HMS Chevron

[o/s Ray]

Hello everyone, i`ve just joined and am still fairly new to this forum stuff.I served on the chevron from 1953 to 1955 out in Malta and was a ordinary seaman,my action station was the starboard bofor gun by the bridge.I would love to hear from anyone who may have served on her :)

[jbryce1437]

Welcome aboard Ray. You must have some photos of her??
Can't see you on the gun in this pic of her;)

[o/s Ray]

Thanks for the pic jbryce, someone else was taking my shift in that pic ;) i do have a few pics and will dig them out, i just got to work out how to post them, i`ll have to use my sons photobucket account and take photos of the photos.

[o/s Ray]

here are some pics,sorry they are a bit fuzzy and tatty but they are over 50 years old.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadhmschevron4.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadhmschevron3.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadhmschevron1.jpg
This is me age 15 when i joined up.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dad1.jpg

[o/s Ray]

I will post some more later, sorry they are so big but like i said i`m still new to this and it takes me a while to type anything, i am 70 after all :-)

[jbryce1437]

Looks like a lovely set of photographs.
If you have a scanner, they would be better scanned than photographed using a camera, which tends to get the focus wrong and the flash creates reflections.
With a scanner, you can increase the size and alter the lightness, etc., in a photo editor.
If you do manage to scan them, try to scan them to around 1200 pixels wide and use the descreen facility if you have it as an option.

Any idea what happened to her in this photo.

Jim

[o/s Ray]

Hi Jim, this is Rays son Phil, dad doesn`t get on too well with the computer so i hope you don`t mind that i will be replying on his behalf, he`ll just be dictating lol. I don`t have a scanner but i may know someone that does, as for the damage to the Chevron, dad doesn`t know anything about that and says it may have been after he left the navy however, he does recall a collision with an aircraft carrier when they were doing a night exercise in the Med and had all the lights out,an aircraft carrier (HMS Centuar) clipped them on the starboard side, nearly turning the ship over.The stern lookout by the stern 4.5 gun just had time to ring the bridge and then proceeded to faint with fright.The captain got the chippy to go and look for any damage below decks, after the chippy reported that everthing seemed ok we all carried on with the exersize (typical navy).In the morning we could inspect the damage.Starting from the stern starboard side the guard rails were flatend, going forward from there the motor boat on the davits was a complete wreck.Starboard side bofor gun by the bridge was crushed and the director was twisted round, also the radio ariels were hanging down from the mast and the bridge windows were broken.

a navy program from when dad passed the royal yacht.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadnavyprogram.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadnavyprogram1.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadnavyprogram2.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/dadnavyprogram3.jpg

[jbryce1437]

Thanks for the reply Phil, and looking forward to see the results of the scan.
Sounds as if the Chippy on Chevron wanted to get back down the mess quickly, if he couldn't spot all of that damage on his recce:D
Had a bit surf around to try and establish how the damage to Chevron was caused, with no luck. But I did come across this site with some information
http://brisray.com/dad/chevron1.htm

[rumrat]

Jim, Re CHEVRON's bent bow.
During a night exercise with the rest of the flotilla with all ships blacked out steaming line abreast at speed, a signal was sent ordering all ships to turn 90% to starboard which would have resulted in a line astern formation, CHEVRON had a faulty R/T set and did not recieve the signal Keeping straight on in the darkness the inevitable result was a collision.COMET got in the way and thus resulted in the damage to CHEVRON's bow.COMET was rammed on her starboard side in the area of No2 boiler room .Both ships were towed back to Malta .
Hope this helps mate
Regards
Dave

[Batstiger]

What year are we talking about when this collision occurred?

Bob.

[jbryce1437]

Thanks for the info on the collision Dave;)

[o/s Ray]

Thanks for that info Jim, we found it very intresting with some great photos.

And thank you Dave for clearing up that mystery :-)

[o/s Ray]

here are the newly scanned pics.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo01_0.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo03_2.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo06_5.jpg
Refuelling
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo05_4.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo07_6.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo08_7.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo10_9.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo13_12.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo14_13.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo17_16.jpg
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo18_17.jpg
Dad aged 15
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo15_14.jpg
dad 3rd from right with Italian sailors.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo16_15.jpg
dad in middle of pic, back row.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo19_18.jpg
Dad in whites.
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x45/66COOP/Photo04_3.jpg

[Batstiger]

Good pics, I've cleaned them up a bit for you. Had I got the originals I could have made a better job of them.
I'm 71 now so must have joined up at the same time although I was a Ganges lad.

Bob.

[tonclass]

Likewise, I'd happily have a go at cleaning the badly damaged port side view of her if a LARGE copy were available.
Rik

[jbryce1437]

Lovely set of photographs. The welder at work should be in the National Archives as it is classic shot of Dockyard Mateys at work - two working and four (could be five) watching:)

[o/s Ray]

Thanks guys, and thankyou Bob, Dad`s very impressed with what you`ve done with them.

Oh and Jim, i think what the welders are doing in that pic is pretty much standard practice even today :D

Phil.

[Johncal]

My name is John Callus and I am Maltese, when I was 15 years old, I got a job as a NAAFI canteen assistant and I served on HMS Chevron between 1952 and the early months of 1954. My profile for those months that I was on the Chevron are listed on Bisray HMS Chevron page 2.

I would be very interested if any one who remembers me wants to make contact, I used to be billeted in the boys mess.

Looking forward to hearing from any of my shipmates.

[herakles]

Welcome John! It's nice having a member living in Malta.

I hope your old mates are able to make contact.

[BigBaldBob]

My Dad was aboard the Chevron during the early 50s but I havnt got the exact dates.
His name was Dave Fallon, but I believe his mates called him Jim.
He was a Lancashire lad born in Manchester, so he probably had quite a broard "Manc" accent at the time.
He was a clearance diver.
Other ships that I know he served on were HMS Crossbow,HMS Chequers and I believe he also spent some time on HMS Reclaim.

[Batstiger]

Welcome to the forum Bigbaldbob, it would be great to see some of your fathers photographs if you have access to them.

Cheers, Bob.

[astraltrader]

Indeed welcome to the forum BBB!!

[Florrie]

I Joined Chevron in January '53 and returned to UK in November '53, my first taste of the 'real navy' after four years artificer's training.

Hi there all

I remember John Callas well, we were in the same mess - the boy's mess - until we transferred to Ricasoli for a refit period, in August I believe. I was a killick and would normally have been in a PO's mess as a sprog artificer, but they were all topped up when I got there! The killick of the mess was 'Bagsy' Baker.

The Ordnance crew consisted of COA 'Wiggy' Bennet, OA 'Buster' Brown, Phil Gregory, national service OA and myself, 'Florrie' Ford. There were two OA's mates, AB 'Lofty' Wyatt plus one other.

We were at Port Said for the Coronation ( a sojourn that earned us a General Service medal 50 years later!) and the ships company were photographed before we left for a ceremonial parade at one of the RAF bases in the vicinty. Perhaps some ex crew members will recognise themselves.

I have lots of reminiscences from Chevron which could fill many postings!

[BigBaldBob]

Wahey!
My dad is in the Chevron crew photo above.
As usual hes not looking at the camera, and seems to be laughing and messing around with somebody.
Thanks so much for posting this, I will scan in all the Chevron photos he has as soon as I get them off my mum.
Cheers
Bob.

[Putty]

My Dad is in this photo, he is in the sunglasses (he had an eye infection) next to the gun barrel in the middle of the picture.
Arthur Putt, he was a Chief E/A and retired in 1960, unfortunately he passed away in 1965, if anyone remembers him please give me a shout.
I have a similar photo; Hats on, and a picture from Tony's bar, Dad is on the left.

[Jan Steer]

I thought that you ex-Chevron's might like this one
Jan

[ChalkyWhite]

Any idea what year your Dad was at HMS St Vincent Ray?
Super photos, thanks for posting them.

Chalky White

[Florrie]

Its nice to see that there are a couple faces being recognised in the crew photograph, I'm standing about two rows back behind a very dour looking Lieutenant seated behind the starboard capstan in the Caps On photograph. Just to clarify, I'm the young good looking one!

