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Guestbook |
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| We
would be delighted if you would spare a few moments to send an entry to our
Guestbook. We are interested to know Who you are, Where you are
from and, perhaps most importantly, Your involvement with this wonderful
class of ships. Your time and effort would be very much appreciated by
everybody at the Castle Class Corvette (Frigate) Association. Thank you.
|
| Name: |
Ron Warwick |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Nunney, Somerset. |
| Subject: |
Farnham Castle & Pevensey Castle |
| Date: |
15th November 2015 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Ron Wrote...
My late
father, William Eldon Warwick CBE RD RNR, was attached to the Farnham Castle
from 14 Oct 1944 to 07 Oct 1945. From these dates I presume he was standing by
the ship while it was being built and then went on to serve at sea. My
recollection from talking with my father many years ago was that he was the
commanding officer. At the time he was a Lieut Commander, RNR having been
called up for naval service from the Cunard Line. He was Mentioned in
Despatches on 21 August 1945 while serving on board. I believe my father and or
the crew may have been given the freedom of the town of Farnham in Surrey but I
have not been able to confirm this.
His next ship was the Pevensey
Castle to which he was attached from 29 Oct1945 to 10 Mar1946.
After
the was my father returned to Cunard and went on to become Commodore of the
Line.
|
| Name: |
Heather Hanson |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Ulverston, Cumbria |
| Subject: |
HMS Flint Castle |
| Date: |
1st August 2015 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Heather Wrote...
I'm writing this
for my dad who is now 90 and served on the Bamborough Castle for the duration
of it's war service.
He is Stanley Ferguson and was a telegraphist (S)
HFDF operator
He remembers the incident of the sinking of the German
submarine in the Barents sea near Murmansk. The radar operator got a ping then
the ASDIC operator homed in on it and with cooperation of Allington Castle (or
the Alnwick Castle - Dad is not sure which) contact was maintained and the
Bamborough Castle dropped depth charges. It was pitch black at the time and the
crew was not certain that they had hit the U-boat. Later the Norwegians
confirmed a submarine was missing and as the Bamborough Castle was the only
ship in action that night and the co-ordinates were about right they were
credited with the sinking.
Dad would be very interested to hear if
there are any other crew members still about Kind regards Heather Hanson
|
| Name: |
David Charles |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Subject: |
HMS Flint Castle |
| Date: |
1st March 2013 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
David Wrote...
Hello I recently
came across a couple of my father’s memorabilia relating to the Flint
Castle and wondered if they would be of any interest to the Castle Class
Corvette (Frigate) Association.
My father, who passed away in 1989,
sailed on the H.M.S. Flint Castle. At his home, he always kept a picture of
K383 and a framed commendation he received.
With regards to the
commendation, I have a vague recollection of members of the family saying that
this incident was also recorded in a book somewhere.
I do not have any
information as to when the picture of K383 was taken or from which other
vessel. I have seen other pictures of the Flint Castle and the “K383”
seems to be in a different location ( i.e. further back along the hull), so
maybe this is an early picture.
Hope this is of interest to the
association and I would be pleased to receive any feedback as to how , if at
all, this fits into the historical jig saw.
Regards David
Charles
(Please
note that both photographs are in the Gallery in a larger size)
|
| Name: |
Robbie Pennington |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Subject: |
HMS Portchester Castle |
| Date: |
1st March 2013 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Robbie Wrote...
Just wanted to say
"hello". My father, Sub Lt B G Pennington was Gunnery Officer on Portchester
Castle - I think I may have some pictures stashed away. This contact arises
from looking up in a wee pub called 'The Canny Man's' in Edinburgh and seeing a
Castle Class Corvette hanging from the ceiling .....unmistakable and very
emotional.
|
| Name: |
Martin Hodgkinson |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Waterlooville |
| Subject: |
HMS Hurst Castle |
| Date: |
17th September 2012 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Martin Wrote...
