My name is Jack Wren, I was a Seaman during WWII and served on HMS SALTARELLO and BYMS 2025 steaming out of Mill Bay Docks in Plymouth during 1944-46. If any of my old shipmates are still out there I would much appreciate hearing from them..

Hello, my father, Charles (Jim) Stiven served on the following Royal Navy ship :- Atlata, Barbain, Barwind, Buckingham, Sarba and Scythe in the second world war. His number was KX102034, he served as a stoker. I would like to hear from anyone who served with him or has any photos off the ships. Thanks Jim Stiven.

My father served on the Arctic Hunter around 1943. I believe that he was stationed near Sheerness. Does anyone have any information on this vessel, it's crew and photos etc ? Les Emery
Western Australia

Hello Nick, I am trying to find out some information on the Yacht Aisha, which was believed mined in the Thames approaches on 11/10/40. My Grandfather, Magnus Reid who died in 1958, survived the sinking and ended up in Hospital in Pembroke. He was was later invalided out of the RNR . I am also trying to find information on HM Drifter Regent Bird, where he served from Feb 1918 to may 1919. Thanks in advance. rgds Magnus

Hi Nick
I would be interested to know if anyone remembers my grandfather, Charles William Hide, from HMS Europa, Lowestoft, during WW2. He died there in 1945 when I was only one. Many thanks Bill Hide

Anyone sail with Albert (Chris) Chapman from Bexhill, E.Sussex on :- HMT Wisteria Jan-May40, HMT Ben Glas June-Sept40, HMT Agnes Wetherly Sept-Oct40, HMT Cape Mariato Nov40-Feb43 (all trawlers) & MMS 296 Jun43-Dec45? Or did you sail on any before or after these dates? Do you by chance have any photos of these ships or crews? If so please contact him thro' his daughter/s.i.law at - chrisndavegen@dpennell.globalnet.co.uk

I wonder if anyone may have known my grandfather or any more details on the events surrounding his death - he was: Joseph William Clague, Ordinary Seaman LT/JX 257763 Royal Naval Patrol Service, from Workington in Cumbria. The only information I have about him was that he died when serving on HMS St Briac, a 2292 t Southern Railways co. steamer (built 1924) which was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in June 1941 and on 12 March 1942, whilst serving as a target vessel for the Fleet Air Arm, she hit a mine and sank 20 miles E of Aberdeen (or Arbroath - reports differ). 13 were lost One report mentioned a lifeboat capsizing off Slains (north of Aberdeen) and this is where the casualties may have occurred. Perhaps there are still some survivors from that incident?

On behalf of my grandfather, Herbert Harris, I would like to know where a replacement RNPS 6 month service medal can be sourced.He served on the Skomer (Admiralty built trawler), Kuvera (Aberdeen trawler) and Dorethy Lambert (Fleetwood trawler). Links to getting
pictures or drawings would be appreciated.

I am trying to get more information regarding MMS 170, sunk off Leghorn, Italy, October 1944. My father, Murdo Maciver from the Isle of Lewis, was one of the survivors.

I am looking for stoker TED BAILLY. from portsmouth we sereved togeher when based in treiste ITALY untill we decomished and turened the ships over to the ITALIANS to finish the sweeping JIM.PRICE.

Hi Nick
if any "Harry Taters" out there sailed on the BYMS 2279 (Launched 29/7/43) it has just arrived in Holland from the River Mosel Germany and it looks great!. Like the old Pre-Fab houses that they said would not last yet people lived and are still living in them 55 years on, the BYMS were not supposed to have been built to last.if anyone wants any further information give me a call on 017048 33556
Regards
"Derek J Sullivan"

Dear Nick,
Hopefully you or one of your readers can help. My Father Dennis Colthorpe served at Dover from 1942-1945 on a number of sweepers and drifters. During that time he was exposed to the chemical smoke used to block the ships from German eyes. He now suffers from Emphysema and believes that the smoke may have contributed to the damage. Is their anyone who served in the Dover area or used large amounts of this smoke and can give advise on whether it is possible that this smoke is a contributing factor.
He lives in Australia now and if this can be regonised as a war related injury he may be able to get more assistance from our Veteran Affairs.
Thank you in advance.