I remember a lot of the faces, but putting names to them after 55 years is a different matter. I can manage those in my department, with one exception, and a couple of other names.

One memory that does hold fast is that of an exercise being carried out in the Western Med. with the French and American fleets. A storm blew up and the other two national groups seem to have disappeared over the horizon leaving us out there. It was the only time I suffered seasickness in 25 years and when we eventually got onto the upper deck again the seaboats had gone along with other metal lockerss normally welded in place and the ship was in a general shambles, but we did get a few days in Gib as a result so it couldn't have been all bad!

Florrie

[Putty]

I Have found a full copy (16 pages) of the "Programme of Her Majesty's Naval Escorts in the Mediterranean".
Would anyone like me to upload all the images?

Mark

[jbryce1437]

I will be interested in seeing your photos Mark - make them big

Jim

[tonclass]

Ditto to Jims reply, Mark.

[Putty]

Uploading seems a bit hit and miss at the moment, please find attached pages 1-5 there is NO page 2 it was blank
For some reason the front cover wouldn't upload.
I will upload the rest in a few more btaches.
Best regards

Mark

[Putty]

Part 2 of the upload

[Putty]

Part 3 of the upload

[Putty]

Front Cover of the Programme, uploads complete. I was having ISP issues, and file size problems too.

rgds

Mark

[jbryce1437]

Many thanks for posting the programme, Mark. Its little wonder that they decided to pay off the Royal Yacht if she needed that number of ships to escort her. That would be the whole fleet these days:D

[happyfeet]

Hi All,

I am very Interested in any iformation about any navy persons who served on the Chevron 1940-1950 as my father was a gunner on the ship
.
His name was Arthur Marston from the East End who is now in his 80's, I wonder if there are any war vetrans who also served on this battle ship.

Thank you..:)

[Dave Hutson]

Hello everyone, i`ve just joined and am still fairly new to this forum stuff.I served on the chevron from 1953 to 1955 out in Malta and was a ordinary seaman,my action station was the starboard bofor gun by the bridge.I would love to hear from anyone who may have served on her :)

Hi Ray, I too have just joined so compared to you I am still a nozzer. Our paths may have crossed on the Chevron - I joined her in 1955 and left her after Suez. I was a Sparker who resided down in the for'ard snakepit Comms Mess which we shared with the QM's and Bosun Mates. A good commission all round and it is a pity the Navy doesn't still have a few CH's around, even if they did leak like sieves.

[Dave Hutson]

I thought that you ex-Chevron's might like this one
Jan
Good one Jan. That prompts a memory. Every time she turned at speed we in the Comms and QM's Mess [Snakepit for'ard] cringed because the Port Scuttles leaked and our lockers were filled with 'oggin. No dockyard ever got a grip on the warping damage done by the weather.

Dave

[Pelican]

Good evening you Chevrons from Capt. D's right hand sparker in Chequers.
I thought you might like the attached info?
I will try and start a C Class thread aimed at giving common info for all those who served in probably what were the last true destroyers.
May I just add that when we were enroute for Abadan and Basra we went down the canal exceeding the speed limit as mentioned elsewhere. Your mention of the oggin coming in jolted ye olde grey matter. We were in the canal for dinner (the 1200 one) and had the windscoops out. P.M. were all on the upper deck sightseeing. Consequently whilst passing thru the Bitter Lakes etc. when the wind increased and the wash/spray got up quite a lot of oggin came inboard. A bit of mopping was required before tea (1800 one).

[astraltrader]

Mousey we already have a thread that was started on the C-Class destroyers.

So please feel free to add anything you like to it.

I enclose the link to it below...


http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217&highlight=DESTROYERS

[Pelican]

Ok Terry just found your message you referred to in the Chevron thread.
Will await your advice re my last four attachments. Sorry to be a pain but thats what Nozzers cause. Mousey.

[Choppy Sea]

I joined Chevron in september 1951 transfered from HMS Liverpool with Hooky Bagsy Baker and A/B Porter later P/O Porter and Lofty Wyatt became an oppo of mine. The ships scribbler was also in the mess we joined 1 Mess as was the ships butcher and Hooky Wagget also little Terry a ships boxer. I am in the fourth row from front, extreme right in the crew photo. The dour Lt. that Florrie refers to is Lt. Sugden the ships navigator who is alongside Jimmy the finest officer anyone could wish to serve under. Next to Jimmy is Commander Yorke, just a few years ago I made contact with Mrs Gleadowe Jimmy's wife who told me that after leaving Chevron her husband was rated up to Commander and went to the Admitalty. He later returned to the Med. as C in C's staff but was accidently killed in a water skying accident in 1959. Commander Yorke was taken ill and retired from the navy but died shortly after. I remember loads of faces from the photo but like the years the names have faded away. Lots of the officers changed about that time and I remember some young RNVR officres joining. Another officer I do recognise was Lt.Guard who had recently relieved Lt Saville the ships Guns. The photo brings back many happy memories, Chevron was easily my happiest ship. Some years ago I posted lots of photos on Brisrays site if anyone would like to see them I will oblige. Can anyone tell me how I can get a copy printed off the crew photo, the thumbnaili is too small and will not blow up and the other one is too large. I look forward to hearing from some of you because it is only by talking that we learn what we have forgotten, how many of you remember the ship losing a frogman at Port said, E/M Darkie Gaish a very fine figure of a man.

[astraltrader]

Yes - we would like to see you pictures.

When you say you wish to make copies of the crew pictures - which ones do you mean?

[harry.gibbon]

Sorry to be a pain but thats what Nozzers cause. Mousey Nozzer ... whats all this Mousey!! you have gold braid now?????;):p:D

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Recruit ..... Let's have a name.

Nice to see Chevron resurrected again but I think we may be on the wrong thread --- Terry will correct us.

I was Chevron late '55 thru Suez - she was a good one.

Dave H

[alanbenn]

One of my favourite class of ship along with the Ca and Battle-class.

Here's one of the best photo's of Chevron you'll find.......can't remember if I've posted it before...certainly not on this thread anyhow.


Regards
Alan

[Dave Hutson]

Sorry Alan posted a reply but it seems to have disappeared down the hawsehole [Hell I must have paid attention to seamanship at Ganges].

Nice shot of Chevron - altho' she is not showing her Pennant Numbers and Squadron Identification - I will bow to your knowledge.

Back to my post on "Photos" - I will download this one and thankyou for posting it - she has a special place with me.

Dave H

[Choppy Sea]

Hi astraltrader, the photos that I would like are the two of the full ships company which were taken at Port Said on Coronation Day 1953. The one is taken with "Caps On" and the other with "Caps Off". Nice to hear from you

[Pelican]

Sorry to be a pain but thats what Nozzers cause. Mousey Nozzer ... whats all this Mousey!! you have gold braid now?????;):p:D
Tis all about an April posting Harry when I was and still am trying to learn the ropes. I'm a nozzer to the wardroom now. Good job I enjoy G & T's ! In case some Chevron's have not had a look at the Sliema Creek thread its worth the effort. 1st D.S. and all that. Cheers David.

[Choppy Sea]

Hi astraltrader, here are the pics of Chevron. As posted they are, Valleta fron the air. Chevron, Coronation Jimmy and Skipper, Coronation Guard, Coronation Guard, In Drydock, Taken from Glory, Taken from Glory, Jackstay Glory, Christmas 1 Mess 1952, Christmas 1952, Me on bridge, Me, Me, Chevron, The flotilla at speed 32 knots, Bonce, Jenny.

[Choppy Sea]

And the rest of the pics.

[Choppy Sea]

Found one more, we rescued the crew of this bomber, all except the pilot who went back into the plane to check if anyone was left on board, cost him his life.

[alanbenn]

'choppy' some stunning photo's there, thank you ever so much for posting them, do you have any objections to downloading the one's of the ship?

Regards
Alan

[harry.gibbon]

spot on pics Choppy... as you are a gunnery rate can you tell us what the black disc like gismo is atop the gun director??

Little h

[Choppy Sea]

Hi, this is the one that somehow got away, Valleta from the air. Alan you use whatever pics you want, the more they are spread around the better. as regards the black disc I dont have a clue, probably radar, myself I kept in the warm in the transmitting station.