My father was a
crew member on HMS Hurst Castle, see attached newspaper clippings (The
clippings are in the Gallery/Crew). The ship was recently featured in a BBC Two
programme titled ‘Dig WW2 with Dan Snow’ which was broadcast on
27/08/12. My father told me that he was in the radio shack when the torpedo
struck.
|
| Name: |
Georgina Milligan |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Settle, North Yorkshire |
| Subject: |
HMS Denbigh Castle |
| Date: |
2nd July 2012 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
GeorgieWrote...
Hello, my name is
Georgina Milligan from Settle, North Yorkshire and was a navy serviceman's
daughter. Having caught some of the documentary about the Convoys on Yesterday
channel thought I would check out the internet and stumbled upon your website.
My father Charles A Don was serving on HMS Denbigh Castle as a Radio
Operator when it was torpedoed on 13th February 1945, three days before his
19th birthday. Although he didn't speak much of the experience he did say that
he was off duty resting below in his bunk when the torpedo struck. He was
trapped and couldn't get out and the freezing cold water was rushing in. Amidst
the noise and smoke he began to think that was it and there was no point
panicking if he couldn't get out. Then his PO came and got him and out. This
man returned time and time again to save the young seamen, finally losing his
own life in the process. He was a real hero and I have often wondered if he was
ever recognized. One of our childhood delights was being allowed to look
through the old photo albums full of pictures of ships and sailors. There were
a number of young sailors faces staring from the past, one that sticks in my
mind was labelled 'Lofty', these were my fathers friends who didn't survive. My
mother tells the story of when she was first married to my father being awoken
by the bedding being fought with and him crying out. Mum leapt out of bed
wondering what was going on, thinking she must have married a mad man, quite
scared. She woke him up and he told her all about being aboard the attacked
sinking ship.
Sadly my father died in 1969 having served until 1968 in
the RN then transferring to the RAN as an officer hoping to spend his life
serving in the Naval services.
I wonder so much about the many sailors
I met as a child with my beloved father. I found a postcard written to him when
he was serving on the aircraft carrier, HMS Centaur where I send him kisses but
also "Wilkie". I vaguely remember Wilkie and wonder what happened to him.
Like many of your other guest posts I would love to hear from anyone
that knew my Dad. And in reading the posts was reminded of what a wonderful
family the Navy was even as the child of a serving sailor.
Thank you
for your work in keeping what is now history alive.
Kind regards,
Georgie Milligan
|
| Name: |
John Gordon |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Subject: |
Allington Castle |
| Date: |
18th April 2012 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
JohnWrote...
Pleased to sign your
visitors book, my father was a stoker on board the Allington Castle while she
was at Fleetwood, his name was John (Jock) Gordon and if anyone remembers him
or can give me any information regarding the ship and the period she was
stationed at Fleetwood I would be very interested.
Many thanks and best
wishes
|
| Name: |
Bill Sibley |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Yaxham in Norfolk |
| Subject: |
H.M.S Rushen Castle |
| Date: |
22nd February 2011 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
BillWrote...
Hi there. I am Bill
Sibley from Yaxham in Norfolk.
I served on O.W.S. Weather Surveyor as a
Meteoroloical Assisant from 1961 - 1965. Weather Surveyor was ex-H.M.S Rushen
Castle.
I started my O.W.S. life on O.W.S. Weather Watcher which was
ex-H.M.S. Snowflake. Both ships were very seaworthy although there was a school
of thought that they would roll in a fairly thick fog!
Great days! Best
wishes to all who served on either of those ships.
|
| Name: |
Mike North |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Isle of Wight |
| Subject: |
Carrisbrook Castle |
| Date: |
18th January 2011 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Mike NorthWrote...
I live in Ryde,
Isle of Wight. As Hon Sec of the Island Branch RNA, I asked the Curator at
Carrisbrook Castle if he new of the Ship. The answer was no.