I am researchingthe local history of Angle in Pembrokeshire, especially the CWGC graves in the cemetery. I am anxious to find out anything about the Loch Melford, and especially, Stoker, Daniel Brynmore Meredith LT/KX 99907 who is buried there. I have no further information as yet. Thank you.
Christine (HSteve48@aol.com)

I am tracing the family history of William Henry Bacon (Bill) my father in law. I have just received his Navy papers and his reserve papers. It
lists a lot of ships he was on but the one I am most interested in is HMT Northern Gem. He was with this vessel from 25/1/1944 to 27/7/1945.
If anyone served on the Gem at that time or could tell me what missions she went on I would be very grateful. I know there was a sailor on the Gem at the same time as Bill called Stuart ( don't know surname) as Bill's first son was named after him. I do know a bit about the Gem from the book titled Coxswain in the Northern Convoys by S A Kerslake, who
was her Cox up until 1943. .

Hi, Nick
My request is to find two surviving members of HMT Bredon, which was lost 50 miles North of Lanzarote amongst tragic circumstances on 4th February 1943. Lt. J L Nicholl RANVR & Smn R Harris RN
HMT Bredon was torpedoed by U 521 in an attack on merchant vessels as part of convoy Gib 2 sailing from Freetown to Gibraltar. 43 members of her crew were lost, My Grandfather Smn E.A. Westcott, was one of the crew members who perished that day and I have made it my duty to establish the events that took place in honour of his memory. Last year my travels took me to the Annual Reunion of the RNPS at the Sparrows Nest at Lowestoft, where I obtained a brass rubbing of my Grandfather's name on the RNPS Memorial at Bellevue Park.
Finally, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women of the RNPS, especially those who never returned to these shores.Your contribution to our freedom will never be forgotten, your sacrifice will burn deep in our hearts forever. God bless you all and thank you.

Hi, My grandfather, Bert Flux, served on BYMS 2016 from HMS Lynx (and possibly Eskimo?) between Oct & Dec 1946, could anyone with any info on the ship or shipmates please contact me? contact can be made via mather@tinyworld.co.uk

Good Morning, Nick, as it is as I write this. I found your great site some while ago, and have sadly only now got aruond to emailing. My father served in the RNPS 1942-1945, in HMS Mazurka, T 30. I know from his memories, which he shared with me, that he served in Iceland, Gibraltar, and the Azores, at which latter base he ended the war. He was an ASDIC operator, named Ivor Jones, although he was only ever known as Taffy. His service number was LTJX533487, and he was something of an amateur boxer, as well as playing the
piano, and singing( particularly, I believe, after a dose of Portugese wine) He told me tales of shipmates, and how the Portugese fishermen in the Azores would hunt whales in open boats. Some names which I recall are; Bob Gray, Willie Calhoun(Scottish) and Johnny Hill. Should anyone out there remember him, please get in touch via this, or my home email j.jones61@ntlworld.com
Sadly, my Dad died some years ago, but he still, and always will, live in my memory. I'm just so glad I listened when he talked. We all owe these guys so much. A merry Christmas to all veterans of RNPS, and a happy new year to you all. Keep this great site rolling, Best Regards, Gary.

my father in law Tom Ellis servedvin Harry tates navey & would like to contact any old shipmates, he has loads of photos & info joined HMS Royal Arthur June 41 then Kingston Turquoise then BYMS 2041
contact can be made via mather@tinyworld.co.uk

Does anyone know anyone who served on these WW2 minesweepers or anything about them I know the William Stephens was sunk 25-10-43. and that's about it. Any information will be most appreciated . My Dad served on both his name is Douglas R Malcolm from Dundee Scotland. I can be contacted At Dougmal1@comcast.net thank you.