[CYLLA]

choppy sea,

I wont put in a drip chit , tho i did try to enlarge your image , to try and identify that Carrier ,up on the right hand side on the image .
Has it got it,s stern tied up to some wall , and the bows on a buoy ,i am still a little mystified

cylla

[Choppy Sea]

CYLLA, cant see a buoy or a wall only a carrier at sea and a jackstay. Please elaborate.

[CYLLA]

CYLLA, cant see a buoy or a wall only a carrier at sea and a jackstay. Please elaborate.

It,s in this image you post , choppy sea.s ....i have tried to enlarge it a bit .

cylla

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Choppy Sea,

Altho I wasn't on her until '55 the pics of the Chevron and the 1st DS are great, was Chieftain the Leader at that time?

I am going to download the two of her on her own for framing and thanks for posting them and rekindling memories.

Dave H

[astraltrader]

Absolutely brilliant pictures my friend, thank you so much for sharing them with us!!

[Choppy Sea]

Sorry CYLLA please accept my apolgies, I completely got the wrong end of the stick and was not intending to be rude. I only posted one image of a carrier which was HMS Glory and the jackstay. The "carrier" that you refer to in Valleta Harbour is in fact a floating dry dock, reputed to be the largest in the world at the time. The story was that it was captured during the war in the Far East and was towed to Malta by six ocean going tugs. It was capable of taking any of our fleet carrier. She was in fact tied to bouys and the object at the stern is most probably a pontoon. Sorry mate, hope that this clears it up.

[Scurs]

See in Cylla's picture of Grand Harbour, my old ship in her usual billet by Bhigi Hospital ("SURPRISE").........just wondering which Cruisers they are.......of the two berthed in line, front one could be my old ship "CEYLON", which would make the one astern maybe "GAMBIA" or "BERMUDA".....date being June-September 1958.

[alanbenn]

Choppy, I think this is the carrier Cylla is referring to...not that I can see any buoys or ropes.. I can just about see the ship in the distance.


Regards
Alan

[CYLLA]

YEP that,s the Carrier....and it looks like some one,s acquired one of those pens , you wrote on the G.D.R plotting screen.

http://www.emofaces.com/en/emoticons/r/radar-emoticon-animated.gif

cylla.

[qprdave]

"and it looks like some one,s acquired one of those pens , you wrote on the G.D.R plotting screen."


Chinagraph, Cylla!!!!!!!

[Choppy Sea]

Yes Dave H, chieftan was the leader of the pack and all six were in Sliema Creek, Malta. The photo of five of the flotilla at high speed took place when they sped of to Abadan to rescue civilian oil workers and thier families but having said that I dont know which ship took the photo. As the photo was circulating on Chevron it may have well been taken from her. Florrie described that our seaboats were smashed to matchwood in a storm, well the close up taken from Glory is in fact the replacement port boat. In the same storm Belfasts gun turret barbet was pushed down through the decks and she was sent to Gib to have it lifted back. My comission lasted for three years, I overstayed my mark and was finally ordered home by my divisional officer Lt Guard and I left Chevron when she was in dockyard for a refit, in october 53, my last three months were spent in Ricassoli looking after Chevrons routine in the barracks. I am now 77 and the bones are beginning to creak. Scurs, I cant remember when the Harbour pic was taken, between 50 and 55, Liverpool, Gambia, Belfast, and Sheffield all shared those berths. Yes, Surprise the Black Swan Class used as Admirals Yacht is there, I cant remember if she took over from Peacock or if it was the other way around, you will know that. After Chevron, I went back to Malta on Sheffield and in 1956 was flown out to join the invasion fleet for Suez joining Retrieve and Barbastel the boom boat. Happy days, I am going to pour a drop of Pussers.

[alanbenn]

Actually, both WRONG!!!! a simple paint program that I use to scan my photo's and edit them......no need for fancy gizmo's that cost the earth when you've already got something that can do it just as well.

But it points you in the right direction eh?;)

Regards
Alan

[qprdave]

Chinagraph was better......Couldn't hack into it and it didn't crash. Just refil it when empty!!!!!!!!!!

[alanbenn]

BTW, if you haven't seen them already I've posted a nice couple of photo's of Cheiftain and Childers on the 'spent rounds' thread......


Regards
Alan

[qprdave]

As there is no High Tech here, Alan I shall have to type it with my ever shortening fingers

Thank You for the two pics:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[alanbenn]

Well strange you should mention that Dave....I've got this idea:p:p

On seconds thoughts.....I'll keep it to myself, thanks for the comment, have a 'tot' on me.

Regards
Alan

[Choppy Sea]

Well spotted CYLLA, how many dirty ends are there to a stick. Suppose I could break it in two and start again. I dont know how that carrier got there, and it is a carrier, one of the shallowest parts of the harbour, whereas carriers always tied up alongside the cruisers. On the back is written MARCH 1955, the month that I arrived back on the scene on Sheffield, so she is one of the cruisers tied up there. This is the best shot I could get.

[Choppy Sea]

Hi Putty, I remember your dad, we didnt come into contact evry day just occasionally, I have just looked him up on the crew photo. By the way I would love one of those photos the one on the forum is too big to print off.

[CYLLA]

choppy sea,

i have looked on-line naval .history.

1 9 5 5



Training Squadron deployment in continuation.

Detached for service in Mediterranean to support military operations in Cyprus.

Deployed with HMS OCEAN to carry military equipment to Cyprus.

Resumed Home Fleet training duties (December).

.......................it,s only a hunch


But looking at her flight deck ,doesn't look the same ....
more like "GLORY"

cylla

[Pelican]

Yes Dave H, chieftan was the leader of the pack and all six were in Sliema Creek, Malta. The photo of five of the flotilla at high speed took place when they sped of to Abadan to rescue civilian oil workers and thier families but having said that I dont know which ship took the photo. As the photo was circulating on Chevron it may have well been taken from her. Florrie described that our seaboats were smashed to matchwood in a storm, well the close up taken from Glory is in fact the replacement port boat. In the same storm Belfasts gun turret barbet was pushed down through the decks and she was sent to Gib to have it lifted back. My comission lasted for three years, I overstayed my mark and was finally ordered home by my divisional officer Lt Guard and I left Chevron when she was in dockyard for a refit, in october 53, my last three months were spent in Ricassoli looking after Chevrons routine in the barracks. I am now 77 and the bones are beginning to creak. Scurs, I cant remember when the Harbour pic was taken, between 50 and 55, Liverpool, Gambia, Belfast, and Sheffield all shared those berths. Yes, Surprise the Black Swan Class used as Admirals Yacht is there, I cant remember if she took over from Peacock or if it was the other way around, you will know that. After Chevron, I went back to Malta on Sheffield and in 1956 was flown out to join the invasion fleet for Suez joining Retrieve and Barbastel the boom boat. Happy days, I am going to pour a drop of Pussers.
Choppy first of all thank you for the great aerial foto of Grand Harbour. Brought back many memories. Reasonably sure that one of the cruisers was Liverpool and the carrier was Glory. Well remember when she dropped all of her carley floats intentional or otherwise it certainly took a while to pick them all up! Must respectfully say you are a bit off the mark re the 1st D.S. going to Abadan, even allowing for the lamp to be swung. Have a gander at the Malta, Sliema Creek, Grand Harbour etc. thread. Its great in its own right. Go to thread 8, post 193. I went to Abadan and Basra and there were only 4 CH's on that trip and Chequers was the leader - honest. Tim Lewin's father was the Gunnery Officer and he has the latter's notes on it. Not a 100% correct but whose are after nearly 60 yrs including mine. I do have a few 127 sized fotos taken during that trip. Never mind, the C Class destroyers were the last of a breed and the best as far as a lot of us are concerned. Great to see the fotos which bring back fond memories. I also have a foto of Chequers' motor boat smashed. It was on the starboard side. David. P.S. At a guess you may have been at Ganges in 48, a year before me? If so poor old mast!

[Scurs]

Picture a couple of years or so before I first visited Malta then......Cruisers in 58 were, as I say, CEYLON, BERMUDA (or GAMBIA - never remember which) and CUMBERLAND - we actually passed SHEFFIELD in Red Sea, her homeward bound us outward.

