Whitmore Please find attached a photograph (right) of my Great great Uncle, Eric Whitmore, who died on the HMS Royal Oak, we believe he was 21 when he died and that his date of birth was the 21st October. Could you please forward his photograph to anyone who requires shipmates photographs. Many Thanks, Georgina Wilkinson |
Click on image for a larger version |
|
Invergordon library Hi, I live in North Scotland (married to an Orcadian) and I lived in Kirkwall for many years. My late father in law was a Legion man, so we knew much about the history of the Royal Oak. I was surfing a local site about the history of Invergordon, the site is www.theoldhometown.com, and from there you can access a photo library of Invergordon. My point is that they have a photo of the Royal Oak Band marching in Invergordon, and according to the site, the ship then set sail for Scapa Flow. I don't know if it is a well known photo or not, just thought I would pass it on. Any problems accessing the site, give me a shout. Linda linda14anne@tesco.net |
Kenneth Clayton My father, Lt.Cdr Kenneth Bernard Clayton, was a survivor of the Royal Oak disaster, and often told me of his experiences that night. He knew from very early on that it was a torpedo attack, as not only was he in the dynamo room well below the armored deck and heard the three torpedos strike in turn (he felt that two were one side of the room where he was and the other on the other side, but it appears from your site that the three strikes were quite close together), but he also saw the pieces of the German torpedos that were recovered (he was a Torpedo Officer aboard; he later ran MX department (the experimental mine department) at HMS Vernon. Fortunately the room where he was had access out through the armoured deck, and so he was able to climb out onto a mess deck. He got out of a porthole while the ship was on its side, and found himself on the side of the ship before it turned turtle and flung him into the water. He always was a strong swimmer, but he did suffer problems resulting from the ingestion of fuel, and had skin problems for many years. He died about ten years ago. Not long before I met a Colonel Ward whose father had survived, he was the First Lieutenant - and my father remembered him well RegardsTony Clayton |
|
|
Henry Balch My Late Grandfather 'Lead Cook Henry Balch P/MX48390 was serving in HMS Royal Oak the night she was torpedo and survivied her sinking. He was 27 years old and managed to squeeze himself out through a scuttle in a Wardroom Pantry and into the cold oilcovered waters of the Flow, he came across an oilsoaked baulk of timber which he said was part of the waterline rubbing strake and was joined by a Ordinance Artificer and the pair paddle about until eventually being picked up by boat. Henry Lost his brother 'Percy' in HMS Hood in 1941 and went on to serve for 26 years. Michael Nottage. 'Grandson'. |
Henry Balch |
Funnel caps?
I still look at your video periodically and I recently discovered a book which, although primarily about HMS Royal Sovereign/Archangelsk does mention Royal Oak. The book refers to the distinctive (to me unsightly) funnel caps - or clinker screens as they were sometimes called - fitted to the R class battleships. Apparently Resolution received hers in 1922 but Royal Sovereign and Ramillies (not clear about Revenge) did not get theirs until some time in World War Two. Do you happen to know if Royal Oak had one? Or was she sunk too early in the War? I have seen photographs of her pre-1939 without a funnel cap. Trevor Tremethick TrebarAssocs@aol.com |
|
Ernest Brymer Dear Peter, I have been working for two years on family research for my father, Claude Athol Kroon, who served in the last world war. His war tales have only recently been told to me and that set me off on trails to see what I could find out about his family for him. All this has led to me finding many new relatives some of whom I have met. I have come to you via Leonie Runcie another cousin. My father had a cousin he particularly valued called Ernest Brymer. Ernest was the child of Jessie Bester, a sister of my grandmother. Jessie was married to David Brymer. Ernest is listed on the memorial at Southsea as having died on the Royal oak. He still has a sister alive in South Africa. I was wondering as none of us have a photo of Ernie, if any one remembers him and can recognise him in the pictures on your site. We would all apreciate anything in the way of information about Ernie. I believe he was born in Cape Town, trained on the General Botha and came to the Royal Oak from the S.A. Navy. He certainly left home very young and did not return. Thank you for anything you can add. Any one is welcome to contact me on my email address. lisaudigier@eircom.net Or write to me E.M.Audigier, at Mole Hill House, Molesworth, Huntingdon, CAMBS.PE280QD |
Ernest Brymer Dear Peter, (Mrs. L. Runcie, nee Laslett) email: mruncie77@yahoo.co.uk |
George Hamblin I found your site on Sunday after watching the documentary on Ark Royal and wondering if anything had been done on Royal Oak. I did see some on Coast in Orkney that talked of the wreck and showed the coastline. It does look a beautiful, peaceful place and so was very comforting to think that it is my uncle's final resting place. I didn't know him as my parents didn't meet until after the war, but he was a great favourite with all of my mother's family. He seems to have been very popular with everyone he met. I don't know very much about his service career, except that he was a Royal Marine; or why he chose to go to sea. The Hamblin's lived in Oxford City centre so the sea would not be an obvious choice, or perhaps it is? A colleague of his visited the family afterwards (I'm sorry, I don't know his name) and seemed to vaguely hint that George might have escaped but then perished helping others. I don’t know if this is likely to be true but does seem a little unlikely in the confusion. I wonder also, at the other Hamblin (HJ) on the lost page? Do you know if they were related? Hamblin is a fairly unusual name, so I would be very grateful if you could shed any light on this. I'm sorry I'm not being helpful in furthering your quest to develop the site, but rather asking questions of you. I would like to thank you, though, for producing such a respectful and dignified site and know that George's family would have been pleased and honoured that their son and brother had been remembered in this way. Best wishes Pauline Graham |
|
David West Hello My father's brother, David West lost his life on the Royal Oak. I've never known much about him. Any information would be appreciated. Joyce McGlone win19@btinternet.com |
Edward Cox Hi Peter, My name is Sally Cooke (nee Cox), I have just recently started my family tree and i asked my grandad (Herbert Cox) about any of his brothers/sisters & he told me that his younger brother Edward Cox was one of the brave men who perished on The Royal Oak at Scapa Flow in 1939, He was born in Bilston with all the rest of his brothers/sisters. I would be very grateful of any information you have on my grandads brother or even if anyone who reads this message that know of Edward Cox, Family, Friends or even survivors that are still alive today. Thank You Mrs Sally Cooke Email Address: cookesally2@aol.com |
 |
hi peter, attatched is a photo of a some brass ware which is apparently from the hms royal oak ,it was bought from a car boot sale in morecamb lancs and was owned by mrs hilton whom ran the royal oak pub in pickford st macclesfield for many years she tells me , apparently the pub was full of items from the royal oak she and said this was the last item she had left after selling the pub in the late eighties , i cannot confirm this but you may know if it is a genuine item , if it is a genuine item and you would like better images for your web site please contact me and i will do all I can , i came across your website surfing the net as i have a small dinghy 17 footer and like anything to do with ships cheers denis dennbo_1@hotmail.com |
 |