Lieutenant J.G. Browne RNR killed 31st March 1941, believed minesweeping from Hull. Any gen, or steers to gen, about this virtually unknown uncle and the circumstances of his death would be welcomed by me.
Giles Browne
Burgage Hill Cottage
Whittington
Glos GL54 4HD
01-242 820039

HMT Lord Selborne A/P (Auxillary Patrol) trawler mined and sunk off Humber Estuary 3 miles off Spurn Head a.m. March 31st 1941

JOSEPH GEORGE BROWNE
Lieutenant
H.M. Trawler Lord Selborne, Royal Naval Reserve
who died on
Monday 31 March 1941.
Cemetery: LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIALSuffolk, United Kingdom
Grave or Reference Panel Number: Panel 4, Column 3.

I would be interested to hear from anybody who served on the HMS INKPEN. My grandfather Norman Tonkin was on this vessel as a very young man. I believe he was the Coxwain or so my father has told me.
He is possibly the man bottom row left hand side in the photograph. He served alongside his brother who I believe was called Graham.
Any info would be very welcome.

My father served on this Trawler but luckily was transferred at sea to another Trawler shortly before she was sunk by an E-boat off the coast
of Cromer on Oct 25th 1943 . his name is Douglas R Malcolm from Dundee Is there anyone out there that knows of him or the Trawler he spent his entire time of service at hellfire corner and ended up at the end of the war at H.M.S Lochinvar handing out the rum ration lucky him! Unfortunately he died Nov 22nd 2002 he never talked much about what went on back then if anyone knows of him please contact me. At Dougmal1@comcast.net P.S he also climbed the mast at H.M.S Ganges

looking for any survivors of this vessel which was sunk by a u-boat off the coast of Scotland in March/45. Understand the Nordhav11 was a mine sweeper or patrol boat. Any information appreciated. Thank you.
Please reply kathybradbury@telus.net
HMT Nordhav 11
RNN (Royal Norwegain Navy) minesweeping trawler
Built in Beverley 1913. Previous name: Sweeper until 1936.
Norhav and one other ship of 1226 tons was torpedoed and sunk by U-714 (Oblt. Hans-Joachim Schwebcke) on March 10th 1945 at Dundee, while in Convoy FS 1753d. U-714 was then sunk just 4 days later on the 14 March 1945 in the North Sea near the Firth of Forth, in position 55.57N, 01.57W, by depth charges from the South African frigate HMSAS Natal and the British destroyer HMS Wivern. 50 dead (all hands lost).The survivors from the Norhav,including the CO, were rescued by the Norwegian minesweeper Syrian, and taken to Dundee.

Trying to locate info on HMT Juniper sunk 8 June 1940 by Admiral Hipper. She was escorting oil tanker, Oil Pioneer. from Troms Norway. My uncle, George Summers, was chief engineman on board. Any info greatly appreciated. An excellent site.Thanks
Doug Wyness

Hiya Nick,
I have a query for you, do you know any local trawling enthusiasts who might have a photo of the pre-war Grimsby trawler "BRADMAN" she was built at Selby in 1937, can you help me?
Mike Lewis from Hull

Hi, after finally getting hold of my fathers records, I wonder if any of his shipmates are still alive and remember him. His name is Arthur Layer, known as Yorkie or Chubb, and he was from Hull. His service no. is Lt/MX101439 . He was in the RNPS from 27.4.42 until 12.5.46. He was out in America and Barbados at Asbury (ML2) , Benbow (30th ML Flot.) and HDML 1171. He was also on BYMS 2137. If anyone knows him, please get in touch through me, his daughter at Craigie @tesco.net. Many thanks. Verna Craigie

I am trying to find a picture or information on the Stella Polaris. My Grandfather served on this ship and I am attempting to put a booklet together for him. Any information would be extremely helpful. As would any contact with anyone who served on this ship. My grandfathers name is Reg Tero. Kindest Regards, Mr S. Crick

I'm looking for info on my father, Peter Blackstock JX195899 who served from 1940-46. I have a record of a Motor Launch No.1227 if this means anything to anyone. He died last year. I know he was a prisoner of war approx. 18th Oct 1944 almost until the time he came home. The letter to my grandmother said missing in action after a daring operation in the Mediterranean theatre of war. would anyone know where he might have been?
Janette McDonald