Mousey.........for the record SURPRISE was not Black Swan Class, she was a "Bay Boat" (ex- HMS GERRANS BAY).

[Pelican]

Morning Scurs........"Mousey.........for the record SURPRISE was not Black Swan Class, she was a "Bay Boat" (ex- HMS GERRANS BAY)." ........ Dont remember referring to Surprise or did I? Agree with you. Her sister was out in the F.E.

[Scurs]

:o Mousey..............belay my last.................being brain dead and/or not awake until after tot time...........it was in reference to Choppy's posting, not yours, he mentioned SURPRISE being "Black Swan Class". 'Umble Apple Oggies for confucius caused.................I'll just get my cap, shall I? :D

[Bee]

Great pictures Choppy,

It's good to have someone of sharp mind and mature years on the forum...to keep all these youngsters on their toes. :D

You're definitely in the right place to keep memories alive and well...:)

Cheers,
Bee

p.s. They do a pretty good job, really - and you'll never be short of a s/m to share a tot of Pussers.

[Pelican]

:o Mousey..............belay my last.................being brain dead and/or not awake until after tot time...........it was in reference to Choppy's posting, not yours, he mentioned SURPRISE being "Black Swan Class". 'Umble Apple Oggies for confucius caused.................I'll just get my cap, shall I? :D

Of course not Scurs. Just send me a couple of REAL oggies. I have to make do with Ginsters! Better than nothing or a 'ding.'

[CYLLA]

Seeing we have a couple of "scouse,s "chewing the fat ,....anit any of you had "BLIND STEW " ??

Trisha , my wife is a ex scouser, had we have had that here at home a few times mid week .

I doubt it would not go down well on board any ship .

cylla

[Pelican]

Seeing we have a couple of "scouse,s "chewing the fat ,....anit any of you had "BLIND STEW " ??

Trisha , my wife is a ex scouser, had we have had that here at home a few times mid week .

I doubt it would not go down well on board any ship .

cylla

The ayes have it. Dont mind trying anything except tripe. True story. Towards end of month in Boys mess 1800 in atlantic. Killick arrives and bowls one hard boiled egg down the table for each of us. "Sorry lads, funds have run out." Buz went round lower deck and within the hour we had enough tinned stuff to see us thru. It did NOT happen again. I'm not a scouser but love their sense of humour. David.

[Choppy Sea]

o/s Ray, if you return to the forum I would like you to know that I remember you very well on Chevron. If my memory serves me right you were in the Boys mess which was in the canteen flat just outside the screen door of the for'ard seamans messdeck, I was in 1 mess.

[Choppy Sea]

Mousey, I stand corrected, Iwas not on Chevron on the Abadan trip, I joined her when she returned. In my post you will see that I was very careful to say "them" not "we". The pic was given to me by a chap in the mess and he told me that it was on that trip, was it possible that all the flotilla left Malta and four broke off, I dont know. For that reason I claim immunity to lamp swinging. But Chevron was one of the four.
Liverpool isnt one of the cruisers in Grand Harbour at that time, Sheffield was the Pompey cruiser there, Liverpool left in mid 1952, didnt she go into the Reserve Fleet after that commission? Glory came to the Med in 1952 on three months work up for Korea, Chevron was her crash boat. She lost a lot of aircraft and two aircrew during that work up, I just cant remember if she was there when I was on Sheffield in 1955. Looking at that pic again it looks very much as if the rogue carrier is either entering or leaving harbour, a puff of smoke over her mast and what looks like a tug on her port side.

[Pelican]

Mousey, I stand corrected, Iwas not on Chevron on the Abadan trip, I joined her when she returned. In my post you will see that I was very careful to say "them" not "we". The pic was given to me by a chap in the mess and he told me that it was on that trip, was it possible that all the flotilla left Malta and four broke off, I dont know. For that reason I claim immunity to lamp swinging. But Chevron was one of the four.
Liverpool isnt one of the cruisers in Grand Harbour at that time, Sheffield was the Pompey cruiser there, Liverpool left in mid 1952, didnt she go into the Reserve Fleet after that commission? Glory came to the Med in 1952 on three months work up for Korea, Chevron was her crash boat. She lost a lot of aircraft and two aircrew during that work up, I just cant remember if she was there when I was on Sheffield in 1955. Looking at that pic again it looks very much as if the rogue carrier is either entering or leaving harbour, a puff of smoke over her mast and what looks like a tug on her port side.
Evening Choppy. Found time to dig into ye olde album and found this of the 51-52 era on Chequers in Med. This is the carrier that dropped all the carley floats. Whether its Glory or not I dont know. The camera was only an old Kodak folding type with 127 film. At the time I was quite please with myself capturing a kite about to land. Mousey. P.S. Will add some of the Abadan trip but they are not much cop due to being 127's.

[Pelican]

Mousey, I stand corrected, Iwas not on Chevron on the Abadan trip, I joined her when she returned. In my post you will see that I was very careful to say "them" not "we". The pic was given to me by a chap in the mess and he told me that it was on that trip, was it possible that all the flotilla left Malta and four broke off, I dont know. For that reason I claim immunity to lamp swinging. But Chevron was one of the four.
Liverpool isnt one of the cruisers in Grand Harbour at that time, Sheffield was the Pompey cruiser there, Liverpool left in mid 1952, didnt she go into the Reserve Fleet after that commission? Glory came to the Med in 1952 on three months work up for Korea, Chevron was her crash boat. She lost a lot of aircraft and two aircrew during that work up, I just cant remember if she was there when I was on Sheffield in 1955. Looking at that pic again it looks very much as if the rogue carrier is either entering or leaving harbour, a puff of smoke over her mast and what looks like a tug on her port side.
Hello again Choppy.
Herewith 3 of Aden when we stopped to refuel having being fined £26k for 'speeding' down the canal. Is that your dear old D51 I see? After being tied 'close up' to the buoys in Sliema I found it interesting how long the 'lines' were to the buoys there. The local bush telegraph was on the ball. The bum boats were alongside before we finished mooring. No Gilly Gilly Men tho!!! Piping down now. Will post rest asap. Mousey.

[Pelican]

Hello again Choppy.
Herewith 3 of Aden when we stopped to refuel having being fined £26k for 'speeding' down the canal. Is that your dear old D51 I see? After being tied 'close up' to the buoys in Sliema I found it interesting how long the 'lines' were to the buoys there. The local bush telegraph was on the ball. The bum boats were alongside before we finished mooring. No Gilly Gilly Men tho!!! Piping down now. Will post rest asap. Mousey.
Good afternoon C.Sea. Herewith rest attached as promised. Re Abadan. 2 CH's would lay off for 2 or 3 days whilst the other 2 were up at Basra and then we would swop over. We were up there for 6 weeks during which the temps reached some kind of a record - 139 degs. An egg was actually cooked on the focastle just to prove it could be done, not quite hot enough to fry tho. We called in at Khor-Kuwait on the way back for an afternoons swimming. 2 seamen were on the little headlands with 303's as shark lookouts. Thats where the foto was taken. Underwater was like an aquarium, fantastic coloured fish. Just realised D21 has her pennant number on stern and Chevron's on her side. Believe one other is not showing one? Seem to remember this is explained on the pennant thread. Cheers Mousey.

[Choppy Sea]

Thanks for the pics Mousey, I cant remember the carley float incident but it probably was Glory. I have sorted out a few more, not unlike yours they are small and not of good quality but nevertheless history. They might cause a bit of interest. The first one is of Glory, the next two of Manxman at Corfu, in line but cant remember who was behind, the next is of the ferry at Istanbul with Glory in the background. Another shot of dardenelles, Glory in the lead and then another of somewhere in the same area. Geordie malpass is next the finest clacker and yorkshire maker in the whole of the med fleet. The last one is of the ships butcher, on coronation day he climbed to the top of the light standard on the left hand side of the piccy of Chevrons Ships Crew and dived into the sea, was there any connection with splice the mainbrace I wonder.

[qprdave]

Good photo's Choppy

You're right it is History

Re the size of pics!


I am sure that an Archaeologist would rather find a quarter of a Mosaic than none at all!!!!!