My uncle who died a few years ago left some items one of which i believe has some connection with the Royal oak or a Captain of the Royal Oak. I am told this item may be from a boat or a Yacht possible owned or used by the Captain. I do not know if the Captain in question is your relative but i do have some paper work in Orkney that may help. Can you shed any light on the object? Sorry about the poor quality of the Jpeg. Regards Stan Harris stanleyharris@hotmail.com |
|
Construction drawings on CD You remember the construction drawings made by my Grandfather which are on your site - well as a result of nagging by Mark Loughlin who is a salvage officer who works on Royal Oak occasionally, I have now made a high resolution scan of each and put them on a CD - a total of 108 files. Perhaps you could put the fact that this is available on your web site. I was thinking of suggesting a contribution of 5 pounds each to cover the costs of materials and postage if anyone wants one. If this is OK with you perhaps you could suggest people email me if they want one and I will sort it out from there. Steve Dooley steve.dooley@stevedooleyassociates.com |
Mark Stephens Hello Peter, have just found your website on the sinking of the Royal Oak, brilliant well done, I lost my uncle Mark W Stephens, I did not have any info at all about the sinking, I didn't even know his name was on the memorial at Southsea. I am now 70 years old, and Marks sister, (my Mother is still going strong) a grand child of my Mother found the website, and it was very emotional, thank you. |
|
James Ross Hello my name is Andrew Johnson and I come from a small fishing village in the north of Scotland called Balintore where there was a number of men who were on the Royal Oak I too have a interest in the royal oak and was very privileged as a child to spend many a afternoon talking with one of the survivors James Ross or jimmy as we knew him im delighted to have found your site and may I say it is an excellent monument to those who survived and also those who did not keep up the good work Yours sincerely Andrew Johnson andrewj@newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk John Brown Just found your web page, and it was so sad to read the letters, as my uncle John Brown, of Byker, Newcastle - On - Tyne. was one who lost his life, he was a brother of my mother who passed away when i was only 18 yrs old, but remember her talking about John, if there is any-one out there who can give me any info, or copies of photo's i would be more than grateful. Yours Sincerely, George E Pollard Peter |
His widow Vera Kathleen Benney has just died at the age of 98 years. I wonder if anyone from the remaining survivors remembers my Dad? He was nicknamed 'smiler' because he was always happy. He was duty electrical artificer at the time of the sinking and was at the main switchboard when the lights failed. I enclose an attachment file containing my Father’s picture.After this tragedy, my mother met a survivor who told her that my father tried to get on to the Daisy but there was no room and he was sent to another boat at the back of the ship. He got into this with others and then they found that there was no way to release it from the Royal Oak and they all had to swim for it of go down with the ship. My father’s body was later recovered and he has been buried at Lyness cemetery with full naval honours. My son and I hope to go to the Orkneys next year to see his grave as no member of his family apart from a younger brother who was also in the Navy has been able to visit it. This I wish to do on behalf of my late mother who thankfully after 66 years is now reunited with him. I am using my daughter’s email address and she will pass any messages on to me. While typing this I am also enquiring about Petty Officer George Pope who went back down into the Royal Oak to try and save his young crewmen and therefore lost his life too. I am in contact with his son and daughter and can also pass information back to her if anyone remembers him. We feel sure that our Dads must have known each other. Sheila West C/o stella@pethick.co.uk |
|
Cyril Phelps I've always been intrigued by the Royal Oak disaster as my maternal grandmother's first husband - Leading Telegraphist, Cyril PHELPS was killed on this ship (from TREHERBERT, Rhondda Valley). I can see that he is named on your roll-call. Unfortunately he was never really spoken about by my grandmother (now deceased) and it is as though she must have completely removed all material traces of his existence out of her life after he was killed. By the end of the war she had re-married and had a child (my mother). Carys Hutchings |
|
I found your site while researching my grandfarther's naval career which ran from 1916 - 1945. He was on Royal Oak from 21 June 1932 until 25 April 1934 and the following postcards were amongst my grandmother's papers. The first is marked "in the launch 1932" - my grandfather, Able Seaman Jack Cullingford, is second from the left; I don't know who the others in the launch were or where it was taken. The other was sent to my mother, probably early in 1933 as it thanks her for her christmas card. I have been unable to find out much about where Royal Oak was during the early 1930s so far - do you have any information ? Emma Maitland ECMaitland@aol.com |
|
William and Douglas Manwaring
Two of my Wife's three Uncles, William and Douglas Manwaring, were amongst the crew who perished. This occurred before she was born. Best Wishes, |
| Captain W. G. Benn
Dear Peter, Your email today with an update on the site has prompted me to send you three photographs I managed to track down within the family. Best wishes, |
|
H. H. Spicer
My uncle - whom I never knew - died on the HMS "Royal Oak". His name was Hugh Hunter Spicer and I attach a watercolour painting which - I understand - was painted by a fellow crew member shortly before the ship was lost. Hugh Spicer |
| Thomas Chadick
Dear Peter best wishes always |
Dear Peter. (Click on photo for a larger image)
Looking through some old photo's in my fathers 'Ditty Box,' I come across one which you may be interested in. It was taken at HMS Cunningham, a training establishment at Douglas, in the Isle of Man. Previously a holiday camp (Cunningham's camp) taken over by the RN during the war. |
| A. Vallance
My Uncle, Alexander Vallance was on this ship but I can not find his name in any of the memorials. He has left us now but I would like to have a photo if any are available of him on the ship Estarkliz@aol.com |
|
David Llewellyn Griffiths Morse I have just returned from a holiday in Malta and a friend (Paul Mallia) I see there says he has been in contact with you. I realise that you told him you do not have anything specific on the person I am researching on behalf of the Wincanton Royal British Legion but I would be very grateful if you have any tips etc that may help me get information on him. |
Albert Jewell
My great uncle Albert Jewell and his best friend since childhood Jennings were both killed on the Royal Oak. Before her death in the early 70's Jenning's mother gave me a ship's bell which she had kept next to her son's photo since his death telling everyone that it was from the ship. For the last 30 odd years it has travelled around the world with me from one Army installation to another but I now think that I should return it to England if it is, in fact , from the ship. But how do I know if it is just a family story or really from the ship? Please let me know how I go about this if you can. Nicola Holland |
 PeterI have typed out the following, which are the exact notes from an interview with my father Barry Hawes, now aged 87. The interview took place on 29th November 1958 for the book Black Saturday by Alexander McKee. Background: I joined the Royal Marines in 1936 and The Oak in 1939. A day or so before, after our return from sea, I was drunk ashore. I was brought back and laid on the quarterdeck. I woke up in the cells and got 1 & 1 (which was 1 days pay and 1 days leave stopped). 13th October There was a Marine in the cells that day, don't remember his name though I knew him well. He was a bad lad, well-in with the chap who ran the Fraz School in the canteen. The Royal Oak was a gambling ship: The Fraz School, a Shoot School, a Pontoon School and a Crown and Anchor School, a choice of card games. These took place in the canteen, commonly known as Monte Carlo. It was very well organised with a proper system of look-outs, I remember one chap had over £50 and kept it in a specially made belt. Anyway, the bad lad who helped organise this had got into trouble and was in the cells. He usually slept in the boathouse flat with Slug Sandforth. If he had been there and not in the cells, he would have been killed. Being a bad boy saved his life! I slept on the Marines messdeck, on the starboard side, the mess next to the bulkhead forward. 14th October First Explosion I thought it sounded like a hatch falling on the deck above. We all jumped out of our hammocks. Someone came in and said 'Come on, get back in your hammocks'. I did so, and lay there feeling dozy but not asleep. Second Explosion The Admiral's Pantry In the Water The Pegasus So that's how my Dad remembers his terrifying ordeal that day. Julie Jenner |
