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.
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
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
a 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.
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
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.
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.
.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.
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
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
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.
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.
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:
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:
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
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
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
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!!)
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.
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.
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
Wrote... Im trying to find out
information on two officers who served on HMS Pennywort, but left to join
Castle class corvettes. They are: Sub/Lt LM Maude-Roxby who joined Farnham
Castle and Temp Lt WP Hart who joined Pevensey Castle. Can anyone help? Thank
You Kev
Wrote... Is there a firm update on
when "The Book" will be published ... forgive my impatience, but it's bound to
be a good read - will mere mortals such as myself be able to purchase a copy
relatively easily and what is it likely to cost? Best regards Lindsay
Wrote... Sorry to hear about the junk
mail this site keeps getting. However you are doing a great job guys, and keep
up the good work. It means a lot to those of us with a conection to these
ships.
Wrote... My Dad Johnny Andrews (sadly
now gone) served for a while on Flint Castle - I guess about 1955 shortly
before leaving the Navy. I have grew up with tales of 'Cockleshell Heroes' and
spent the best part of 40 years trying to spot my Dad in the film - anyone else
had the same - would love to hear from anyone who served with him.
Wrote... Last year I sent a letter
containing copy of painting of "Through the gate way to Malta" signed W4 (the 4
may be a H/missing leg off) reading your letter/discription i now realise that
this is not one of your ships as it has 2x2 guns facing forard and port holes
go rite up to the anchor etc 2 rows of + 2 Masts, the one in the back ground
however may be (poor image)copy on way; ps my father (John/Big John)was on
merchants as LAA South end to oban "The original Shuttle crew 1940-42, Essex
Reg, then MRA/RMA? (dcsd 1999)we tried in vein to get copy of pill bow at head
of s/end pier (guard duty?)others may remember him as he used to play the piano
while the ack ack guns were firing and at a? pub on the sea front, i have extra
bits on this, email if required PaulFK@hotmail.co.uk; all best to past and
present memories Paul H. FRYER-KELSEY other b/ships photos too,
identity?
Wrote... Hello again shipmates just a
few lines to let anyone interested know my change of email address.Keep up the
good work all you ex castle class members and hope to hear from ex LEEDS CASTLE
sailors email me and i will gladly answer. TMO JACKSON
Wrote... interested in the old sea
dogs who sailed out of derry / londonderry .theres one or two of those who did
not make it buried in our local cemetery.
Wrote... have just received an e mail
from Peter Hargreaves. for those who dont know and i was one ,Peter administers
our web sight. I have sent Peter an email congratulating him on the way he has
got rid of all the rubbish that has appeared on our web site recently and feel
sure that this feeling is echoed by all our shipmates.regards, Noel.
Wrote... The 'spam' entries have been
deleted as at March 4th. HOWEVER it is difficult to stop them once our site has
been located by the spammers. If it continues I will attempt to implement
strategies to protect the site - but this will not be an ideal solution. PLEASE
- be a bit kinder to the Webmaster as he is trying his best. If you know about
the Internet then you KNOW that stopping spam is virtually impossible. Thank
you, Peter
Wrote... have just finished reading
"OUR " guest book. entries relating to old and new shipmates 43. other rubbish
which is only fit for the gash shute 97. YES! that is correct, twice the number
of "e"mails as those with anything to do with the pusser. what is going on?I am
also a member of the old"bay class" and they don't seem to have this problem,
WHY?
Wrote... Greetings from down under, I
am looking to contact anyone who knew my late father :- Chief Stoker Sydney
Alfred Longman P/K 67280 Served on HMS PEVENSEY CASTLE until his accidental
death on 2nd October 1945. He was burried at the Freetown (King Tom) Cemetery,
Siera Lione. Any past friends and aquintaces please contact me at me email
address. Thank you all David Longman
Wrote... I did much of my National
Service on HMS Flint Castle from 1955-56. A brilliant ship and such a happy
one. Would love to hear from others on-board at the same time. Oh yes! And I
was an M(E)1 and the Engineer's Writer for much of the time.
Wrote... Excellent, informative site.
My father, Eric Clubb, served on HMS Rushen Castle for the last two years of
the war - if anyone reading this also served on Rushen Castle (or later Weather
Surveyor)please do take a look at the above URL and drop me a
line.