I am trying to trace my grandfather who was involved in the 2nd ww.he was wounded and recovered on gilbraltor his d.o.b is 27/05/1907 he was possibly on the olypus as a passenger when it was sunk.he was the only survivour on a ship sunk of lands end,i do not know the name but would love to know it. i keep coming up with p35 p36 and p39 which i do not know the meaning so if you know please let me know. the pandora is a name i have found relating to this. he was also a skipper on fishing trawlers out of milford haven w wales. he was born in brixham. please can you help me get some information.

Nick, I've been trying without success to obtain a photo of this Grimsby trawler can you help?? I know she was sunk off Norway in 1940 and that she was salvaged by the Germans and renamed "Freise" finally being torpedoed by the Russian sub M201 in 1944 off Norway.Can you help on a photo??
Regards Mike Lewis

I served as a telegraphist on HMT Lowther minesweeping out of Lowestoft 1942-1943 and HMT Cape Mariato convoy escort out of Wallasey Dock Birkenhead 1943-1944. I would be interested in any former shipmates and in the history of the two trawlers mentioned. John Farrar (LT/JX357751)

I would love to hear from anyone who has any information on my Uncle Mick. He like my Father Alexander Watson was a Merchant Seaman in WWII. Michael Patrick Waters born on September 9, 1923. He was A,B on Norwegian ships fron 1950 to 1966. His last ship was TUAREG and he signed off on September 26, 1966 in Rotterdam. He is a British Citizen. My Mother lost contact with him in the 60s and Mum and I tried to find him before she past away in 1967 and I've been looking ever since. So if anyone can help me I would very much appreciate it.
Kind Regards Jackie Watson

I know my hopes are very slim as have very little info.I am looking for information about my grandfather,WILLIAM JOHN BARLOW, son of william and lillian.born in 1914 monks coppenhall crewe,cheshire.I know he was hit by torpedoes twice,he was arrested for going
awol, through family problems.my father was to young to remember anymore.i know my hopes are slim but for any help i would be eternally greatfull. thanks michael jnr.

Any one stationed at HMS Claverhouse (Leith) or HMS Lochinvar (Just across from Leith) both shore bases, 1942/5 or on HMS Shillay (dan -layer) know of a Cmdr William Carruthers? any information about him or his family know matter how small would be very much appreceiated
Regards from Merseyside "Derek J Sullivan"-

I am trying to find any shipmates of my grandfather, Charles Anderson, from Colchester, with him in the RNPS in WW11. He served on the 'Hildesay', the 'Mastiff', the 'Gnu', and 'Europa'. largely in Africa.

Hi nick, I am looking for any information on the RNPS vessel Reboundo on which my father served during WWII.
Thanks William Alexander
Reboundo was built 1920 and required by the Royal Navy as a minesweeper 11/09/1939 No. FY 602 Yard No. 429 She was later returned 17/12/1945. Reboundo was bulit in the Hull shipyards and you may be able to obtain plans or photographs of the ship by quoting Yard No. 429 and contacting Mr Arthur G Credland, Keeper of Maritime History, Hull Maritime Muesum, Queen Victoria Square, Hull HU1 3DX. Also please refer to *Julian Brown's request posted Fri 14th June 2002 - Nick

Hello My father Douglas Parnell served on the Northern Gem in 1942 and was mentioned in dispatches He died in 1959 at the age of 42 and I have just found this information when I had to clear my mothers house and found all his navy papers. I would like to hear from anyone who knew my father and what his position was on HMS Northern Gem
Kind regards Stuart Parnell .