|
Ernie Newnham |
| J. P. Wilkins Peter, I have only recently been made aware of your web site and I would be grateful if my Fathers service record could be added. I started to research my Family History in 1990. I was a 13 month old baby born in Portsmouth when my Father was killed and I wanted to know his service history. I applied to RN records office as you see by the above address on his record list and gratefully they sent it to me and maybe others my need to do the same. Also I noted the entry on the two boy buglers :- Mountford H.C.L. and PRIESTLY A.J. My good friend Jim Sholl served with these two lads who lost there lives on the Oak. He passed out also as a Royal Marine boy bugler but was sent for duty elsewhere. |
I have tried to contact the E Mail address attached to that entry but with no avail, Jim would be more than willing to write or speak to any relatives who would be interested. We are going to Kirkwall in May this year to visit the wreck site and pay our respects to those who lost their lives and my thanks to Christine Spratt my old school friend who gave me the information regarding the Royal Oak web site anyone who wishes to contact me may do so via my E mail address. Thank you sincerely Bryan.J.WILKINS wilkins_bryan@yahoo.com |
Click on image for a larger version |
Click on image for a larger version |
Click on image for a larger version |
Click on image for a larger version |
| Edward Stewart
Please can you help me. I'm trying to trace back my family tree but not getting very far. |
| C F Hemsley
Hi Peter, Please find attached a photograph of C F Hemsley (Frank) with permission from Kathryn Trower to publish it on your website, unfortunately Kath knows very little about her uncle, but would love to anything you may know. |
 |
Uncle E. Cox
hi peter my name is gary cox i’m looking for information on my uncle e cox a boy sailor from bilston west mids my father and uncles who are all aged over 70 now would like as much information as possible on him any old sailors who remember him ect would be a great help thanks g cox my email add is midlandman001@yahoo.co.uk |
| Just came accross your site found it very good,i have in my possesion the enclosed photograph of Percy Prestons wedding day taken on new years day 1920.Somehow although i havnt found out how he is related to me.What i was wondering is could you tell me by looking at his uniform what his rank/role was on Royal Oak ive had a look on the web and think he may of been petty officer under 4 yrs,gunlayer 2nd class am i right? what would his duties of been also i would like to find out when he joined Royal Oak, did he see combat and where he went from there any help you may have would be much appreciated. kind regards Ian Hayes Ianhayes1@aol.com Click on image for a larger version |
 |
GEORGE EDWARD MYERS
HELLO PETER, COULD YOU PLEASE DISPLAY MY EMAIL ON THE HMS ROYAL OAK SITE. I AM THE GRANDAUGHTER OF GEORGE EDWARD MYERS WHO LOST HIS LIVE ON THE HMS ROYAL OAK. IF ANYONE CAN HELP WITH SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HIM PLEASE CONTACT ME ON myersaustralia@hotmail.com or corbettfamily@bigpond.com ALL INFORMATION WILL BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. HAVE A GREAT DAY! REGARDS JULIE MYERS |
Click on image for a larger version |
Click on image for a larger version |
My Name is Irene Thomas (nee Solley). I have recently been given my grandfathers old photo album, which dates back to the early 1920. According to his photo album he served on HMS Royal Oak and I have attached a couple of photos which may be of interest to your site. On the reverse of the Crew photo were the names of the crew attending the beach party, which I have also scanned for you. I would love to learn more about the Royal Oak and really enjoyed looking at your web-site. Regards Irene martin.irene@blueyonder.co.uk |
| G D McGregor - Help wanted
I have a set of medals to Sto 1 G D McGregor who was killed when the ship went down, I also have his brothers RAF medals. |
 David Edward Smith
Hi Peter.Many thanks for your email,attached is a photo of my Uncle David Edward Smith, he was from Nottingham and aged 19 when he died,if any surviving members recognize him they can email me at pdodge@sympatico.ca or anyone has any photos of him in a group.I would be very grateful indeed.Thank you Patricia Dodge |
| James William Fairbrother
|
| Rolf Hilse - U47 survivor
I’m a GP in the Lake District and have just visited your website, having this morning spoken with one of my most interesting patients; the only surviving U-boat sailor living in the UK. His name is Rolf Hilse and he was a sailor on U47 in Sept 1939 when the Royal Oak was sunk. I wondered if you knew about him? He loves to talk and is an intelligent, articulate man who has become something of a celebrity over the past few years. He describes the raid on Scarpa Flow with great interest, but his account differs somewhat from yours. For example, he says that only one torpedo was fired at Royal Oak and that this was from a stern tube, two torpedos already having been fired at and reportedly damaging HMS Repulse. The account of the hull-damage interested me, as you suggest that it is assumed Royal Oak was sunk by three torpedoes. The difficulty you described in making out holes caught my attention. U47 apparently used impact torpedos that blasted their way through the hull but you probably know this technical detail already. Rolf subsequently met and was decorated by Hitler and Gunther Prien refused Hitler’s order to return to Scapa Flow on the basis that it would most probably have been a suicidal mission after the loss of Royal Oak. Gunther Prien was apparently disposed of by Hitler shortly afterwards. If you’d like to meet Mr Hilse please get in touch with me. Rolf is 82 and not in the most robust health but am sure that he would be interested to contribute perhaps in the form of an interview for your web-page?? |
 Hi Peter, I am trying to find out what kind of portholes the Royal Oak had, do you know where i could find a detailed drawing of them as well as the maker. hoping you may be able to hep. Kind regards to you. Phil Crennell PHILIPCRENNELL@aol.com Click photo to see a larger version |
 I have just found your web page. I never knew my father but have had this photo of him for many years sent to me by my mother. I would really love to know more about him. I am now in my 60s and live in Australia . I understand that he died in 1976Ann Fletcher ragfletcher@aol7.com.au |
| Kenneth Hall
Dear Peter hello again and hope you are well. As long ago promised some photos of crew. The first one is of my uncle Royal Marine Kenneth Hall who was 19 when he died, the second is of my uncle and a group of shipmates at Portsmouth in 1939 and the last is aboard the ship, on the back it says L to R LS Lawrence, AG Hollinsworth, ken, and STO i cannot make out the last one. |
 |
|
| Royal Oak model
Just visited the ‘Royal Oak’ site, excellent tribute to a fine ship and her crew. |
| Alfred Redman
I've just visited your very informed site. To our immense pleasure we found my wife's late father, Alfred Redman, named on the list of survivors. Here at home we have eight photos taken by him, taken whilst on board the"Oak". He told us on more than one occasion that he owed his survival to the fact that he was on the "Mail Run " that night. Hope that this is of some interest. |
|
|
| S.D Daisy II FR270