Wrote... what's the "BUZZ" about
"yellow pages,poker and Lynda Tyddelsey"? thought the site was to do with past
and serving members of the ROYAL NAVY frigates association. not a load of
"YANKS AND AN ADVERTISING BOOK" REGARDS
Wrote... have just been searching
through my old ditty box and found an unsent christmas card from 1951-52 of
H.M.S.Porchester Castle F362. shows ship entering harbour.anyone interested
send me an email with your address and i will photostat the card for you. cant
print a copy as i do not have the negative.regards. noel.
Wrote... Nice site Peter...I served on
Flint Castle as a Boy Telegraphist straight from HMS Ganges from July 1955 to
Feb 1956 when I was drafted to MHQ Nicosia Cyprus. "Fond" memories of the Races
off Portland Bill. L/Sig George Cust, Mick Rainey, Harry Blundell, Taff Allen
(who joined with me), Aggie Weston, Brum Harvey are shipmates who come to mind.
Wrote... Have always admired the
outlook of the Castle class(and Loch class frigates) and been interested in the
ships and their design.Have now thankfully found your site and am now looking
fwd. to follow what is going on among you veterans. As you also know we had
HMNoS Tunsberg Castle.
Wrote... My father served on HMCS
Tillsonburg K496 in 1944-45. I have a small collection of photos of
Tillsonburg, including one of Queen Elizabeth in NY harbour
1944.
Wrote... My father "William Edmund
Saunt" "Sonny" from Grimsby served as an 18 year old on Carisbrooke Castle in
WWII from 1943/44 onwards. Would welcome any information/stories about that
ship, people or missions Many thanks Paul :)
Wrote... Dad was on the Hurst Castle
when she was sunk, does anyone remember him (John "jack" Harper)or the sinking
of this ship. He also served on board the Porchester until the end of the
war.
Wrote... I served on HMS Leeds Castle
May 49 to November 1950. Lt Com G A Kitchins. Was Able Seaman with TAS rate.
for some time was Coxain of the motorboat and ships 'Posty'. Great times with
good runs ashore in Weymouth
Wrote... well, I was invited for a
cocktail party on HMS Leeds Castle in the 90's when she moored in Porto Alegre
for a week. Being from the British Club in Brasil we accepted and met nice
people... Darren Campbell and Smudge (can't remember his real name... would
like to know if they are ok.
Wrote... Just watched a great movie
called "The Cruel Sea" I happened to notice that the ship called the "Saltash
Castle" had the number F362 on the side. So I searched for information on that
vessel and found this web site. According to your vessel list F362 is the
Portchester Castle. Thank you & Regards
Wrote... I am the daughter of robert
tyldesley who served on the castle tintagle f399 unfortunatley my dad died
august 3rd 2005 i found all his ships log papers and decided to find out more
about my dads ship i found your site most imformative and intertesting and will
be logging on again in the future. my dad will be buried wearing his blazer
with his club badge on and i'm sure he will wear it with pride into the next
life.
Wrote... My dad worked for Fleming
& ferguson in Paisley, which built the Lancaster Castle amnong other
escorts in WW2. He's trying to assemble photos for all the yards war work but
can find no photo of the Lancaster. Can anyone help???
Wrote... Hello There, I am a seafarer
and enjoy painting ships (not red lead - drawings!) I have traced 4 vessels
named after my home town, (either Criccieth or Criccieth Castle). I found a
mention of a castle corvette ,HMS Criccieth Castle but that it was ordered but
not built. Anybody know anything? Thanks
Wrote... anyone out there from ships
company of porchester castle 1951-52."cruel sea" period? some i remember,dad
curtis, daisey flower, mac snell, mick riley, halliday "twins" johnny grey,
brian pounder, regards
Wrote... anyone out there from ships
company of porchester castle 1951-52."cruel sea" period? some i remember,dad
curtis, daisey flower, mac snell, mick riley, halliday "twins" johnny grey,
brian pounder, regards
Wrote... Having enjoyed 2 reunion
weekends at Isle of Wight 2003 and Babbacombe 2004 with my friend Robin I am
sorry to have to tell the friends we made that Robin (Bernard Bowman) finally
lost his battle with cancer on December 18th. I shall miss my intelligent
friend who had accepted his illness and we both knew at the last reunion that
2005 reunion we would not be there. Betty
Wrote... May all Shipmates (of whom,
sadly, I am not one) find something of interest and value in this website. My
best wishes to you all, Peter Webmaster, castlecorvette.co.uk
Sign Our
Guestbook
Back to
Top