We are in
the process of producing a large framed photo of her which will be presented to
the Castle Museum in the Spring. I did my TAS training on Sarrisbrook Castle in
1956. We have recently made a donation towards the Cairn at the Arboratum.
Congrats on a great website
Cheers to all Mike North
|
| Name: |
Brian Sheppard |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
19th April 2010 |
| How you found us: |
Search engine |
Wrote...
Name: Brian Sheppard D/K
939958 Served 12 months on the Launceston Castle in the 50's, left her at
Devonport and crewed the Loch Dunvegan to Hills dockyard in Bristol where she
was mothballed. Was a crew member on Launceston when she was involved in the
great, off scale storm attempting to rescue the crews of two Shackletons which
had ditched in the Irish sea.. Would like to be put in touch with any old NS
crew members from that time. Brian
|
| Name: |
Tom Mccammont |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
15th October 2009 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
Hi, my name is Tom
Mccammont, served on Leeds Castle 1953/1955.
|
| Name: |
Peter Hargreaves |
| E-Mail: |
|
| City/Country: |
Crewe |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
9th September 2009 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
Dave, you wrote:>>>
My name is David Morgan and I am the son of the late Ernest George Morgan (BOB)
and wondered if anyone had any pictures of either my dad or of Allington Castle
that he served on. I am interested to hear any stories people may have and hope
that someone out there wll be able to help. <<<
By the most
amazing coincidence my dad also served on the Allington Castle. He worked as a
stoker and his name was Harold (Hal or Adge - he hated Harold!) Hargreaves.
Sadly he passed away in 2006.
I have emailed a photograph of the
Allington Castle and also a plan of that Class of ship.
I hope you get
further responses and if you do might I ask you to let me have a sight of any
photographs you receive.
Sorry - forgot - I am the Webmaster so it was
me who 'intercepted' your Guestbook request. I have to do it the way I do
(rather than using an inline update method) because the spammers got hold of us
and started to fill the Guestbook with rather unsavoury messages.
Very
best wishes, Peter (Hargreaves)
P.S. Norman Goodwin, who was for many
years the Archivist of the Society, was, I believe, an Officer aboard HMS
Allington Castle.
|
| Name: |
David Morgan |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
9th September 2009 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Wrote...
Hi, My name is David Morgan
and I am the son of the late Ernest George Morgan (BOB) and wondered if anyone
had any pictures of either my dad or of Allington Castle that he served on. I
am interested to hear any stories people may have and hope that someone out
there wll be able to help. Many thanks Dave
|
| Name: |
Pete Harper |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
30th August 2009 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
Hello Peter, Thank you so
much for your continued efforts with this site, as a fellow ex - serviceman and
son of a 'JACK TAR' it means a lot to me.
Well, the reason I am mailing
you is that it is 65 years ago on Tuesday that the 'Hurst' was lost with
sixteen of her brave crew. Fortunately for me my father (John 'Jack' Harper)
was one of the lucky one's who managed to survive this terrible event, or I
would not be sending you this message......!
At a time when so many of
our brave service personnel are still continuing to give their lives for this
country (A friend of mine from the Welsh Guards was KIA in April this year)
your site serves as a reminder why we should never forget the sacrifices that
have been made by our fantastic armed forces.
I will be going down to
the fort on Hurst Spit tomorrow (Monday 31st), and asking if they will lower
the flag to half mast in honour of both HMS Hurst Castle, and for our brave
service men and women who have made (and still continue to make) the ultimate
sacrifice (including those wounded, both physically and mentaly), on this
countries behalf.
So wish me luck, and please do continue the good
work.
|
| Name: |
Norman Ascough |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Cromer, Norfolk , UK |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
04th February 2009 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
My father, Harold Ascough,
served on HMS Tintagel Castle in the latter part of WWII as a radar operator (I
believe). I'd be grateful if anyone has any info about K399 during that time
and especially if anyone has any information about him.