Whilst sorting through some family archives with my father I came across a letter that had been written to my Grandfather by the skipper of the S.D Daisy II (FR270). My uncle, Gerald Ellis, was a Royal Marine aboard the Royal Oak when she was torpedoed and capsized. He is alive and well and living in Florida. The letter seems to suggest that my uncle was rescued by the Daisy II and that my grandfather had written to the skipper thanking him and the letter in my possession is the reply. It reads: |
| J. F. Davis
My uncle Joseph Frank Davis lost his life with the sinking of the Royal Oak and I wondered if anyone would have any memories. I realise that it is some years on but there may be someone alive who remembers him. He came from Southsea and was well known at the Locks and Milton area. |
| Fred Senior
I have just discovered your web site about the Royal Oak, my uncle Fred Senior a 20 year old marine was killed on the ship. Family memories tell of him been the loveable rogue, who could always charm way out of trouble. If there are any other ex-marines who survived the disaster still alive to day who may |
| A. Kearey
We know someone who's brother died on the HMS royal oak, he is the brother of Arthur kearey. He hasn't got a single picture of him. We were wondering if you had a picture of him by any chance. |
| Attached is a photo of F.W. King (Frederick William King, page 2 on your list) who was killed on HMS Royal Oak. He was my mothers 1st cousin and came from West Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. He was born in 1920, so was 19 when he died. My mother was born the same year and fondly remembers him. I presume the photo was taken on board. We were both pleased to see his name on your wonderful webpage which is also a great tribute to those who died. Keep it going Derek Collier dcollier@onetel.net.uk |
 |
I wonder if you can help me find out any information about my uncle (www.hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk/more.htm) - whom I was named after (Hugh Hunter Spicer) who was a marine on Royal Oak ? I have just returned from a visit to the Orkney Islands and paid a visit to Kirkwall where I saw my uncle's name in a book of remembrance. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Hugh Spicer _________________________ e - mail@hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk w3 - www.hughspicer.fsnet.co.uk _________________________ phone - 0141 422 1630 moby - 07788 178 439 work tel - 0141 636 8100 _________________________ 63 Calder Street Flat 2/2 Glasgow G42 7RR |
| letter given to Christine Spratt by her uncle This letter was sent to Christine by Robert Edmunds in February 2004 I was in Spain on board the Repulse then transferred to Royal Oak. When the first explosion took place I was in my hammock not far from the bang. I slipped on some clothes and walked to the area and could tell it was flooding up, but this was only a small compartment and would not cause any serious trouble. The lift of the ship caused the anchor cable to break and it ran back into the cable locker with a lot of noise. I walked back to the mess and woke up a few heavy sleepers, got dressed and went toward the workshop to get some flooding keys, etc. The ship was going over fast after three or four more torpedo explosions and I went up to walk down the side of the ship and got into a small boat. This boat turned over and took my clothes off and (I) kept my shirt on! Within 20 mins the ship had sunk and I swam back over the ship to get some thick oil over me to keep me warm. I them swam slowly toward the shore and kept on until I reached the coast (2hrs?) on my back of course. I had visions of finding a farm house and getting some sleep but the cliffs were far too high and I sat on a cliff and rubbed myself down. About six in the morning a small boat arrived and picked me up and took me to the Pegasus. I went down the engine room to get warm and got cleaned up and got dressed. Nobody was with me during the swim. Like Reg, my brother in law, I managed to be given nice accommodation in Thurso with 3 of my friends, by a gentleman named Budge. He owned a clothes shop and drapers in the High Street. On our way home (by train) some kind ladies brought us a cup of tea in Inverness about 1 o’clock in the morning and just as we were about to leave a train doing shunting knocked my coach off the line. There was a lot of broken glass but nobody killed. And we finally arrived at Pompey. I went to sleep on a settee but my brother in law, Reg, shook me and told me my mother was waiting for me. |
| Dear Peter, The Royal Oak has always held particular interest for our family because both my step father Arthur Edwards and my wife's father Peter John Morris were survivors of that terrible night. Peter, a seaman at the time, recalls the event thus; My daytime action station was deep in the bowels of the ship at the lower switchboard, but fortunately at night I was posted at the Search Lights. Off duty and asleep I was awakened not by the first explosion but by the anchor cable running through the housing, to which my hammock was attached. It was clear that something was amiss and I dressed as quickly as possible in my long sea boots and my heavy watch coat. I heard explosions and made my way on deck, I remember that the awnings were hanging to dry and I had to fight my way through to get to the ship's side. A tannoy command rang out 'gunner party check magazine temperatures', that is my only clear memory until I was in the water, looking up I saw the funnel and upper structure and remember worrying that if it came down I would be a gonner, so I stripped of my sea boots, coat and everything else, except my money belt, (it had been pay-day and it was pretty full)! I was joined by marine Lt. Keen and a leading stoker whos name I cannot recall and we encouraged each other to keep swimming towards the shore. I remember the sounds of others giving up the struggle and worrying that I could do nothing to help them, then I was at the rocks at Kirkwall. It was a cold night and without any clothes I was very glad to be picked up by a small boat and taken to the boiler room where I was given a cup of strong tea, laced with something much stronger! The crew cut sacks for makeshift clothes and transported me to the Pegasus Seaplane carrier. The rest is well recounted by others except to relate that the train transporting the survivors to Portsmouth was involved in a collision, luckily with no injuries, how ironic that would have been, and a short while after, in order to upgrade to leading seaman, I was required to pass a swimming test to prove that I could survive if ever my ship went down, even my instructor laughed at that. That is Peter's story and it was many years later that he and my stepfather Arthur met up, started discussing their war memories only to discover that they had both been aboard the Oak that fateful night and both are alive today to recount the tale. Please use any of Peter's story on your site if you feel it appropriate, and thank you for providing we, the families, with such an informative and interesting vision of that event. Regards Barry Hugo & Ann Morris Hugobaznann@aol.com |
| Hi Peter, I took some pictures of some framed plaques that my uncle had. I thought you might like to put them on your site. Regards Darryn Higgs Karen.Dutoit@Daztech.eclipse.co.uk |
 |
 |
| Alfred George Marlow
It is with great sadness that i would like to pass on that my father in law |
| H.H. Higgs
Hi there Peter.....my name is Diane Higgs. My grandfather, H H Higgs was aboard the Royal Oak when it sank. I wonder if you or anyone could tell me how to go about getting a memorial plaque concerning my grandfather and maybe a picture of him in uniform.......i never met my grandfather and i would love to get something for my own father who is currently suffering with cancer and it would mean the world to him if i could show him something about his father.........he is very interested in history and i would also love to know if anyone could tell me where i could get a video maybe on the history of the ship.................i would appreciate that greatly |
L. Soal