[Pelican]

Thanks for the pics Mousey, I cant remember the carley float incident but it probably was Glory. I have sorted out a few more, not unlike yours they are small and not of good quality but nevertheless history. They might cause a bit of interest. The first one is of Glory, the next two of Manxman at Corfu, in line but cant remember who was behind, the next is of the ferry at Istanbul with Glory in the background. Another shot of dardenelles, Glory in the lead and then another of somewhere in the same area. Geordie malpass is next the finest clacker and yorkshire maker in the whole of the med fleet. The last one is of the ships butcher, on coronation day he climbed to the top of the light standard on the left hand side of the piccy of Chevrons Ships Crew and dived into the sea, was there any connection with splice the mainbrace I wonder.
Tks Choppy Sea. Brought back more memories especially of camp beds. I do remember an example of the one featured in last foto but was more familier with the one which had metal rods and 4 'sprung feet' which were the devil to put in place but the whole thing was quite comfortable once put together. Seem to remember it rolled up into a small bundle. R u with me?

[Choppy Sea]

Yes Dave you are right, something is better than nothing. I remember both types of campbed Mousey and you are right the metal legs were rolled up in the canvas. The trouble was that the legs had to be totally detached from the frame, if any bod lost one, you lost one of yours. I remember the Chevron taking on Squaddies of the Guards regiment at Tripoli to transfere them to Port Said during the terrorism there, it was complete bedlam because we had all thier gear in the messdeck and we had to have two sittings for meals. They were all issued with the wooden type beds, coming off the middle watch I swung into my mick avoiding the young squaddie underneath but my clews snapped and I went down on top of him smashing the bed to matchwood. He didnt seem to notice because he was so seasick and wanted to die anyway, but it all ended up with me at slops persuading Chiefie to swop the bed.

[Choppy Sea]

I can now disclose the names of the three cruisers which were in Grand harbour in 1955, Sheffield, the flag, Kenya and Jamaica. The film "The Battle Of The River Plate" was shot in the Med at that time because it was the only station which had three cruisers in commission, Jamaica with the help of a lot of plywood took the part of Exeter, ditto Sheffield as Ajax and I cant remember the part taken by Kenya. Had I disclosed this before I would have shattered the competition in Navy News which was about that film

[Pelican]

Just posted this one on another site of Chivalrous alongside Glory refuelling sometime in either 51 or 52 as Ocean had been mentioned. U no hoo invited to 'refit' foto. The big O in Warship is a bit different? On reflection may be foto should be in CH thread but we were altogether at one time ~ Chequers, Chevron, Chivalrous and Chieftain, the 1st D.S. ~ the real then greyhounds of the seas? P.S. Its only an old 126!

[tim lewin]

excellent pics chaps and real live memories, thanks for this.
tim

[lornamccall(ewen)]

Hello everyone, i`ve just joined and am still fairly new to this forum stuff.I served on the chevron from 1953 to 1955 out in Malta and was a ordinary seaman,my action station was the starboard bofor gun by the bridge.I would love to hear from anyone who may have served on her :)

Hi to everyone, i found this site by chance last night and find it very interesting, my father ( Ed Ewen ) from arbroath was on hms chevron (1 MESS) in malta and i have quite a few pics of his time there including a accident in the med with a newspaper clipping about it and pics of a race that ended with the queen giving out a cup which i would like to know more about ... please let me know if anything is of interest

[tonclass]

Lorna, all of it is interesting on this forum. :) Please upload all of it if you can.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

i have now got a few pics but trying hard to work out how to let you all see them, this is my dad on thre right and the damage done to the chevron after colliding with hms comet during night exercises and was towed into the grand harbour on the 30th may i think around 1945-47 the mid picture is after a rowing competition

[lornamccall(ewen)]

this is the news paper artical about the collition of hms chevron and hms comet the artical sais it all

[Pelican]

Good afternoon Lorna. I think I remember Chevron returning to the 1st Destroyer Squadron towards the end of 1952 round in Sliema. The attached extracts from a book probably contains an explanation for your first foto. David.

[Dave Hutson]

Nice to see Chevron to the fore yet again. Anyone from the next commission
1955-1957.???

Dave H

[qprdave]

Dave
Was you on the Chevron 55-57?
Did you go to Leningrad with the Triumph Oct 55?

[Dave Hutson]

No Dave I just missed that joining her when she returned to Pompey had just returned from the Med in Undine berthed astern of her -- draft chit -- kitbag and hammock -- off the Barracks -- three days later march to Dockyard North West Wall and board Chevron -- berthed ahead of Undine -- you got it back of the the Med.

Dave H

[qprdave]

Well. If anyone was on the Leningrad trip, here's some cuttings taken from the Times Archive

[lornamccall(ewen)]

these pics show my dad taking part in a boat race ( sorry if im getting the termanolicy wrong):o , on the no shirt pic my dad ed ewen is bottom right and on the shake hands one, the wee fella 2nd from the end ... can anyone tell me what the race was all about as by the looks of things it was a pritty important day with the Queen being there , and the last large pic they all seem to scub up well ;)

[Pelican]

these pics show my dad taking part in a boat race ( sorry if im getting the termanolicy wrong):o , on the no shirt pic my dad ed ewen is bottom right and on the shake hands one, the wee fella 2nd from the end ... can anyone tell me what the race was all about as by the looks of things it was a pritty important day with the Queen being there , and the last large pic they all seem to scub up well ;)A bit of a puzzle there Lorna. Its certainly a whaler race and possibly a fleet regatta one due the cup and queen. 5 crew and a coxswain in a whaler. A real hard slog over a nautical mile. 1st group show both blue and white shorts worn. We wore blue for training and white for the race as shown including the finishing line. Yet wearing blue for presentation. Nice touch in the last one with 2 oars against the gun turret. Must have got changed for the foto. Background looks almost west country and theres heaps of clues in the background for those who know whatever area it is. Possibility its two differenct occasions in diferrent areas. I've stuck my neck out. No doubt it will be chopped off shortly. Best wishes David.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

thanks mousey i never noticed the different shorts before, speeking of a hard slog it must have been for my dad he was only 5ft 1inch good on ya dad

[Pelican]

thanks mousey i never noticed the different shorts before, speeking of a hard slog it must have been for my dad he was only 5ft 1inch
I know the feeling Lorna. I was only 4' 8 and a 1/2" when I was finally accepted. Hence the nickname. If no responses we will have to get the Admiral Moderator to move/copy fotos to another thread. Have you looked on the reverse of fotos for notes? Do you know what year they were taken? It would be a help. David.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

hi Dave ,I notice on the bottom of one of your articals that it mentions the Spithead review in 1953, i was looking threw my dads things and have found Tucks post cards in there original envelope, there are 12 cards in all showing pics of the royal yacht and the great armada assembled would you like to see these ?

[Dave Hutson]

Dave H here answering for all Daves post 'em - everyone would like to see them. That was one of the greatest gatherings of the Royal Navy and will bring back memories to so many.

Dave H

[lornamccall(ewen)]

mousey,there are no dates or anything on back of picks .. pitty

[lornamccall(ewen)]

ill get them on to you as soon as i can get them scanned .. hope you shall all enjoy

[Pelican]

mousey,there are no dates or anything on back of picks .. pittyOk Lorna. Give it to say to tomorrow afternoon. Some members only check the threads once a day or so. Some no doubt are still working and maybe on shifts etc. If they can help I am sure they will. If no responses I will, with your permission post on another site which may come up with answers. Best wishes. Mousey. P.S. Note you have got me promoted. If only it was that easy years ago.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

here are the pics of the post cards of spithead as promisedput wrong pic in ill try some more sorry bout that

[Pelican]

hi Dave ,I notice on the bottom of one of your articals that it mentions the Spithead review in 1953, i was looking threw my dads things and have found Tucks post cards in there original envelope, there are 12 cards in all showing pics of the royal yacht and the great armada assembled would you like to see these ?
I'll second that motion to upload the 12 cards Lorna. I was there on Obedient. Try clicking this link which will come up with a small screen. If you click TO PLAY IN THE CENTRE OF THE SMALL SCREEN AND then click the bottom right hand box it will go full screen. Was your Dad there? If so which ship. Let us know how you get on???