Regards Norman
Ascough
|
| Name: |
Mike Davies |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
16th September 2008 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
.As one of our towns
local historians I am trying to obtain any information on HMS Rayleigh
Castle.If anyone has any information they can e-mail me or phone on --
01268785657.
|
| Name: |
Geraldine Porte |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Dover, England |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
6
Apr 2008 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
My name is Danny PORTE
from Dover England. My late father Willaim PORTE served on the Denbigh Castle
and was an Acting chief petty officer. He spent some time in a Russian Hospital
after the loss of the ship in Feb 1945. He died in 1967 when I was still young.
I would love to hear from anyone who may have remembered him. He also served on
HMS Albrighton from 41/44 Kind regards Danny PORTE
|
| Name: |
David Rodger |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Renfrew |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
5
Mar 2008 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
My name is David Rodger
currently I live in Renfrew but as a young boy I lived in Inverkip. My
grandfather worked on the castle class ships that were converted to weather
ships. As a youngster I was on board a number of times when the ships were in
harbour at Greenock. Always looked forward to the next oppurtunity to go on
board
|
| Name: |
Simon Boulton |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Richmond, Surrey |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Tue Dec 4 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
My dad, Dennis Boulton served
on HMS Flint Castle during 1956. I am keen to find out more about his navy
days. If anyone can remember anything or has any photos, please get in
touch.
|
| Name: |
Diana Blair |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Dorset |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sun Nov 11 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
I am the daughter of the late
H J Scrivener (known as Jack) whose last commission was on board the Lancaster
Castle, where he undertook several runs to Kola Inlet in 1944-45 I think. I was
thrilled to be able to apply for the Arctic Emblem for him, postumously, and
was even more thrilled to receive it last year.
My father sadly died at
the youngish age of 63 in 1982 and I was interested to read in your pages of
the death last year of a seaman who had served on the same ship as my
father.
I live in Dorset and although I do not think I qualify for
membership of your association, would be very interested to find out more about
my nearest branch.? I would also love to have news of any veterans who may have
served with my father.? We have a son Jack (named after his Grandfather) who
never met his namesake and I would like to keep this apsect of family history
alive for him if possible.
I apologise for such a long entry in your
guestbook and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
|
| Name: |
A.B. Malcolm Niven |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Philip Island, Australia |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sat Oct 06 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
Served on the Porchester
Castle from 1943-1945 as L.R.3.
Would like to hear from anyone that also
served on this fine vessel.
|
| Name: |
STOP PRESS - Urgent Contact to Mike Biffen |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Tue Aug 28 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
The Book At long last
the day has arrived when our "BOOK" is about to be published. It is a huge and
weighty 544 page book.
The Association will handle the orders from
members and to this end an order form is enclosed. The price will be
£30.00 plus £5.00 post and packing a total of £35.00.
Please send your cheque, made out to CASTLE CLASS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION
together with the completed order form to Mike Biffen at the above address. To
ease Mike's work it would be appreciated if all orders could be received by
Monday 17th September.
The book will be despatched direct to you from
the publishers "Maritime Books" when they have received a supply from the
printers.
OUR REUNION 2008 Forget my remarks in the Log re
2008. I've been busy since going to press, result is: WEYMOUTH Friday 3rd to
Monday 6th October 2008. £114.00 pp Dinner, Room and Breakfast plus
Entertainment each evening. I am also hoping to arrange a coach trip to the
Fleet Air Arm Museum. Fuller details when I have completed arrangements with
the Hotel. However I do need some indication of numbers quickly so that I can
reserve some bedrooms.
|
| Name: |
Andrew J Boulton |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Gainsborough |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Tue Jun 05 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
RN CASTLE CLASS "ON
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS" As a retired Major, Royal Corps of Transport TA, afraid
only experience of Royal Navy/RFA was rolling around the north sea deploying to
Denmark. Return journey far more convivial, almost flat calm. Naval/shipping
interest now fulfilled reading magazines. You might like to advise your
readers/subscribers the RN CASTLE CLASS "ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS", features in
this months "Ships MONTHLY" magazine JUNE 2007. Very readable three page
article. Regards, Andrew
|
| Name: |
Mark Turner |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
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| City/Country: |
|
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Wed Mar 07 2007 |
| How you found us: |
|
Wrote...
