HMS Duke of York

[bungey1]

HMS Duke of York
My father Charles Murray Williams served in the Duke of York. He was an Regulating Petty Officer (Crusher). He was aboard for North Cape and the sinking of the Scharnhorst. He went out to the Pacific and was on her when she went to Japan for the surrender. I have recently inherited a vase which was bought by him at a shrine near Hiroshima for an Australian lady in Sydney. I would be interested to hear information regarding Crew visits to Hiroshima to see the bombs damage there.
My father was landed at Hong Kong as part of a detachment to police Hong Kong where he was acting Master at Arms. I would be inerested to hear any information on this.

[Alan L. Clements]

At 86 years of age I am still alive and kicking.If there is anyone out there that is just as lucky and can remember me I'd be pleased to exchange memories of life aboard and the whereabouts since. I served out my 22 years and within a fortnight of being pensioned came to Australia and since retiring am living in Adelaide.
G,Day to any shipmates. E.A. Alan Clements.(Clem).

[John Brown]

Alan

A few years ago I attended, with my father, a commemorative event for the British Pacific and East Indies Fleets. Whilst there I meet several ex crew members of the D of Y. They were attending the event as representatives of the HMS Duke of York Association. I am sure that if you contact the association you will be put in touch with someone who served on board during the same period as yourself.

Here is the website:http://www.geocities.com/hmsdukeofyork/start.htm

Regards...Bob

[jonti]

Hi Alan. Did you join the RN as a boy-apprentice and do your 4 year training at Fisgard or similar. If you did, the website "Fisgard Association" will be of interest to you. It is similar to an old boys association of a school and has been in existence for about 10 years. There are several pre-war members going back to the middle 1930s and total membership is in the thousands. Our oldest member Don Cantellow (1923 Grenville) has just turned 100! Either type "fisgard association" into Google search or call up website www.fisgardassociation.org and all will be revealed.
Regards jonti, exEA 1949-63.

[The Sailor]

And welcome to our forum Alan. I see you are an honorary Australian.
Foot in both camps. Enyoy the forum ancient mariner.

[herakles]

G'Day Alan and welcome. "Ancient Mariner" indeed Sailor. You deserve a cuff behind the ear!

[Alan L. Clements]

Hi Alan. Did you join the RN as a boy-apprentice and do your 4 year training at Fisgard or similar. If you did, the website "Fisgard Association" will be of interest to you. It is similar to an old boys association of a school and has been in existence for about 10 years. There are several pre-war members going back to the middle 1930s and total membership is in the thousands. Our oldest member Don Cantellow (1923 Grenville) has just turned 100! Either type "fisgard association" into Google search or call up website www.fisgardassociation.org and all will be revealed.
Regards jonti, exEA 1949-63.

Hi Jonti,Sorry it has taken me three months to get this far in anwering your message. Unfortunately I was hospitalised soon after joining and during that period my wife changed our net server hence much confusion with email address and password,I cannot be sure that it has been sorted because this is the second time I've tried today. To answer your question I joined the RN as a boy-apprentice at Fisgard from the Royal Hospital School in 1936 but was fortunate to get drafted to HMS Caledonia, Rosyth to open that new establishment. The apprenticeship was shortened on the outbreak of war and I went to Defiance at Devonport before getting HMS Duke of York as my first ship. I served 22 years and was pensioned in September 1961 having got into the missile business in 1952 hence coming to Woomera, South Australia to continue R&D with GEC on Seaslug & Seadart. I now live at Adelaide and would welcome any exchanges with any old messmates.
Thank you for your interest. Cheers, Alan L. Clements

[Batstiger]

Hi Alan, Welcome !

Surely you have got some old photographs to share with us (not so old as you) seadogs. All are welcome.

Bob.

[Alan L. Clements]

G'Day Alan and welcome. "Ancient Mariner" indeed Sailor. You deserve a cuff behind the ear!

Hi Herakles,
Thanks your welcome message; I didn't ask your age did I?
I looked up your profile and see the year has been deleted!
Cheers anyway, Clem.

[Alan L. Clements]

Hi Bob, Thank you for your message of welcome, I have a few old photographs including some taken aboard your second thumbnail which I beleive to be HMS Gambia off Venice.
If only I know how to do it on the forum website.
I will browse the FAQs because I am new to the home computer.
Regards Alan.

[Batstiger]

Hi again Alan. It all comes with trial and error! In my case a lot of error but you will soon get the hang of it.
By the way my signature picture is of the Tiger not the Gambia.

Regards, Bob.

[herakles]

Hi Herakles,
Thanks your welcome message; I didn't ask your age did I?
I looked up your profile and see the year has been deleted!
Cheers anyway, Clem.

All I will say is that you are older than I am!

In fact I am a person very reticent to supply much personal information in public to anyone.

[doug.birch]

All I will say is that you are older than I am!