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=84609

Good luck and best wishes a 3rd David/Mousey.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

here you go thats the one i missed i hope :rolleyes:

[lornamccall(ewen)]

my dad was on the chevron ... i really dont know weather he was there or not but i take it he was to have the post cards ... thank you for the link .. i shall have a good look and listen to it tommorrow but what ive seen of it allready its very interesting .. thanks

[Pelican]

Thank you Lorna. I'm sure some of the boys who can do it better than me will have a go at 'improving' your cards and reposting them. If they don't I will if you dont mind? Should be able to make them into single larger pics.

[Pelican]

Thank you Lorna. I'm sure some of the boys who can do it better than me will have a go at 'improving' your cards and reposting them. If they don't I will if you dont mind? Should be able to make them into single larger pics.
Just had a go at No.1 Lorna. What do you think? Will do rest tomorrow p.m. Mousey.

[Pelican]

Lorna's Spithead Review Cards.

[Pelican]

these pics show my dad taking part in a boat race ( sorry if im getting the termanolicy wrong):o , on the no shirt pic my dad ed ewen is bottom right and on the shake hands one, the wee fella 2nd from the end ... can anyone tell me what the race was all about as by the looks of things it was a pritty important day with the Queen being there , and the last large pic they all seem to scub up well ;)Good afternoon Lorna. Is it ok to post your Dad's fotos of the whaler race on another R.N. site to see if we can obtain the required info? Any idea of what year they were taken? Regads Mousey.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

mousey - the pics look good large size... next time ive got pics to put on ill do that .. i thought they had to stay reasonably small as it does say that someplace ... yes ok put the whaler race on other site , can you let me know what what so i can look see and maybe find out a bit more pieces to the puzzle of where my dad may have been,I know he was away from home for 3 years +

[lornamccall(ewen)]

mousey and all .... here are pics of what i think may have been the chevron ? but possitive sailing under the fourth bridge at inverkiething i prosume heading for rosyth

[Pelican]

mousey and all .... here are pics of what i think may have been the chevron ? but possitive sailing under the fourth bridge at inverkiething i prosume heading for rosythDont think it is Chevron Lorna as the gun turret has 2 barrels and Chevron's only had one. No doubt the experts on this thread will confirm either way and will probably be able to identify the class/type she is.

[Dave Hutson]

Wow Lorna, That definitely ain't Chevron but it is a bit like mystery guest on "Question of Sport" so come on Destroyer and Gunnery experts, who is it??

Coming out of Rosyth is right.

Dave H

[lornamccall(ewen)]

hi Dave H thanks for info , but , ive found a bit more a letter addressed to my dad at the end of august 1951 the address reads Mess 4 HMS Widemouth Bay c/o FMO Rosyth .... could this be the ship coming out of Rosyth???.
next Q what does FMO meen and was widemouth bay a distroyer or what ?.. sorry for my ignorance but i was not born until after dad came out of navy.

[Pelican]

hi Dave H thanks for info , but , ive found a bit more a letter addressed to my dad at the end of august 1951 the address reads Mess 4 HMS Widemouth Bay c/o FMO Rosyth .... could this be the ship coming out of Rosyth???.
next Q what does FMO meen and was widemouth bay a distroyer or what ?.. sorry for my ignorance but i was not born until after dad came out of navy.Hello again Lorna. No apols we all had to start somewhere. Widemouth Bay was a BAY CLASS FRIGATE. Normally you could click on search, tap in Widemouth Bay, and up would come the threads containing mentions of her. BUT you cannot input 3 letter words in search box, a big drawback of this site. I'll ask the Moderator for advice as I'm comparitively new as well. Keep checking the thread. No doubt he will answer or send you a personal message. I've posted your fotos and a request for info on the other site. Best wishes. Mousey. P.S. Seems Dad was at Spithead Review of '53. The attached has just come in from N.Z. in response to your Tuck cards. Fireworks that evening then lighting up the ships. Also click this link and go full screen. http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=84609
Glad to see you got some answers from Uncle Bob.

[Batstiger]

Hi Lorna, HMS Widemouth Bay was one of the training ships for Boy seamen who had just left the shorebase HMS Ganges. They used to spend their first three months at sea on her. She was based at Rosyth with HMS Largo Bay Of which I did my sea training on in 1953.
FMO stands for Fleet Mail Office.

Regards, Bob.

[Batstiger]

Here is HMS Largo Bay at Aberdeen for the Coronation. The second pic is of her coming to anchor at Spithead for the review in 1953. I'm somewhere on the foc'sle.

Bob.

[Batstiger]

Talking of the '53 Spithead review here is a picture taken by someone with a very unsteady hand. There are no prizes for guessing the ships name.

Bob.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

Hi Lorna, HMS Widemouth Bay was one of the training ships for Boy seamen who had just left the shorebase HMS Ganges. They used to spend their first three months at sea on her. She was based at Rosyth with HMS Largo Bay Of which I did my sea training on in 1953.
FMO stands for Fleet Mail Office.

Regards, Bob.
hi bats tiger- thanks for the info on widemouth bay my dad couldnt i dont think been on it as a (boy) because he would have been near 25 when the letter was sent and he had been in the navy at least since june 1948 ive found evidence to show he was in Skyros at that point the message on back of pic reads ( landing stage where the ship was anchored at skyros june 1948

[qprdave]

Lorna

When Bob (Batstiger) says that a ship was a training ship for boys. He didn't mean that everyone had just come out of Ganges

These ships were provided with a full normal crew with accommodation for a certain amount of extra crew. Whether it's Boy's sea training, Officer Training (Dartmouth Training Squadron) or any others that required training that can only be done at sea. Some of these trainees take up space that is allocated for the crew. Sometimes the ship is modified i.e. a gun taken off and a steel hut put in its place for the trainees.

So your Dad could well have been on the Widemouth Bay as a part of the "resident" crew.

Dave

[lornamccall(ewen)]

thanks dave for putting me strate... i understand that now

[alanbenn]

Hi Lorna, I was asked if I could throw any light on Hms Widemouth Bay.

She was originally a 'Loch' class frigate named Hms Loch Frisa then converted and renamed Hms Widemouth Bay. A number of 'Loch' class frigates were converted and renamed just like her.

You can find a bit of history of her service here.......

http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-15Fr-Bay-WidemouthBay.htm

I've attached a photo of her and also the ships badge for you to download if you wish.

Regards
Alan

[Pelican]

Many thanks Alan.

[lornamccall(ewen)]

thanks Alan i have downloaded them its another piece of the jigsaw and the pics will also be added to my dads lifes journal

[Mike Burrows]

Hi,
Just joined so I'll introduce myself to old 'Chevrons'.
I joined the Chevron in 1955 as part of the 1st Destroyer Squadron, under the command of Cpt McLaughlan. We did gunrunner patrols off Cyprus and were also involved in the Suez invasion. I've got some crew photos I'll dig out later and post them.

Be nice to talk to anyone from that commission.

Mike

[jbryce1437]

Welcome to the Forum Mike, looking forward to seeing your photos

Jim

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Mike , Welcome to the Forum - I was on that commission - Sparker down in the snakepit. Looking forward to your photos and any memories - all mine got lost with the passage of time and various moves. The PO Chef's son was on here sometime ago and sent me his dad's recipe for the Christmas cake he made when we were alongside Ranpura on that stormy Xmas of '55.

Dave H

[Pelican]

ATTENTION ALL EX-CHEVRONS, ESPECIALLY THE GUNNERY BRANCH:
When time permits would you please peruse the SPENT ROUNDS thread especially in respect of the elusive GIZMO which your ship exclusively possesed at one time. Can you throw any light up same and so bring this quest to a conclusion? Here, hopefully, we go again!