My dad was a signalman on the minesweeper 'corena' during the ww2 in lowestoft and near norway.do you have any info on the trawler.It used to be called the Andulasia. His name is FRANK ROCHE.He is now 76 and always talks about a man called Cruckshank in charge of the minesweeper 'Corena'.
Corena was built at Beverley, as Andalusite, (352 tons) for the Kingston Steam Trawling Co. and was bought by J Marr & Son in 1933. In 1939 the Admiralty bought her and converted her for use as a minesweeper, a role that she fufilled for seven years before being bought by Joseph Craig, Aberdeen, in 1946, and registered as A 198.
In September of 1948, Corena was bound for Greenland with a 14 man crew when she ran into icebergs. As she picked her way through the ice she ran aground, listing badly to port and working heavily on the rocks, causing the crew to take to the lifeboat. Some hours later a motorboat with a rescue party of Eskimos arrived and towed them to Frederikshavn. From there, a Danish gunboat picked them up and transferred them to Feringhavn from where, 9 days later, Faroese smacks took them to Torshavn where they obtained passage home.

Has anybody out there got information or photographs of the following vessels. HMS Sir walter Raleigh and BYMS 2247.
My father in law George Wilbe Harrison is now house bound and any information would be a great comfort.

My father, "Bertie" Paton served (part-time) with the River Patrol on the Clyde in the West of Scotland between 1939 and 1945. Can anyone give me more information on the Clyde River Patrol? Ships, Activities, Personnel?
Grant Paton.

I am trying to trace any service information on my grandad, Samuel Ransom. The Commonwealth war graves commission gives the following; Engineman, HMS Ouzel, Royal Naval Patrol Service, died Monday 3rd November 1941. Any info on HMS Ouzel would be gratefully received.
Many thanks. Nick Riches

Any info on the trawler Senateur Duhamel? Looking esp. for photos,drawings, etc...
Thanks, Kevin

I am trying to find any shipmates who served on the ARAB from 1942 to 1944 as my grandfather was on board at that time. Thanks in anticipation.

Re: Joseph Mair
I would like to hear from anyone who served on Gullfoss. My father was a PO Engineer on this MS when she sank in March 1941. Are there any survivors out there?

I am seeking any information regarding my father. Born 1901, died 1953 . Prior to Wavy Navy was speedboat operator/owner at Bognor. Port Division Lowestoft. Was involved in evacuations at Dunkerque I believe was an engineman on EUROPA 3/9/40-29/9/40 + 28/1/41-27/5/41 + 26/10/42-6/12/42 TORMENTOR 21/9/40-29/9/40 + 6/1/41-27/1/41 QUEBEC 30/10/40-5/1/41 + 28/5/41-25/1/41 Sub Lieutenant (E) VICTORY 7/12/42-20/12/42 DINOSAUR 21/12/42-4/1/43 QUEBEC 5/1/43-28/9/44 Lieutenant PRESIDENT 29/9/44-18/9/45
PEMBROKE 19/9/45-11/2/46
There are no other official records that I can find, but he recieved Italy and Africa Stars, so must have gone to sea. My family and I would love to know what he was doing and what sort of man he was. Can YOU help?

My Uncle John Henry Craine LT/JX 400597 served on H.M. Trawler Aventurine. He died on the 1st December 1943 when I believe the trawler was lost in action against E-Boats. Can any one tell me more rearding this action, anything about the trawler or my uncle. He has a sister who would like to know more about what happened to him. Apart from a certificate informing them of his death the family received no further notification of what took place.
The German 5th Snellboote (e-boat) flottila consisting of nine boats attacked from Cherbourg a strongly-escorted convoy located by air reconnaissance off Beachy Head. E-boat S142 sinks the British trawler Aventurine

Is there anyone out there who served on MFV's based at Bellalong Point? We used to carry stores and ammunition to the ships of the British Pacific Fleet. I can only remember the name of one crew member, C.P.O. Charlie Kent who hailed from Portland Dorset.
I remember the small boat pool was near Wollomolloo and an admiral's barge was in there for refurbishing or something. A bunch of RNPS types commandeered the barge, erected the "Admiral on Board" pennant and steamed around the harbour. They had great fun approaching the gangways of aircraft carriers, cruisers and battleships. The officer of the watch would hurriedly call up a guard of honour and begin all kinds of activity on the gangway, the barge would then speed away to annoy the OOW on another ship.
We never did get caught. The barge was safely returned to its berth and we had a lot of laughs. Such was youth!!