In fact I am a person very reticent to supply much personal information in public to anyone.

good-day Allen, glad your alive and kicking ive just joined up world naval ships,
doug.birch ex EA hms fencer 42-46, also in Adelaide branch of RNA
cheers Doug.

[herakles]

Welcome to the forum Doug!

Sounds like you're in Australia now.

Why not go to New Members and tell us something of your experiences?

[Batstiger]

Hope you are now fully recovered from your spell in hospital Alan.
Last day in January, it will soon de spring for us in the Northern hemisphere, I can't wait for it. I have dug out a couple more pics of the Duke.

Bob.

[John Brown]

Alan

Didn't you tell me a while ago that you served on HMS Gambia during the 1950's? You must have something to add to Romfits post on that ship?

Regards...John

[Alan L. Clements]

Hi John,
I did tell you that I served on the Med Commission of HMS Gambia 1950 -52 but this has no mention in Romfit's history.
I found the Gambia Association web page but could only get a nice rendering of Sailing, no activation when clicking on to the crest.
My interest was mainly centred on seeing if there were any of my shipmates from any of the ships I served in during my 22 years. I guess there would be very few alive & also members of the world ship forum but I appreciate the welcomes I recieved from you and other members.
Thank you also for the photographs of D.of Y. especially the one in the iceland fiord?
Reference a previous message; I have not been able to send the photos by clicking on the "insert image" icon above. Sorry.
Regards, Alan Clements.

[cissystar650]

Hi Alan...

I would love to hear more about your career. I am slowly piecing together my Grandfather's career, and learning so much as I go.

I think you can put pics on here if you scroll down to 'manage attachments', click on that and another box opens....click on 'browse' and you should then be able to click on the photos that you want to upload.

cissy

[Alan L. Clements]

Soory Cissy, No sucess to date, I am awaiting my son showing me how. Cheers Alan.

[Alan L. Clements]

Hi Cissy, With the assistance of my son herewith a photo of HMS Wesstern Isles at Tobermory in 1943 taken by my mother who was resident there while my father was serving aboard.
Cheers, Alan Clements.

[kathryn]

Dear Sir

I have just joined this web site too under 'Cumberland 1953 Ronald Frederick May. He was an Artificer in the Royal Navy too and trained at Fisgard in the 40's I think. Would you like me to send the information I have gathered so far? It would be quite a long message though. Not a quick reply. I have photo's of him too. He died in Malta (road accident) on 15 Aug. 1953. I hope you are keeping well and happy. Kind Regards - Kathy (Ronald's daugher)

[astraltrader]

Kathy - see PM

[John Brown]

Alan

Here are some photos of members of The Duke of York Association that I took back in 1995.

Maybe you recognise some old faces?

The only names I can rember are in the fourth picture: The big Marine far left on the front row is 'Jack'. The Marine second from the right front row is 'Eric'


Regards.....John

[kc]

Good to see these photos John, thanks.

[micklucas]

My dad served on the Duke of York in WWII and was at sea from Scapa Flow down to Sydney, plus took in some Atlantic sailings - escorting Churchill back and forth I believe. He was born on Portland, as I was after the war, and signed on from the NAAFI. I would love to hear from anyone who thinks they may have known him. Please email me at malucas2@bigpond.net.au.
Mick Lucas.

[casey2021]

My Great grandfather was also on the duke of york for the sinking of the scharnost. His name was Glanville Williams from Wales and he was friends with a person called Harry Smith. He was a chef on the ship. I'm not sure if he went to Japan though. Also if you know anywhere to get a crewlist for the HMS Duke of York and any other information you know about the ship,crew or Glanville and Harry I would like to know and I would be pleased if you replied. Thanks.

Casey.

[John Brown]

I assume you have both tried the D of Y Association?

If not, their website is here.....

http://www.geocities.com/hmsdukeofyork/start.htm


In the meantime, just for interest, here is a copy of a list of signatures of Scharnhorst survivors taken on board D of Y. Bruce Fraser has also signed the bottom left hand corner.


Regards....John

[John Brown]

Casey and Bungey


You may be interested to see these photos which I took of ex DoY men at a Br East Indies and Pacific Fleets Commemorative event in 1995.

I have posted them elsewhere in the forum before but can't remember where now.

Regards....John

[1lizzie1]

Trying to find information on the Duke of York. My father was a stoker so if any one has a crew list or any info i would be very grateful i have put some photos of him and some crew also 0ne of King George on this ship

[Tiornu]

DoY's finest hour came in the Battle of North Cape when she wrecked the German battleship Scharnhorst with at least thirteen 14in shell hits. Poor Scharnhorst was all alone, trying to escape from a mass of British ships.
http://www.navweaps.com/index_oob/OOB_WWII_Atlantic/OOB_WWII_North_Cape.htm
Thoroughly abused by DoY, she tried to run, but torpedo hits slowed her enough that she couldn't get away.

