HMS Unicorn 1941-1959 [Archive] - World Naval Ships Forums

wally masters

21-08-2007, 18:15

my dad was on unicorn on radar he told mehe lived all his life in willesden london. and worked at heinz most of his life if anyone remembers him please email meon bob.masters@hotmail.co.uk thanks.

Canavan

17-10-2008, 17:54

oldsalt

20-10-2008, 17:33

My granddad served on HMS Unicorn between 1951-1954.

His name was Chief Petty Officer John Canavan.

If anyone rememberes him, then please contact me, as he would love to get in contact with you.

my email is: charliee-xo@live.co.uk (charliee-xo@live.co.uk)

Thank-you.

:)

It would help if you give his branch & rate when he was in Unicorn. I served in Unicorn from Jan53 to Nov 54. I was a Leading Stoker Mechanic.:confused::confused:

Jarlath Norman

27-10-2008, 09:44

Hi,

posting for my Dad, Bernard NORMAN, known as 'Nordy' Fleet Air Arm mechanic. Served 1943 -.

I see from the various histories that UNICORN was one of the only carriers to shell the land during the Korean conflict with her 4 inch guns. Dad reckons that they shelled the Japanese in the Phillipine islands.

Any old shipmates remeber Dad or shelling the Japanese?

Thanks

J

oldsalt

27-10-2008, 17:10

This is a picture of Unicorn leaving Malta homeward bound in Oct. 1953. During the korean war she steamed 130,000 miles, ferried 600 aircraft and carried 6,000 troops.

Jarlath Norman

24-12-2008, 14:11

Sadly Bernard (Nordy) Norman passed away today 24 December 2008. Rest in Peace Dad.

mik43

24-12-2008, 14:27

I'm so sorry to read of your sad loss today Jarlath. I'm sure that all the other members of the forum would like to express their sympathies to you and your family now that your Dad has crossed the bar. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Regards
Mik

Trafalgartwin

24-12-2008, 15:04

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss today.

The death of a parent can be very hard, even if that parent had a good long life. I hope you and your family find ways to cope. It's such a difficult time of the year for this, too.:(

John Brown

24-12-2008, 15:35

I too am very sorry to hear of your loss today.

Regards...John

jbryce1437

24-12-2008, 21:35

Sorry to hear about the passing of your father, I hope you have some happy and lasting memories of him. RIP Nordy

Jim

astraltrader

24-12-2008, 23:43

I too am very sorry to hear of your sad loss today.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

nogrub

25-12-2008, 08:37

Sorry to hear about the loss of your father, my thoughts are with you and your family

Regards

Harry

Jarlath Norman

27-12-2008, 18:34

My thanks to you all for your kind wishes.

We will ensure that we send Nordy off in style.

J

qprdave

28-12-2008, 22:56

Can I add my condolences about the loss of your father. I was told all Matelot's never die. They turn into seagulls (Cleaned up name) and search the oceans for RN ships looking for the Masters at Arms to get their revenge

vivian

30-12-2008, 04:04

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My condolences to you and your family. I'm sure you have wonderful memories.

sincerely
Vivian

Jarlath Norman

27-01-2009, 21:53

We sent Dad off in great style. RNA provided a standard bearer (former bootneck and me a part time paratrooper!) he would have laughed!

theyoungs

03-08-2009, 16:25

I recently joined this forum to find out more about HMS Unicorn around 1943/44 when my father was serving on her. I also have numerous photos and other memorabilia relating to his time on the Unicorn and would therefore also like to find out about sharing this information and receiving similar from other people or associations interested in this period.

Look forward to any replies or PMs.

Chris

03-08-2009, 16:27

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I'm sure there are members here who have a connection to, or can tell you more about HMS Unicorn - I expect you will get a reply or two soon. In the meantime, here is guide on how to upload images to the forum, should you wish to.

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34836#post34836

Batstiger

03-08-2009, 16:33

Welcome to the forum Chris. I see Kc has given you scanning information should you need any further help drop me a PM.
We all look forward to seeing your fathers pictures, I wish you luck with your venture.

Regards, Bob.

oldsalt

03-08-2009, 19:03

There is a book about Unicorn from when built up to I think the time you are interested in. The book is "The Versatile Air Repair Ship HMS Unicorn" it is available from Amazon, good hunting. I served in Unicorn in 1953-4 a bit later than you are seeking.

anna marioni

03-08-2009, 19:45

Hello Chris,
I stumbled across this site in an attempt to find out more about my grandfather Paul McQuae Wilkinson who flew Swordfish from the Unicorn. He was shot down in 1943. I have photographs and his letters to my Grandmother but nothing else. I was wondering if anyone has any record of him or his time on the ship? A long shot I know!
Bestwishes Anna Marioni

theyoungs

03-08-2009, 20:08

The photos I have show quite a few swordfish and seafires, including some on board accidents involving these. There are numerous people visible but they are often indistinct due to their size in the photo. Also my father was in the radar division, so the more formal photos of his colleagues taken, for example, in Trincomalee presumably wouldn't include pilots.