I was browsing through your website as my husband’s great uncle Leonard Soal was a survivor. But looking through the list there is only a L. Seal. I think this is Leonard’s entry. I checked with his sister and the correct spelling is Soal and this appears in the Commonwealth War graves and on the cenotaph in Southsea, Portsmouth . Would it be possible for you to amend this. Leonard though surviving the sinking of the Royal Oak unfortunately went down 11 months later on HMS Dunedin and was lost at the tender age of 21. He was haunted by memories of the sinking of Royal Oak and helping to recover his dead comrades. My husband is a Chief petty officer in the Royal Navy now and has visited Scapa flow and attended a memorial service there. We must never forget these brave men and their families. Jennie Collins m.collins35@ntlworld.com Jennie I have corrected the list which was taken from "The Royal Oak Disaster" by Gerald S. Snyder |
A. Brierley
What a fascinating website - I wish we'd had the internet when Dad was alive. For your information, my father Arthur Brierley, a survivor of the Royal Oak, passed away on February 16, 1998, this may seem like some time ago, but I only just found your website and I thought there might still be some survivors out there who would like this information. Kind regards Janet Fletcher (nee Brierley) Kevinandjanet2@aol.com |
Ronald Clackson
Click photo for larger version My uncle, Ordinary Seaman Ronald George Clackson (P/SSX26095), was one of those who lost their lives when HMS Royal Oak went down. He would have had his 20th birthday only the previous week on the 6th October. He came from New Barnet in Hertfordshire and had joined HMS Royal Oak on the 7th June 1939 from the shore establishment HMS Victory. I am writing to try and find out if there is any survivor who might have known him. Yours sincerely, Stephen Clackson stephen@clackson.com West Manse, Sanday Orkney KW17 2BN |
| NORMAN LESLIE HINDE Dear Peter, My Grandfather who died in 1993 survived the sinking of HMS Royal Oak having joined the Navy a year or so before the war. As far as I understand like most of the crew he was below deck when U-47’s attack began. Norman eventually slid into Scapa Flow down the side of the sinking ship injuring his backside on the hulls barnacles along the way. Norman’s strong swimming abilities aided his survival especially when he had to abandon an overcrowded boat that had initially rescued him. He eventually found safety and recovered from his injuries in hospitals in Kirkwall and Portsmouth. Norman was posted back to active duty in early 1940 aboard the anti-aircraft sloop HMS Fleetwood. He would remain on this ship through the Norwegian campaign that saw the ship’s captain receive a DSO for his actions during attacks by the Luftwaffe, this encounter that saw the ship expend all of its ammunition in 14 hours and culminated in the evacuation of 340 troops back to Scapa. For the remainder of the war Norman’s duties would include convoy duties to Africa and Russia I that hope these paragraphs and the acommpanying photo’s will be another small but useful contribution to your unique website. Craig Simpson craig.a.simpson@virgin.net |
 |
 |
| Francis
My Father was a PO on the Royal Oak. I have in my collection his photographic log book of the 1927 commission. The photos include Malta/Suez ship's crew in Valleta/Burial of shipmate. Father was on the train coming down from Scotland on leave when the Oak was hit, he was then transferred to HMS Anson. He died shortly after the war when he was leaving Hong Kong on board HMS Sussex and was buried at sea with full Naval honours. When my Mother passed away a few years ago, the Royal Navy were kind enough to stop HMS Starling over the exact position where my Father's ashes were scattered and scatter hers there, also conducting a service for them both. |
Kenneth JJ Wood
A very interesting collection of details on your site! |
| John Henry Lee
My grandfather John Henry Lee served on the royal oak when she was torpedoed he did survive, but unfortunatly 2 weeks ago he passed away aged 83. He used to tell me many tales of his life at sea some funny some quite scary.One funny moment was when it was his job to dish the rum out and very nearly turned into an alcoholic so had to ask to be taken off that particular job. If any remaining survivors remember him it would be nice to know. After leaving the Navy he went on to become a police officer serving in Croft, Radcliffe and Bury on retiring from the police he then went on to work in the local magistrates court in Bury. We used to joke with him that the local criminals could never escape him. I loved my grandad and he will be very sadly missed by every one who knew him. If possible we (his family) would like infomation on having his ashes scattered where the Royal Oak sank. Thankyou yvette@whelan2133.freeserve.co.uk |
K.G. Laban With regard to the story from a survivor of the Royal Oak do you have any contact numbers or address. My wife is doing her family tree and it seems that one of the lost sailors a K,G,Laban may be a relative, and she was wondering whether he might have known him and where he came from. Many thanks in anticipation Mr T Barker T473@aol.com |
R.W. Milnes
I attach a photograph of him. Pam Sanchez, Stockport pam.sanchez@ntlworld.com |
| Roland Arno photos?
I am pleased to see you are commemorating the lost members of the Royal Oak. I was looking at your roll call and my uncle's name should read Roland Arno not R.Arnd. I wonder if you have any pictures of him. I think my Mum said he was a radio operator. My Mum, Margaret Rose, his sister died this year. PHLeek@aol.com |
Mountford, H.C.L., Bugler
My brother was a Royal Marine Bugler, he was one of two aboard the HMS Royal Oak when it went down, the other Bugler's name was Priestley A J they were both 16 years of age when they died. I am enclosing a picture of the Southsea War memorial bronze with both their names on it for your information. Many thanks again for your assistance in this matter. Yours Pete. peter.kingfisher@btinternet.co |
 |
|
| William Tuckwood
My Father was William Samual Tuckwood a Royal Marine who sadly went down on the Royal and would like any information about him,my Mother died a while back but wouldn’t talk about him to me so I do not know any thing about him I was only 5 months at the time so did not know him. Now Mum has sadly passed on I would welcome any details anyone knows |
Earnest Lidgett
Very interesting web-site.My father Ernest E. Lidgett (now passed away) survived the sinking, although he didnt say v. much about it, he did say he went over the side & was picked up by a fishing boat..Attached photo (right) of some survivors, my Dad bald third right, and official telegram. Hope this is of interest.I also have a press cutting of the first five survivor lists issued. Would be interested in info on other survivors in photo or anyone who knew my father, he passed away some years back. Regards, Adrian adrian.lidgett@virgin.net |
 |
| Joe Instance's family
Regretfully I only discovered your site today in an effort to trace Joe Instance who was a good friend of my father and mother. This was during my father's posting to Simonstown, South Africa during the period 1949/1950. |
Verdun Pierpoint
I read your website on the Royal Oak with interest since I am researching the men from my home town of Wantage, Oxon (then Berks) who died in WW1 and WW2. One of the WW2 men sadly died in the sinking of the Royal Oak. His name was P0/X 1421 Marine Verdun Loos James Pierpoint and was aged 22. The son of Mr and Mrs William Pierpoint 22 Garston Lane Wantage, he was as you can see named after two battles of WW1 and served as Marine Verdun Loos James (for personal reasons) in the Royal Marines.Verdun had been in the service according to a newspaper cutting of the time for seven years and had only joined the Royal Oak in June 1939. Prior to this he had been on HMS Nelson and in Egypt for a year. Would it be possible please to put an appeal for further information on him through your website as I feel due to his unusual names something may turn up. Keep up the good work I particularly liked the photos Trevor Hancock Trev.Hancock@ukgateway.net |
Bendell
My Dad was “the last one out alive” being trapped in the sick bay. One of the few places with opening portholes. |