My name is Mark Turner.I am
trying to find out as much information as I can about my Uncle, Sidney George
Turner who was serving aboard H.M.S Hurst Castle at the time of her sinking. He
was killed by this attack. I believe he was a "Stoker" aboard this ship,but by
a cruel twist of fate my Uncles position aboard this ship was as a temporary
measure. He was transfered from another ship to fill a vacancy. If anyone has
any information about my Uncle or any stories or recollections,photos etc I
would be delighted to hear from you. Thank You Mark Turner
|
| Name: |
Gordon Huntley |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Ashford Kent |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Thu Mar 15 2007 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Wrote...
Dear shipmates, I had a
computer for christmas so am still wearing the L plates. I was amazed while
browsing images of castles to find a picture of my old ship Leeds Castle and
from that your website. This was all down to Google.
I was one of the
lucky 2000 who did national service in the navy,and after square bashing at
Collingwood,and a five month course in HMS Defiance at Guzz,joined Leeds Castle
as a fully fledged REM 2. I spent roughly a year on board (Oct 52 to 53) when
she was part of TS2 at Portland.
It is said the Navy is a small
place,and the first person I met when I boarded was John"Digger" Kenyon who had
sat beside me at Canterbury Tech for a year. Later on a Nato exercise I bumped
into a fellow PO Engineering apprentise from Pompey,we having shared a course
at Bletchley Park.
Good Luck for the future. Gordon Huntley now at
Ashford Kent but then of Dover
Any old shipmates who wish to get in
touch I can be found on hun.gor@virgin.net
Splice the
mainbrace!
|
| Name: |
Mark Turner |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Leicester England |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sun Dec 10 2006 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Wrote...
My Uncle was killed while
serving on HMS Hurst Castle
|
| Name: |
Bob Lloyd |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Brisbane, Australia |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Thu Dec 07 2006 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Wrote...
I posted a message a short
while ago about being on the Flint Castle 1955 - 56. My email address has
changed since the last posting (not the 'Last Post', please!!)
|
| Name: |
Ed Hunter |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sat 11 Nov 2006 |
| How you found us: |
A link from another site |
Wrote...
My father, Eddie Hunter (now
deceased) served on the "Denbigh Castle" on Arctic Convoy #JW 64 when it was
torpedoed in Feb 1945. I would appreciaaate hearing from anyone who knew
him.
|
| Name: |
Mike Biffen |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Smethwick England |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sat Oct 07 2006 |
| How you found us: |
Other |
Wrote...
Hi I'm secretary of the
Association and also ex Carisbrooke Castle 1952 to 1954. Sorry to all who
missed the reunion this year, just come back. Next year will be at Torquay
details, when available, will be sent to all members. See home page for my
details. Are there any ex shipmates on line that I am not aware
of.
|
| Name: |
Geoff Fido |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Melbourne Australia |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Wed Sep 20 2006 |
| How you found us: |
A link from another site |
Wrote...
Looking for pictures of WX
ships. Sailed on WX Monitor ex Pevensey Castle and WX Recorder/Surveyor cant
recall which between May - Dec 1968.
|
| Name: |
Joseph J. Vella |
| E-Mail: |
Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email
on |
| City/Country: |
Montreal P.Q. Canada |
| Home Page: |
|
| Date: |
Sun Aug 20 2006 |
| How you found us: |
Search Engine |
Wrote...
I am building a 1-72nd scale
model of HMCS Orangeville and use your web site for information on finishing
and painting many thanks and best regards
|
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