I am researching the service of my wife's uncle, Henry James Wink DSM RNR, in the RNPS. He was lost with four other skippers aboard the SS Vibran in September 1942. They were in transit to collect US minesweepers from Halifax Nova Scotia. H J Wink was a Grimsby man, son of James Henry Wink who was lost in a minsweeping incident in the North Sea. If any one can assist in my research efforts, I would be delighted to hear from them
I am also researching my Grandfather, Charles Hayward DSO RNVR who was in the RNPS in WW1 & 2. He was a trawler skipper in Lowestoft and was called up in both world wars for minesweeping duties. In WW1 he was awarded the DSO when in command of a trawler that snagged a U boat in its nets off Liverpool. The U boat was subsequently captured. My mother, Irene Hayward was a Wren at HMS Europa in Lowestoft. Any information about my family would be very much appreciated.
Excellent web site - keep up the good work!

Hi, I am looking for any information about my grandfathers ship the mms Resistance during ww2. I know he was based in Portsmouth and served for seven years on the minesweeper. Do you Know of any sites that could have any info or pictures of the ship. Thanks Jamie Sinclair

I am a member of the 'Nautical Archaeology Society' and a diver with the 'Billingshurst' Branch of the British Sub Aqua Club. The 'NAS' is currently running a scheme known as the 'Adopt A Wreck' scheme, aimed at identifying how much of our maritime history is still visible beneath the sea, and - more importantly - how fast we arew losing it.
Within that scheme our branch has decided to adopt the 'Northcoates' an armed trawler allegedly sunk in a storm off Bognor in 1944. I dived her yesterday and videoed an amazing scene. She sits upright on a sandy bottom, and is still identifiable as a ship of her class, complete with a forward mounted ?3.7" gun?. Her bridge area has mainly collapsed, although the port and starboard sides are still visible, complete with some window-holes.
As part of the report we will submit to the 'NAS' I would be interested in hearing from any of her ex-crew members. Also, would it not be usual for the gun to be locked 'fore and aft' when not in action? At present it is trained over the starboard bow - almost as if in action at the time we sank.
For those who shudder when divers and wrecks are mentioned I can confirm that no diver 'penetrated' the wreck (she looks somewhat unstable, with her starboard hull peeling out onto the sand) and no artefacts were removed.
Any information received will be fully credited - and if anyone wants photographs I can upload them from the video I shot.
Many thanks Ian Barefoot

Hi,
I am Ron Madin and my father Fred Madin served on the Fisherboy for most of the Second World War. I have been searching for some time for photos of the Fisherboy. Is there anyone out there who can help me?
My e-mail address is annro58@tik.com.au
Regards
Ron Madin .

My father Ray Frost served on MMS 177, MMS1083 and Greenfly between 1941--1945 would love to hear from any ship mates.Please get in touch.

Hello, My name is Heather Bradshaw. I'm writing a novel about Hull 1945 - 1950 and would love to hear from anyone that served on a trawler/minesweeper during World War II.
Thanks.

I am in the process of seeking a publisher for an illustrated book of drawings of trawlers sailing out of Hull and Fleetwood. They were drawn by my uncle, Harry Wright, who was an amateur artist. He drew over 600 ships. Many were given away to friends, and I am told that 200 of them found their way to Australia. I have managed to accumulate from friends and family about 140 of his drawings, one of which is of MMS 206. I am assuming that this is the vessel on which he served as a Chief Petty Officer. Does anyone remember CPO Harry Wright or MMS 206? Also, is there anyone out there who possesses one or more of his drawings. If so, I would be very grateful to receive a scan. It might be possible (if the reproduction is clear enough) to include it in my proposed book. The trawlers were always drawn in pen-and-pastel, broadside on so as to show details of their rigging, colours and numbers.
Marie Brown (ex Fleetwood & Hull, now in Kent UK)