| A. Camenzuli I have come across the website of the Royal Oak and I was impressed with the amount of work that went into it. Among the list of survivors was my father's name A. Camenzuli. He was a steward on the ship from 1st June 1939 to 14th October 1939 the day the ship went down. I have his official no if required as proof. I am enclosing a photo of my father taken round about that time. My brother in Australia I believe has some photos of our father on ships . Father died on the 3rd July 1988 in Sydney Australia. If any of the survivors who knew my father have any photos or memories , they wish to contact me charlo@nildram.co.uk I would appreciate it, if at all possible. Can you post the photo on your site please. Was a model in kit form ever made of the Royal Oak. and sold in shops. I can’t seem to find it. I live in the London area. Best Regards Charles Camenzuli Tel/Fax: 020 8552 5195 Mobile: 07712 049 927 charlo@nildram.co.uk |
Xuereb in Malta
My name is Sophie Nash and i have been looking at your web site on the Royal Oak.My partner asked me to do this as his great uncle was on board when she sunk. His mothers maiden name before she married was Xuereb,and the young man on board was her fathers brother. My partners family over in Malta found on of the last surviors in My partners mother does have a photo of Mr Xuereb and can get hold of his seral number if you want proof. I must thank you for a wonderfull tribute to this ship it really made his mums day when i told of it.,she had never seen a picture of the ship that her uncle sailed on now she has. Sophie Nash sophienash468@hotmail.com |
| JWJ Clayton
Dear Peter, I know he got killed later on in the war. Can you help? I am currently looking into my family history. Regards Sandra Hobbs. Sandra@clayton-hobbs.fsnet.co.uk |
Survivors info
Dear Peter, kayjam@fraser26.fsnet.co.uk |
Robert Victor Geden
Hello Peter I was told by my aunt that my grandad served on the Royal Oak. This was pre 1939. Can you give me any help on finding out if this was true. His name was Robert Victor Geden and he was described as at sea on his marriage certificate in 1928, although I don't know what ship at that time. Any help or advice you can give would be most gratefully received Regards Diane Davies (nee Geden) DianeJulieDavies@aol.com |
|
Court of Enquiry Congratulations on the website, it makes a significant difference. Now that it is up and running I've a suggestion to make: would it not be possible to place the record of the court of enquiry into the sinking of the Royal Oak be placed on the website? As it is now in the public domain it would be helpful for people reside outside the UK. Many persons with whom I've been in correspondence with have wanted access to the official report. My only information came from my mother and survivors who were friends of my father. Before official notification my mother read about the sinking in the local newspaper. Trevor J. Tee janus_a@intekom.co.za |
Charlie Palmer My wife & I were looking around Hornby with the possibility of buying property there. We popped into The Royal Oak for a drink and saw the memorabilia there. Imagine my surprise to find that my uncle C.(Charlie) J. Palmer's name was in the little Lancashire village pub. My uncle was killed on the ship. Two of his brothers were also killed in the Royal Navy, Bert on HMS Kelly in 1940 & Eddy on HMS Fleur de Lys in 1941. I am an honary member of HMS Kelly reunion association and am wondering if there is anything similar for HMS Royal Oak. I was a diver from 1971 until 1984 when a burst lung put paid to any more diving. I would have loved to have gone down with you to pay my respects to my uncle and his shipmates on The Royal Oak, but sadly his cannot happen now. Mike Merrison mmerrison@yahoo.co.uk |
Survivors statements My wife found your web site after a visit by my elder brother prompted a conversation about my father's recollections of his time on the Royal Oak. Firstly our thanks for your work putting together the web site. I know little of my father's time in the Navy, but my elder brother recalls Dad lying about his age in order to join the Navy and be placed on active service. My father was just 17 at the time of the sinking. The only other tit bit I have to offer is that my father attributed his survival to being on deck at the time of sinking - he was having a crafty cigarette ! I'm sure that my father would have been enthralled with your website - he passed away over 15 years ago now. My brother mentioned that statements were taken from all survivors and that these are now available for public inspection. Does anyone know if this is the case and where they can be found ? Martin Askham martin.askham@blueyonder.co.uk |
|
Help finding William Clark I wonder if you could possibly help me...I am helping a friend research her family tree and her dad has told her that his Uncle Billy - William Clarke - died on the Royal Oak in 1939. We have done our research about the sinking of the Royal Oak and I was very impressed with your website. On numerous occasions we have searched the CWGC site for a William Clarke who would fit Uncle Billy. He would have been about 40 years old, but her dad seems to think he wasn't in the Navy, but a civilian working on the ship. Last night I found your site and the list of survivors - we always thought that there were NO survivors until we found your list. On that list was a W H Clarke - could this be who we were looking for??? - have you any more details of the survivors? Where they lived, age etc? He was probably from Sunderland as this is where the family lived. I found another site belonging to Jim Bryce who has an account from the night that the ship was torpedoed - an ancestor was on the ship. They were from Sunderland and he also listed many more from Sunderland some from the same area as Uncle Billy. If you have no more info how did you get the list of survivors and how could we find out? If he was a civilian would he have been listed as dead or was there another list for civilians? It isn't confirmed if he was Navy or civilian so you can see our dilemma - just clutching at straws really. Maria maria.y@ntlworld.com |
Royal Oak spoon?
We have had a mystery in our family for a long time My wife has in her possession a spoon and pusher Christening set with the Royal Oak crest on (see insert). Now here is the mystery She wasn't born and Christened until 1941 The ship was sank in 1939. Have you any ideas? Yours Carl Leckey carl@duttonlocks.co.uk |
Stanley Saltmarsh I have just found your web site on the Royal Oak. My father marine Stanley Saltmarsh survived the sinking in 1939, and later contributed his account to the book Black Saturday. My father died in 1965 but i still have some information about his experience. He was also sunk on the Figi and the Frobisher . Kind Regards Nick Saltmarsh nicholassaltmarsh308@hotmail .co.uk
ps I noticed that his name does not appear on the survivors list. My mother told me that she stood at the gates of the barracks at Eastney waiting and that his name was not on the fist list, and that she heard later. My girlfriend typed out the list of survivors printed in Gerald Snyder's book "The Royal Oak Disaster". I have rechecked the book and you are quite right. She must have missed it so I have amended the survivors page and added Stanley's name Best wishes Peter Rowlands |
|
Joseph Furlong Dear Peter, A year ago you promptly sent me a copy of your video which I presented to my father Joseph Furlong for Christmas. His brother John was lost aboard the Ship. That video meant the world to my father and became a prized possession as illness had kept him from visiting the wreck site. Many times he had asked me to get him your address so he could write and thank you personally for the work you were doing. Sadly my Dad passed away recently and never got to write you that letter so I am writting on his behalf. Your video and items relating to my Uncle John were left to me by my Dad and I'm hoping to get to Scapa next October for the service. I will scan what I have and send them to you for your web site. Once more many thanks, it does mean alot to the families of those lost to know they have not been forgotten. Yours sincerely, Lydia Furlong, Dublin |