[1lizzie1]

Hi Ihave some photos attached of some crew and King George aboard the Duke of York.My father was Ronald Burrows 2nd on the left in the stoker crew, any information or how to see crew list would be wonderfull

[1lizzie1]

Hi Alan myfather served on the Dof Y and I have attached some photos he is 2nd on the left in stoker photo his name was Ronald Burrows.maybe you know some of these handsome men, I know 1 is King George

[John Brown]

Lizzie

Welcome to the forum.

You will find a service history for HMS Duke of York here...

http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-01BB-Duke%20of%20York.htm

I would however advise you to double check all information you find as we, on this forum, have in the past, found some errors in these service histories.



Good luck in your research...


Regards...John

[Batstiger]

Welcome to the forum Lizzie.
I have separated the photographs for easier viewing.

Bob.

[CGRET]

Welcome!

Here are some photo's,


31845

31846

31847


Regards
CGRET

[Alan L. Clements]

Casey and Bungey


You may be interested to see these photos which I took of ex DoY men at a Br East Indies and Pacific Fleets Commemorative event in 1995.

I have posted them elsewhere in the forum before but can't remember where now.

Regards....John

You posted them for my benefit in 2007 but they were not of Duke of York's first commission John.
I never did learn how to manage the forum on World Naval Ships so switched to the easier H.M.S. Gambia Association after there being no members list on D of Y's Web.
Sorry to be disratedto ordinary seaman.
Cheers, Alan Clements.

[Alan L. Clements]

Hi Alan myfather served on the Dof Y and I have attached some photos he is 2nd on the left in stoker photo his name was Ronald Burrows.maybe you know some of these handsome men, I know 1 is King George

Hi There,
I've just returned to this web to find your message but sad to say I didn't know your Dad but, like you, I knew King George and also the smiling Admiral Bruce Fraser. Thanks for that photo.
I joined World Naval Ships in 2007 mainly to see if there were any old shipmates, still breathing, on the members list but guess I have left it too long. I am only just breathing and hoping to see my 90th birthday in September 2011.
If you continue searching for any mates of your Dad, give the dates that he served on D of Y and his rank if possible because there were close on a thousand of us aboard.
I served on a few ships during my 22 years but seems I wasn't very well known on any judging by the associations that I have tried.
Good Luck to You,
Yours Sincerely, Alan Clements.

[jbryce1437]

Alan, I hope to toast your birthday in 2011

Jim

[qprdave]

Goes to show that Matelots are never too old to try and find their oppo's

Good luck Alan

[Alan L. Clements]

Thank you for your kind wishes Jim.I am still scanning the navy associations for old ships witout success but guess I must be a rare specimen and a lucky one to still being able to answer your greetings.
Good health to you.
Alan.(Clem).

[Alan L. Clements]

Same to you sir; I could be a leading hand by time I've found an old ship. I am still enjoying the looking and meanwhile learning a lot about the Andrew.
Cheers,Dave?

[harry.gibbon]

Just spotted it.............

HOPE I AM NOT TOO LATE TO EXTEND A HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISH TO OUR 88 YEAR OLD MEMBER ALAN ...............................

Little h

[qprdave]

Happy 88th Birthday, Alan. Have a tot on me

[harry.gibbon]

Clicked Alans' name and viewed Alans' profile and tis today 10/9

[Guz rating]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALAN MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE.

Kindest Wishes

Alan.:D

[qprdave]

#22 Post

Whenever I see photos of these brave and great men, I always think how much we, as British people, have to thank them for their contribution in keeping Britain free. And prevented the country from starving. Thank you seems to be too smaller thing to say.

It is a privilege to have been born in the same country as these brave men and, of course, the ones that didn't make it through the war.

[tonclass]

Bloody Hell, have just discovered this thread Alan !! You must be our most senior Matelot GOING, and we all hope you are keeping well with it. 'A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY' mukka. Puts us nozzers in their place I must say.

[astraltrader]

Happy Birthday alan!

[jimmca78]

The3 following photos may be of interest as they concern the Duke of York, The bugler is one of the Royal Marines we carried. Another can be seen on the fooball picture. Corporal Riddell (known as Jimmy). The second photo is of poor quality bur the detail is interesting. The liberty boat is full to overflowing with Jacks in their tiddly suits going 'up the line#

[jimmca78]

The3 following photos may be of interest as they concern the Duke of York, The bugler is one of the Royal Marines we carried. Another can be seen on the fooball picture. Corporal Riddell (known as Jimmy). The second photo is of poor quality bur the detail is interesting. The liberty boat is full to overflowing with Jacks in their tiddly suits going 'up the line#

A better picture of the Duke of York.
jimmca78

[Batstiger]

A slightly better picture.