Hi Can the following go onto your RNPS board please? I am researching the loss of HMS 'JASPER' T.14 A/S Trawler lost by E-boat torpedo in English Channel on 1 December 1942. My uncle.Stoker.LT/KX.125029 Matthew Wren Dempsey was killed.What became of the following
crew who were not part of the 11 fatalities :- Coxwain. George Harvey Lynn. R.N.R.7112C Lt. Bayford Bennett. Acting Chief Engineman. Joe Breden. Engineman. Herbert Frederick Toovey. Leading Seaman. Alf Dann.Telegraphist. Kenneth Pipes.
Seaman. Sub Detection. R.S.G. Halls.
Thank you
TONY COLLINS

My father served in the fisherboy at dunkirk was involved inthe rescue of 1500 persons from the beaches he was named in dispatches to the king he was a cpo name james michaei oflaherty would anybody have any information about this action or is there any person who was involved still around,my father would never speak much about his war service

Have you any information on a ship called "Batavia"? Probably H.M.S. possibly Merchant Service.
Thank you. Richard

My father REGINALD JOHN HERRING HAY was in the Merchant Navy during this period. He was from DEVONPORT / PLYMOUTH . I don`t have many details about him - I know he went to ICELAND. He was born in 1909. Passed away in 1944.
Can anybody help or give me any advice ?? Thankyou.. I would be grateful for ANY help I can get......Yours hopefully Carol Hay ; carolhaylyons@aol.com

Hi Harry Taters I have been contacted by a French diving squad and they intend to dive on the BYMS 2030 at the Port of Le Havre if any one has any info regarding the 2030 can they contact me as the French would like build up a history of the ship. I have build and flotilla details any other info /photographs would be appreciated
Regards from Merseyside "Derek J Sullivan"--017048 33556

I am researching my Grandfathers time with the RNPS, Alexander Macaulay (JX.1Y452Y). A fisherman from Helmsdale, he served as a leading seaman at HMS Watchful (Great Yarmouth), Europa (Lowestoft), Fortitude (Ardrossan), Lynx (Dover) and on Colonsay, Marshal South. There were other vessels however in typical wartime fashion these were indecipherable! I was hoping to hear from anyone with any information on any of this, it would be most appreciated. Also on the service records there are tenders in brackets next to the entries, such as “Colonsay (Green Howard)”. What does this mean? I can’t imagine a trawler needing a tug!
Many thanks, Simon-Peter

Hi Nick HELLO HARRY TATERS!
As I have been chasing information and photographs on BYMS for the last two years I would like to thank once again all those that have helped me, and yes the books WILL be published and as most of you are aware some of the best photographs are on the web, but the reason for this posting is that from the last request that I made on C-Fax I was contacted by an ex crew member of the MMS201 who lives in Bristol (When I first started this research I thought that a Mickey Mouser was a Scouser but never mind).He has funded a memorial to all the men who served on Wooden Minesweepers 1941 to 1959 and lists all the MMSs and BYMS lost and damaged, also Rev Michael Melvin for his work in recording the information, and his attempt to save MMS 191, and thanking the people of Nova Scotia for their hospitality.
The dedication of the Memorial will take place in ALREWAS (the National Memorial Arboretum) NR LITCHFIELD (on the A449 off the A38) on the 28th May, a short service will be held at 12mid day in the Chapel, followed by the Dedication of the Memorial. Any one that can attend will be most welcome and for those that cannot if they would like a photograph of the memorial I will be very pleased to send a copy Regards from Merseyside
Derek Sullivan.

I would like to hear from anyone who served with my father Archie Ellis. He was on HMS Berkshire from 1939 to April 1940 and on HMS Wellard from then until 1945. He died many years ago but I do know he was on HMS Berkshire at Namsos, in the USA during 1942 and then went to South Africa ending the war at HMS Europa in 1945
Also any information about HMS Berkshire and HMS Wellard would be most welcome

I'm Ted Coe and would like to know if there are any other shipmates out there who I served with on BYMS 2008 between 1942 and late 44 early 45 as a Stoker lst Class. I remember all of the events on the Alf Forshaw web page but unfortunatly not Alf. Excellent information on the site.