HMS Pegasus medals? Dear Peter, My Grandfather Served on the HMS Pegasus at the time of the sinking of the Royal Oak. He was awarded a medal, which is inscribed with his name and an inscription to commemerate HMS Royal Oak. Peter do you know if anyone else recieved this medal for services to the Royal Oak. I have tried looking on Medal sites and cannot find any records. The medal was awarded by the ships crew. yours Kindly John Unsworth john@unsworth4384.freeserve.co.uk |
|
ON WATCH 14/10/39 Over the years I have read several books on the sinking. My father was on watch on the fateful night and survived. He kept close counsel throughout his life and what came out is different to the various official accounts. Several of my mothers friends/family also perished that night. Just another piece to the jigsaw. Barry Davidson, 17 Woburn Ave, Farnborough Hants, GU14 7EQ
HAROLD HENRY HIGGS Hi there, My grandfather died on the Royal Oak a few months before my father(his son) was born, so he never got to meet him. My Grandfathers name was Harold Henry Higgs. My father is very interested in anything to do about how his father died and I am trying to find out if there are any models of the frigate that can be purchased for a gift for him or where any other details regarding my grandfather could be found. If you know of anything please let me know as I would really like to surprise him with a gift or some more information. I have searched all there is to search on the internet and have given him all that I have seen. (Other than your video) Any info would be greatly appreciated. Regards Darryn Higgs darryn_higgs@cgnu.net |
PHOTOS & PLANS Dear Peter, I have just been reading your letters page and have noticed that one or two people have requested where they may be able to obtain historic photographs & ship plans. These can be obtained from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF. e-mail: plansandphotos@nmm.ac.uk tel:020 8855 1647 fax:020 8317 0263 all the best, Troy Edwarsds. troy.edwards1@virgin.net
PICTURES WANTED Hi My name is David Arbuckle, My uncle is also diver like yourself and he was assigned to the task of the repairing the oil leak on the HMS Royal Oak, My Grandfather was also on the ship during his naval career and since seeing a collection of photographs from both of them I have taken great interest in naval ships, I was wondering if you possessed any pictures of the boat U47 which sunk the HMS Royal Oak and any pictures of the HMS Royal Oak herself I would sincerely grateful if you could e-mail them to me. I hope to hear from you soon. David Arbuckle ardyarbuckle007@msn.com |
ARTHUR MAYNARD Having just been connected to the internet, I've discovered your very interesting site. My late grandfather Arthur Maynard served on board HMS Royal Oak as a Stoker First Class between June 1932 - April 1934. He died when I was young so I was unable to speak with him about his career in the navy. Although a long time ago, maybe someone reading this may of known him? I would be interested to hear. Your site shows a photo of the ship's company, of which I have a copy, but it is in poor condition. Would it be possible to obtain a new copy from the owner? I look forward to any replies, regards, Kevin Elliott kevin@elliott1205.freeserve.co.uk Kevin As far as I am aware, the photo is available from the Library in Kirkwall, Orkney. I intend to build up a list of places where photos can be bought and hopefully include their reference numbers Best wishes Peter |
|
ROYAL OAK PHOTO Hi Peter I don't know if you'd be interested, but I have a photo of the Royal Oak, taken at anchor in Marseilles. It was taken some time in the 30's I think, by Marius Barr. It was brought home by my uncle, James Grant, who served on her until March 1939, when he contracted TB and unfortunately died. I'd be happy for you to make a copy for your web site if possible, please feel free to email me to discuss this. Regards Geoff Adams geoff@transphere.co.uk
Dear Peter, I write to let you know that my Great Grandfather, Arthur George Coote, who was a survivor of the HMS Royal Oak, unfortunately died last week. He was aged 81. He was just 18 when the ship was sunk. I believe there are very few remaining survivors still alive and I thought it might be of value to you to know. Although we have only just come across your website, I think it will be of interest to me and my family over the next few months. Best regards, Michelle Purse 5/3/02 michelle_purse@hotmail.com |
EDDIE ELLIOT Dear Peter I am writing on behalf of my grandfather Mr Eddie Elliot, who served on-board The Royal Oak from 24th October 1936 to the 22nd April 1938. He has often talked to me about the times he served aboard many of Her majesties vessels, and has recently asked if i would search the web for any information regarding this particular vessel. He has various photographs and other documentation that you may be interested in seeing, and / or publishing on the web site. He also has his original diary, with many of the events and happenings of his time on-board, all of which may be of interest to you. Mr Elliott is now 92 years old, and in very good health considering his years, and would love to talk to anyone connected with this vessel. He may be able to offer information, stories etc. I will leave it like that for now, please feel free to reply to this email, or you may contact me at the following telephone number - 07831 841 025. He was wondering whether anyone else from his years on-board were still alive, or in contact with yourself. I look forward to hearing from you in the not too distant future. Yours sincerely and respectfully Edward J French ed@chopperschool.com |
JOE INSTANCE'S DEATH Peter I learnt yesterday that Mr Instance who appears in your video passed away last week. Ken 19/9/02 Dear ken Thanks for the sad news. I can let you and all the other readers of this site that Joe was cremated and his casket was placed inside the wreck of HMS Royal Oak in 2001 Best wishes Peter Rowlands
QUESTIONS - CAN YOU HELP SIR COULD YOU POSSIBLY ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS? 1, WHAT WAS ROYAL OAK'S MOTTO? 2, ARE THERE ANY PRINTS/PAINTINGS OF HER? THANKS SIMON CASSIDY. simoncassidy@desktop71,freeserve.co.uk |
|
F.W SKEPPER Peter, I have just found your web site, but was dissmayed to find that my grandfather Mr F W Skepper (Chief Petty Officer/stoker) was not listed amongst the survivors. Is this an oversite ? or is there no record of him ? he died around 1984. He lived in West Parade, Lincoln at the time he served on the Royal Oak right up to the time he died. Both myself & my mother would be gratefull for any info. Linda Ashman lindaashman01@aol.com Hi Linda I got the list of survivors from the book "The Royal Oak disaster" by Gerald Snyder published in 1976 but I am not sure where he obtained his information. I am considering a letters page on the Royal Oak web site. Best wishes Peter peter@hmsroyaloak.co.uk |
SINKING REPORT WANTED Dear Mr Peter Rowlands I have located your website while surfing the Internet for update on HMS Royal Oak of which I am a great student. Thanks a lot for the article and excellent photos. I am not sure if you are available for a personal quest but hope it won't bother you a lot. Here in Siberia there is no much opportunity of getting original info on the ship. I know that the official report on the results of the Royal Navy investigation on HMS Royal Oak sinking has long been declassified in the UK. Do you think you could afford any your assistance in me obtaining the text of the report? Also do you a have a good drawing of the ship as she was in 1939? Please forget my guest should it bother you in the slightest. Thanks again for your effort in publicizing the story of the ship which in my view deserves deep respect and everlasting memory. Very kind regards Serge Zavyalov zavyalov@mail.tomsknet.ru |
R.H. SPLAINE Dear Peter. I wonder if it is possible to include the following details of a former member HMS Royal Oak in the web page. His name was R H Splaine Seaman Gunner J103565 who served on Royal Oak from 15th November 1926 to 1st April 1927. I obtained the information regarding the late R H Splaine from his son Dave who has asked me to forward it to your web site. I hope this of help to you in building up this web page. Regards Haydn Grove. haydgrov@aol.com |
|