[Choppy Sea]

Well Mousey I am going to stick my neck out and say that the Gismo is nothing to do with gunnery radar. Our radar was operated from the radar dishes on the Director Control Tower and a three man crew operated the console in the TS, layer, ranger and trainer, I was the latter. The trainer fired the guns after all orders had been given and the gunnery officers hand dropped on my right shoulder, down went my right foot on to the pedal and it stayed there until that same hand dropped onto my shoulder again. There was no other radar in the TS. As a matter of interest it was possible for the trainer to be on target with two balanced echoes long before the layer and ranger even had a balancing echo at all, especially with aircraft. You would expect anything radio wise to be as high up as possible but I have a feeling that this Gismos is in the sparkers real. Unfortuneately the bods who started this thread have never returned even though I have recognised some of them and have stated so on the forum. When we think back we didnt know everthing about our ships and gear did we ? Was it not the GI who was captain of the director, not many of those about now I would have thought, we need one of them to answer this question.

[Scurs]

Choppy.............snag is, what Gunnery Rates there are amongst us were of the wrong qualification to be of much use.! We seem topped up with FC's! Very early in thread I posed the possible that it was a temporary fixture, like radio control aerial for PTA's..........I've seen nothing to disclaim that theory, and unfortunately nothing to confirm it!
Typical of GI's, never one about when you want one!:D

[Choppy Sea]

Choppy.............snag is, what Gunnery Rates there are amongst us were of the wrong qualification to be of much use.! We seem topped up with FC's! Very early in thread I posed the possible that it was a temporary fixture, like radio control aerial for PTA's..........I've seen nothing to disclaim that theory, and unfortunately nothing to confirm it!
Typical of GI's, never one about when you want one!:D

Scurs, early in the forum "Florrie" made a post, he was an ordnace Tiffy, I remember him joining the ship. He is the most likely one to be able to throw some light on this, as to whether it was gunnery or not, but were did he go to?

[Putty]

Hi Putty, I remember your dad, we didnt come into contact evry day just occasionally, I have just looked him up on the crew photo. By the way I would love one of those photos the one on the forum is too big to print off.

Sorry Choppy I've been neglecting this wonderful site for too long, your photos are amazing.

What kind of size/resolution are you after?

I'll happily re-size them for you.

Best regards


Mark

[Choppy Sea]

Sorry Choppy I've been neglecting this wonderful site for too long, your photos are amazing.

What kind of size/resolution are you after?

I'll happily re-size them for you.

Best regards


Mark

Putty I do now have the photos I require thanks to members of the forum. I would like to say how nice it is to have made your acquaintance and I hope that we may perhaps come up with more info on Chevron. The crew photos are great, thanks.

[Anson6423]

Hello All.

My Dad served on Chevron sometime between 1950 and 1952, as Sick Berth Attendant. His name is Dudley Pope and he is now fast approaching 80 years old.

I see that there are a couple of Ship's Company photographs on this thread. Has anyone got a photo from 1950, 51 or 52 please?

Thanks

Andy

[Anson6423]

And the rest of the pics.

Hi Choppy.

Just been talking to my Dad and he says that, when he was on Chevron, the ship's dog was called "Just Jake" because it was born without any testicles. Are either of the dogs in your photos, the famous "Just Jake"?

Regards

Andy

[Choppy Sea]

Hi Choppy.

Just been talking to my Dad and he says that, when he was on Chevron, the ship's dog was called "Just Jake" because it was born without any testicles. Are either of the dogs in your photos, the famous "Just Jake"?

Regards

Andy

I served on Chevron from early 52 until I came home in november 1953. The dogs names then were Jenny and her son Bonce. I seem to remember your dads name and I presume that he was the sick berth attendant that attended to the American airmen who Chevron rescued from the sea he left Chevron just after that incident. Was he not a Leading Sick Berth Attendant ?

[Anson6423]

I served on Chevron from early 52 until I came home in november 1953. The dogs names then were Jenny and her son Bonce. I seem to remember your dads name and I presume that he was the sick berth attendant that attended to the American airmen who Chevron rescued from the sea he left Chevron just after that incident. Was he not a Leading Sick Berth Attendant ?

Hi Choppy.

He may well have been a Killick SBA by then. When he got back to Blighty, with a beard, my Mum, then his fiancee, didn't recognise him and walked straight past him, because the last time she had seen him he hadn't got the beard.

As for the dog's name, my Dad is notorious for his lamp swinging!

I'll ask him about the American airmen on Sunday, as they are coming round for lunch.

What is your real name, he may remember you.

Cheers

Andy

[Choppy Sea]

Hi Choppy.

He may well have been a Killick SBA by then. When he got back to Blighty, with a beard, my Mum, then his fiancee, didn't recognise him and walked straight past him, because the last time she had seen him he hadn't got the beard.

As for the dog's name, my Dad is notorious for his lamp swinging!

I'll ask him about the American airmen on Sunday, as they are coming round for lunch.

What is your real name, he may remember you.

Cheers

Andy
Hi Andy, I was in 1 mess, forward seaman's messdeck, and my name is Ray Holden. He may not recall me because as far as I can remember he left shortly after I joined Chevron. Jenny was Italian and she came on board as a stray in Naples and decided to stay so she signed on. She was raped by a dog from one of the other flotilla ships, don't know which one. She had four pups three went around the flotilla and we kept Bonce to keep her company.

[dayerb]

Well. If anyone was on the Leningrad trip, here's some cuttings taken from the Times Archive
Hi Dave, Thanks for that I was on that trip aboard the Chieftain we had a great time, very good memories,
Brian.

[dayerb]

Hi,
Just joined so I'll introduce myself to old 'Chevrons'.
I joined the Chevron in 1955 as part of the 1st Destroyer Squadron, under the command of Cpt McLaughlan. We did gunrunner patrols off Cyprus and were also involved in the Suez invasion. I've got some crew photos I'll dig out later and post them.

Be nice to talk to anyone from that commission.

Mike
Hi Mike,
I was also on that commission on board ,although it was so many years ago I still remember it like yesterday, especially the Cyprus Patrols ,
Brian

[Dave Hutson]

Hi,
Just joined so I'll introduce myself to old 'Chevrons'.
I joined the Chevron in 1955 as part of the 1st Destroyer Squadron, under the command of Cpt McLaughlan. We did gunrunner patrols off Cyprus and were also involved in the Suez invasion. I've got some crew photos I'll dig out later and post them.

Be nice to talk to anyone from that commission.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Sorry missed your opening post.

Yes, I was on that Commission - Sparker in the Snakepit and SRE Operator.

Good commission until the delay leading to Suez.

Joined her in Oct 55 and left early 57.

Dave H

[Choppy Sea]

In march 1953 Chieftan and Chevron were detailed off to escort marshall Tito across the Med to Gibraltar where units of the home fleet would take over escort duties to the UK. The CinC had arranged a welcome by the two destroyers and this manouvre was practised on an unsuspecting trooper on its way to the far east. The ships approached her from the stern at 32 knots, Chevron down the port side and Chieftan down the starboard side. When ahead of the trooper Chevron turned twenty degrees to port and Chieftan twenty degrees to starboard producing a "Prince of Wales feathers". Most of the forward port side messdecks gear went into the opposite mess as Chevron lay over on her side, some was saved by a few bods who happened to be in the messdeck. Both skippers were so delighted that they decided to do it again especially Chevrons skipper who we called "hard over Humphrey" because of his excessive use of the wheel. We produced the same effect on the second run and the rest of our gear joined the starboard messdeck, the trooper was left tossing and turning in our wake. We met up with Marshall Titos yacht in the Scicilian Straits. Yes you got it, under darkness and the welcome was cancelled. Later the buzz went around that four pilots were lost off Gibraltar in an organised flypast for Tito but I dont know how true this was or what carrier the planes came from. Does anyone know anything about this flypast?

[Choppy Sea]

Mousey, regarding my earlier post re. Chevron and Chieftan, would you have been on board Chieftan at that time. Going further I believe that Chieftan was with us also when Chevron escorted King Farouk into exile from Alexandria which may have been the same year 1953. Did you like me rub shoulders with Royalty?

RayH

[Pelican]

Mousey, regarding my earlier post re. Chevron and Chieftan, would you have been on board Chieftan at that time. Going further I believe that Chieftan was with us also when Chevron escorted King Farouk into exile from Alexandria which may have been the same year 1953. Did you like me rub shoulders with Royalty?