At least one of the group photos have some names on (e.g. Mess 58 from May 1943), but not Wilkinson I'm afraid.

Regards,

Chris

anna marioni

03-08-2009, 20:33

Thank you Chris.

anna marioni

04-08-2009, 17:13

A long shot I know but anyone with any info on the following or how to help would be very much appreciated. HMS Unicorn 1943 Fairie Swordfish pilot Squadron 824
Paul McQuhae Wilkinson died 5/9/43 - my grandfather

alanbenn

04-08-2009, 19:02

Anna, we had a similar enquiry just a couple of days ago.

Here's the web addresses for a few Fleet Air Arm websites, well worth you enquiring with the FAA site in particular.

here are the web addresses for the relevant FAA sites

www.fleetairarmarchive.net (http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net)

www.fleetairarm.com (http://www.fleetairarm.com)
this is the museum.

www.faaa.org.uk (http://www.faaa.org.uk)

Regards
Alan

anna marioni

05-08-2009, 20:24

Thank you Alan that's really helpful. Will make a start.
Best wishes

Anna

Fairlead

21-08-2009, 19:44

A few related snippets from a booklet printed to record HMS UNICORN's service between 1943 and 1945.

Captain from January to October 1943 was Captain Q. D. GRAHAM, CBE., DSO., Royal Navy

relieved by Captain H. L. St.J. FANCOURT, DSO., Royal Navy

14th Jan 1943 - Ship Commissioned at Belfast
28th May - Arrived Gibraltar
26th July - Sailed from Scapa Flow for 'Norway Sweep'
8 - 11 Sep - Opertation 'Avalanche' - Salerno
Oct - Nov - Refit Belfast (Conversion back to Repair Ship)

Fairlead

oldsalt

24-08-2009, 17:37

I was in Unicorn Jan 53 to Nov 54, she was'nt the most comfortable ship, hot & full of cockroaches.

Fellows

14-06-2010, 12:20

Hi all I found your forum while searching for information on my father who I believe served on HMS Illustrious, HMS Unicorn and the Esperance Bay during WWII His name was Arthur Fellows born in Birmingham area 1909 He was an accomplished musician so may well have been involved in a band or the like on board.
I don't know much more as he died in 1962 when i was 18mnths old.

If any of his old shipmates remember him I'd be thrilled to hear from you.

Cheers
Dave

stonefrigate

12-04-2011, 00:15

I have a crest from the Carrier HMS UNICORN with a motto on it "IN UTRUMQUE EXCELSO ANIMO" plus this motto appears on the Carrier UNICORN's association web site. Does anyone know what the motto is in english?

patroclus

12-04-2011, 02:01

It does not seem to be part of the official crest.

Perhaps it just means that they were high minded.

Hank

12-04-2011, 03:49

This translates to words akin to Toward ardent merit or excellence, Stonefrigate. Regards

patroclus

12-04-2011, 03:59

This translates to words akin to Toward ardent merit or excellence, Stonefrigate. Regards

And I thought "EXCELSO ANIMO" meant high or lofty mind!:confused:

oldsalt

12-04-2011, 15:36

All I know is Captain Pennyfeather said the Unicorn was a protector of virgins .When I was aboard her.

Jan Steer

12-04-2011, 15:40

Almost right Keith. The Unicorn could only be CAPTURED by a virgin. It is a symbol of purity.

best wishes
Jan

alanbenn

12-04-2011, 16:23

The motto is the official motto for Unicorn and it translates to ....We are ready for either duty with a soaring spirit.

ref:Taken from Admiralty Ships badges vol2.

Regards
Alan

patroclus

12-04-2011, 21:00

The motto is the official motto for Unicorn and it translates to ....We are ready for either duty with a soaring spirit.

ref:Taken from Admiralty Ships badges vol2.

Regards
Alan

That sounds better; but what were the two duties envizaged?

alanbenn

12-04-2011, 21:57

That sounds better; but what were the two duties envizaged?

War & Peace I would assume.:)

Regards
Alan

Trish B

04-04-2012, 14:54

That sounds better; but what were the two duties envizaged?
HMS Unicorn (I72) was a British aircraft maintenance vessel and light aircraft carrier. I believe that these are the two duties referred to in the motto.