Bob.

[clare eccles]

hi,
Im new to the site and spotted a post by a person asking about a john doran from bootle liverpool.
John doran was my great grandfather and was a stoker on the hms york.
I have information on him which i can forward onto the person who was looking for it.
thanks clare....

[jbryce1437]

Hello Clare, I have tried to search for the post to which you refer and I have been unable to locate it. Do you know which thread it was on and the post number?


Jim

[clare eccles]

hi,
i dont im sorry there was an email address attached to the post which i replied to but have yet to recieve a reply.
i dont even know if the email address in question is still in use.

[jbryce1437]

Hello again Clare. The good news is that I have solved the mystery regarding the posting about John Doran and the email address. This appears on our sister site and you have probably followed the link to the Forum from there http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/dukeyork.htm

The bad news is that I also tried to email the contact and, being a member of AOL myself, the system informs me that the email address is not now known, so I assume the person has changed Internet Service Providers.
By coincidence, the post below the one about John Doran is from someone else who's father served on the Duke of York, and who came from Bootle, so it may be worthwhile contacting him, as he may have established contact with Paul Doran, the other person asking about John Doran. I have sent John Linacre an email and will let you know if he replies. This was his post on the Battleships and Cruisers site and I have removed his email address from this post, but you will find it on the other site if you want to try it yourself:

JOHN LINACRE: My Father served on HMS Duke of York between 1942 and `1945. he cam from Bootle, Liverpool. sadly he died in 1973. I would love to hear from any old ship mates of his who remembers him, Please contact me at

Another point is that John Doran was onboard HMS Duke of York, not HMS York so I will change the thread title to avoid further confusion.

Jim

[Mike Terry]

My father was also a stoker on HMS York (1936-1939)

[paulp4180]

First posting on this forum, (apart from the introductions page), and opening up an old thread....

My great uncle was on the DoY as a chief stoker I believe, a Herbert Sellars, I've inherited some old photos as well so will post those on, probably later tonight.

Hoping by resurecting this thread to see more photos of the crew on board the DoY being posted!!

[mossie]

Hi All,
One for the post..............M:)

[alanbenn]

First posting on this forum, (apart from the introductions page), and opening up an old thread....

My great uncle was on the DoY as a chief stoker I believe, a Herbert Sellars, I've inherited some old photos as well so will post those on, probably later tonight.

Hoping by resurecting this thread to see more photos of the crew on board the DoY being posted!!



Paul, a very warm welcome to the forum. I'm sure everyone will be delighted at seeing the photo's you have inherited from your great-uncle.

It's great to see that the forum is attracting people like yourself who wish to share family history, it's a good thing to do because your great-uncle's service will be remembered here for all time, for future generations to find when doing research.

Look forward to your posts.

Regards
Alan

[paulp4180]

Thanks for the welcome Alan, hopefully you'll all go easy on me as I'm an ex-rockape... and uncertain of your navy ways....:)

Here are some photos of my great uncle. he was quite a well organised chap, as I have his full service records and cuttings from the news papers about the Scharnhorst, which I'll also put on later. I know he also served on HMS Apollo.

Hopefully, the reopening of the thread will spur other members to post some photo's!

[paulp4180]

This is a wider picture of him on the DoY.....

[alanbenn]

Paul, many thanks for posting these photo's of your great-uncle, the photo of him aboard the Duke of York shows him as a Petty Officer, note the difference in uniform to the other photo's of him in his Chief Petty Officer's uniform.

Thanks for expanding the DoY photo, you never know, other people may just recognise someone else on the photo.

Look forward to seeing more photo's and hopefully his service records too.

Regards
Alan

[claydon1991]

hello, my grandad (peter claydon) served upon the HMS duke of york from 1942 till the end of the war, unfortunately he passed away a few years ago and hardly ever shared his stories from his time aboard the ship. he left me some pictures of the japanese surrender on singapore and also a few pictures of the nagasaki after the bomb was dropped, i am intrested to know what else the ship and my grandad was involved in during its time in the pacific? i would be very gratefull to hear replies. thanks :)

[jainso31]

Hello and welcome claydon1991 to the WNS Forum.I am sure that you have come to the right place for information about such a famous WW2 battleship as HMS Duke of York.There are many members here who specialise in such ships; and you are bound to have someone answering your post who will be able to help or point you in the right direction.
So come aboard and have a look around.I hope you find what you need here and your stay is a pleasant one.

jainso31

[Dreadnought]

Hi claydon1991, a very warm welcome to World Naval Ships Forums.

I have moved your enquiry to an existing thread concerning HMS Duke of York. Just keeps everything together and avoids possible duplication

If you haven’t already done so, I strongly recommend you visit our “Welcome” thread (link below). Here, you will find help and guidance for using the Forum, and some further links to other guidance and tips that may be useful to you.

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=7490

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