RayH
Good evening Ray. Originally only 'popped in' to this thread some time ago to provide some information about Chevron so I have not been following it. I was originally drafted to Pelican arriving onboard on 5 Jul 50. When the old bird went home she dropped me off at Gibraltar to join Chequers during Xmas 50. We were Capt. D.1. 'Killer' Mike Townsend brother of the well known Group Captain. The Duke was Jimmey the one and we had a commander (E). Soon after the Prince picked up Magpie but he and his wife often came onboard in Sliema to watch films with us on the focastle. No fuss just 2 more in the audience. 1st D.F./D.S. then consisted of Chequers, Chieftain, Chivalrous and Chevron the latter being the canteen boat. Seem to remember Chevron came out from the U.K. and joined us perhaps in Spring of '51? Not that made any difference we were a real close group afloat and ashore. We went to Abadan early on and on Suez patrols pre crisis towards the end of my time out there. In between it was endless exercises and plenty of cruises. I have some fotos and snaps of the period if there is anything you are interested in?

[Choppy Sea]

Hi dave, got carried away a bit, I knew that you were in the flotilla and was sure that you were on Chieftan. Sorry but my brain misses a gear now and again, it happens when you are nearing the big eight"O".

Still cant find any info on the four lost planes and pilots at Gib.

RayH

[JoelPetty]

My grandfather Norman Petty served on HMS Chevron between Nov'55 and June'57 as a C.E.R.A (Chief Engine Room Artificer). I've attached a couple of pictures from his photo album taken March 1956 entering Monte Carlo.
My grandfather wrote on the back of one photo that the ship behind HMS Chevron as it is entry the harbour was owned by the Greek ship owner Aristotle Onassis. It was formally a Candian destroyer which he purchased for £20,000 and modernised into a yatch at a cost of over £1,000,000.

[tjstoneman]

The yacht in photo 1 of post #9 has quite a story - thanks for posting. She is currently named Christina O, but started life as the Canadian River class frigate HMCS STORMONT. According to Wikipedia (well-known authoritative source:eek:!) she's available for hire - or at least she was in 2006.
Tim

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Joel,

Those two photos of the Chevron entering Monte Carlo bring back some memories. I was on her for that trip and probably passed your Grandad many times. I would certainly have come across him down below when I was in the Boiler Room burning the Confidential Waste or Brewing the Kye. I was a young sparker [Telegraphist] then.

With your permission I will download those two for my scrapbook. Sadly all my pics got lost with the passage of time but on the forum I have managed to recreate some of my trips.

Dave H

p.s I remember MC was a good run but expensive :eek:

[JoelPetty]

Dave,
No problem downloading the photos. Glad they brought back memories. It would be good to hear any stories on the '55-'57 Commission especially the involvement in the Suez.
Thanks
Joel

[alanandbren]

My grandfather Norman Petty served on HMS Chevron between Nov'55 and June'57 as a C.E.R.A (Chief Engine Room Artificer). I've attached a couple of pictures from his photo album taken March 1956 entering Monte Carlo.
My grandfather wrote on the back of one photo that the ship behind HMS Chevron as it is entry the harbour was owned by the Greek ship owner Aristotle Onassis. It was formally a Candian destroyer which he purchased for £20,000 and modernised into a yatch at a cost of over £1,000,000.

Joel,nice photo's, having spent a few seasons in Monaco on super yachts I would imagine the crew ashore going around window shopping as ther are no cheap bars in that place. I was care and maintainance party on Chevron in1960 while she was at Rosyth, its funny how an empty ship always has that certain smell about it,once experienced never forgotten, the same with diesel boats.

Alan

[Dave Hutson]

Thank you Joel , I will search my 73 year old grey matter and PM you with my recollections of the Suez saga - give me a few days. A slightly different slant on the event because whereas Grandad was shut down below I was in the Operations Room. [I think I preferred my location].

Dave H

[astraltrader]

Thank you Joel they were indeed fine photographs although I would loved to have seen then scanned at at a much larger size - preferably 300 or 400 dpi they would have shown so much more detail!

If you have any more from your fathers album then please feel free to show them here in the forum so that interested people down the years would be alble to appreciate them.

When you eventually find your way around the forum you will see that many of our members have done exactly that - ensured that they live on as they should be. :)

[JoelPetty]

I've rescanned the photos I post previously so they are 300dpi. I've also added some others.
Pics 1-3 Are HMS Chevron entering Monte Carlo on 14th March 1956
Pics 4 Is the E.R.A's of the ship taken 13th May 1956. Back row left-right Baldwin, Elwall, Fendley, Shaw. Front row McKenzie, Petty(my grandfather), Reilly
Pics 4 I believe was taken during the Suez Crisis probably November 1956 from HMS Chevron. The statue is De Le Sepp's in Port Said which was destroyed in December 1956. The helicopters could be carrying the 45 Commando Royal Marines. I've also heard a story that my grandfather accompanied the marines during the Suez Crisis to disable the Egyption ships as he was Chief E.R.A at the time.

[Choppy Sea]

Looking at the photos that are posted I notice that the once talked of "Gismos" on the director has disappeared. But what is the box like construction aft on which two ratings are standing, which takes the place of "Y" gun mounting? I remember the statue of the builder of the canal very well which was blown up by Egyption forces, actually I witnessed it, some of the culprits succeeded in also killing themselves. There used to be a very large mast on the breakwater close to the statue used for hoisting signals to waiting shipping to enter which also suffered the same fate. Actually some of our RM Commando friends climbed to the top and tied a union jack to the very top, as they came down they greased the pole. The Egptians amused us for a long time trying to climb the pole before deciding to blow it up and again there were casualties. Happy days. Ray H

[tjstoneman]

Choppy Sea (post #166) asked about a box-like construction replacing "Y" mounting. Which photo is referred to? The first and second photos show "Y" mounting very clearly, and it's out of sight in the others. There ARE two ratings on top of the Squid magazine/handling room on what was previously the after shelter deck (ie in place of "X" mounting) - is that what was referred to?
Tim

[JackW1208]

[QUOTE=alanandbren;148260] - I was care and maintainance party on Chevron in1960 while she was at Rosyth, its funny how an empty ship always has that certain smell about it, once experienced never forgotten, the same with diesel boats.



November '66, joined Gurkha at Rosyth whilst she was in drydock for refit, our accomodation was the old Cochrane, three floating hulks, Girdleness, Duncansby Head and CHEVRON. My billet was Chevron, forward mess, using a camping bed, with an eledctric fire mounted on a stanchion for heat. I can still recall the smell of that ship along with the dampness! The Gurkha was a floating hotel after the Chev.

Jack.

[Choppy Sea]

Choppy Sea (post #166) asked about a box-like construction replacing "Y" mounting. Which photo is referred to? The first and second photos show "Y" mounting very clearly, and it's out of sight in the others. There ARE two ratings on top of the Squid magazine/handling room on what was previously the after shelter deck (ie in place of "X" mounting) - is that what was referred to?
Tim

Tim, yes I have compared the two photos and I got it wrong, should have said "X" mounting not "Y". But you have answered my query, it is the squid housing. She didnt have that equipment when I served on board, neither did she have "X" mounting because that was removed soon after build. In fact she didnt have very much at all on that deck. Thanks Tim. Ray H

[Dave Hutson]

Agreed Choppy , I had just come off the Undine and wondered what these little peashooters were - however what had been X gundeck had now become a great sundeck. Until of course, Cdr McLoughlin elected to fire the damn things. But who was I as a mere Sparker [Tel] to argue. :rolleyes:

Dave H

[Choppy Sea]

Agreed Choppy , I had just come off the Undine and wondered what these little peashooters were - however what had been X gundeck had now become a great sundeck. Until of course, Cdr McLoughlin elected to fire the damn things. But who was I as a mere Sparker [Tel] to argue. :rolleyes:

Dave H

It seems to me that Chevron waited a very long time to have these things fitted considering that the programe started during the Battle Of The Atlantic. They must have been fitted when she came home from the Med in 1954 after many years in Malta. As I have stated before on this forum CH class destroyers were "top heavy" and certain things including X mounting were removed. Ray H

[Saknussen]

Hi i am enquiring for my step father Mr John Crocker who served on Chevron from 1956 onwards i think he was something to do with medical on board i can get more info but wanted to test the water for him.
Any memories?