ROYAL OAK DRAWING Can you kindly tell me when the Royal Oak was built. I have in an old autograph album a drawing dated 3.5.20 "HMS Royal Oak" I can't read the signature on it. There is a second drawing dated 3 - 3.20 called "back from the wars" And another dated May 2nd 1920 signed by Frederick W Jones, HMS Royal Oak. Can you kindly tell me if this is the same Royal Oak or would the drawings be from sailors on an earlier version.There is an old press cutting featuring just a picture of the royal oak but no date. I notice from your site that it was some considerable time later when the Royal Oak was sunk and I just wondered if it was the same one. I am moving house and had forgotten about the autograph book and found it when packing. I'll look at your website when we have settled in our new place and the information I am seeking might be there, but haven't got time to read it so hope you will forgive me. There is also a hand painted picture of an aircraft over Galliipoli town 7/3/20, I don't know if the sailors in the Royal Oak would have visited there. J. Tublin tubjp@aol.com |
DAN MacANGUS hi Peter; It's great to be able to go to a site and see my cousin,Dan MacAngus,named along with his shipmates,all of them my great heroes. Wish there was a site where I could see the name of my uncle,seaman Alexander MacAngus,lost at sea through enemy action, June 24,1940. I visit your website often,as it gives me comfort, thinking of their sacrifice and knowing they are not forgotten ! thanks, Tom, CANADA
Dear Peter, I don't know if you would be able to help me but i am trying to trace my family tree. In the process of doing this i have discovered that my Grandmother had two/three brothers serving on the Royal Oak. I say two or three as on reading your site i discovered only two men with the surname of Morrison, although my father has said that Gran told him that it was three. To further complicate matters i don't know their first names only that they came from the Seaboard village of Shandwick in Ross-shire, i don't even have dates of birth as yet. If there is any way you could help me i would be very grateful. Thanking you in anticipation. Karen Fraser kayjam@fraser26.fsnet.co.uk |
ROBERT WILSON Dear Peter. I have a very keen interest in "The Oak" as my uncle was lost aboard her: Ordinary Seaman P/SSX 26184 Robert Wilson Age 20. In all the web pages devoted to her sinking..... of which there are not many, nobody seems to have what I have. I have a copy of a painting that was commissioned in Germany after the sinking, showing U47 attacking the Oak. Also, and maybe more importantly, I have my Grandmothers 1939 copy of "The London Illustrated News" which covers the sinking. What is very ironic... and little known, is that the Oak starred in a film in which she was torpedoed at anchor. There are some great pic's of her, including her film sinking (leaning heavenly to port) in the magazine. If you are interested in these for your site, I'd be more than happy to get them scanned (when I've got some spare cash.... I'm un-employed at present), and send/mail them to you. If on the other hand you have all this.... sorry to have troubled you. All the best and keep up the good work. Chris Wilson. chrismel@chrismel.plus.com |
|
A.G. CHATFIELD After reading your website on the Royal Oak. I would like to point out that my farther in law who is 85 years old at the moment. Was a young Royal Marine who surrived the attack. His name is A.G Chatfield. He is currently living in Chichester and any information about the Royal Oak society would be greatful recieved. James Linter james_linterbtopenworld.com
Hi! I am one of two (Alan Harris & Rex Harris) nephews of Ordinary Seaman George Joseph Harris, killed age 18 on the Royal Oak. Visiting your site and, http://www.cwgc.org.uk/commemoration.asp?casualty=2493803 Has given me a small understanding, as to the sacrifices, made by my grandparents, made during times of war. I can hardly start to imagine the terror that must have been for an 18 year old when the first torpedo went off, and the subsequent events, I understand from my father John William Harris (also a seaman) that George had just come off watch and would have been in the mess at the time of the attack. I am very saddened by the fact that my grandmother who died a few years ago, was unaware of the many memorials to her eldest son. Thank you for your articles, I have forwarded them to my father, and brother. Best Regards Rex Harris, New Zealand aj.harris@xtra.co.nz |
REG BIRCH Peter, I stumbled across your site whilst looking into my late father's RN History. I grew up listening to his WWII stories although he never spoke very much about the sinking of the Royal Oak - other than the bitterly cold water, the smell of fuel and the loss of so many lives. He is on the "Survivors List" - R.G (Reg Birch) and the Royal Oak was his first ship after joining the R.N in early 1939 as a 18 year old. I guess he must of been one of the lucky few - He survived two more sinkings in the Med. later during the war. HMS Kashmir (Destroyer) off Crete I understand and HMS Hebe (Minesweeper) sunk of Bari-Italy. Like a cork he kept bobbing up in the water. He joined the R.A.N after the War and moved to Australia. Not content with that, he served in the Vietnam conflict in 1969 and the ripe old age of (49) on HMAS Perth II. He remained very much a navy person like so many of his friends. He would have loved your site - I will be sending an order form for your video as I am most interested. Malcolm Birch. birchfamily@optusnet.com.au |
PRIEN'S LOG WANTED Dear Peter Just a short note to congratulate you on your excellent site devoted to the "Royal Oak" &endash; a fitting tribute to the men who perished and the bravery of Gunther Prien. Do you know where I might find the German transcript of Prien's log? I have the translated copy (which I bought from Lyness Museum on a recent visit but I suspect it has lost a little in translation. Best wishes from Skipton Wendy Robinson Archaeological Shipwreck Fanatic wrobinson@craven-college.ac.uk
Just a quick reminder to colleagues or former colleagues from the armed forces and anyone trying to trace ex forces personnel, regarding our forces reunion site: http://www.ComradesandColleagues.com We have been running for over 6 months now and during this time we have raised over £300.00 for UK forces charities, as well as reuniting thousands of current and ex-service personnel. Please take a minute to have a look at the site which is run by ex Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm tech', Mike Hosking. There are no adverts, gimmicks or rip-offs on board, just a quality armed forces comrades site. Thanks and best regards Mike Hosking http://www.ComradesandColleagues.com |
'The Sea Takes No Prisoners'
Stoker Eric Sylvester's
photo album 
Uncle Jack
Members may also like to know that it is possible to purchase a geranium called Royal Oak from the Vernon Geranium Nursery at Cuddington Way, Cheam, Surrey SM2 7JB Tel. 020 8393 7616 or email mrgeranium@geraniumsuk.com 
Please find attached photographs on my Grandfather who perished on the Royal Oak. His name was William Edward Chesman and he was born June 1912. He was a Leading Stoker in Royal Navy.
Royal Oak prints
It is with great sadness that I contact you all with the news that my father Mr Charles S. L. Millar B.E.M passed away at 10:15am on friday 29th December 2006 at the age of 71. My family and I feel very lost at this time, but be aware he knew his Royal Oak families were always in touch during the last 6 months. 
Not sure if this will be of any interest to you as it is almost a decade before this wonderful ship was sunk.
My name is Sheila West (nee Benney). I am the only child of Charles Benney.
My grandfather joined the army in 1924, and his best frined Ernie Newnham joined the Navy at the same time. Unfortunately, he died on the Royal Oak that terrible night, and my grandad (Harry Cooper) often talked to me about his friend and how awful the whole business was.
Peter hope this might be of interest.
I was really interested to find your website. My uncle, Ronald William Milnes, (not Milness, as on the roll call of those lost) was lost aboard the Royal Oak aged 16. he was my grandmother's youngest child and my mothers youngest brother. Throughout my childhood, his photograph was displayed and he was talked about and remembered.
