HMS Frobisher 1920-1949 [Archive] - World Naval Ships Forums

jwheeler

24-02-2008, 20:39

Hi there

My father also served on HMS Frobisher during the war. You will find these links interesting:

War service: http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Frobisher.htm and http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1210.html

Interesting article by Albert Matsell who also served on the Frobisher. The story was submitted as part of the BBC's "People's War" archive initiative: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/70/a4928970.shtml

Batstiger

24-02-2008, 22:08

Hi Michael

Here are a couple of pictures of the Frobisher and a small write up.

Bob.

emason

21-08-2009, 21:12

My late father-in-law served on the Frobisher during WWII. His name was Earnest Mason, known universally as 'Ernie'. Amongst his posessions was a number of photographs taken while the Frobisher was on duty in the Indian Ocean. Typical of cameras of the time they took very small photographs, which after sixty years have deteriorated somewhat. One of my many hobbies is restoring old photographs, and so with the magic of Photoshop I have managed to clean many of them up and enlarge them. Luckily many of them had written captions. They are mainly of life on board such as 'The swing band', 'Christmas concert', 'Weighing the anchor' etc. Many of the crew are clearly identifiable. If anyone is interested I will willingly provide images of them. It would be a pity for this photographic record to remain unseen.

emason

qprdave

21-08-2009, 22:42

Thanks Emason.
Why don't you post the pictures here in this thread. We would all be interested in seeing them
Dave

astraltrader

22-08-2009, 00:25

Emason - Dave is right. If you could upload the pictures there would be many members here who would really love to see them.

It is very easy to upload pictures here - when you use the reply box here just look for the paperclip icon.

If possible scan them at 300dpi and always upload as JPEG rather than bitmap.

Look forward very much to seeing them.

emason

23-08-2009, 19:49

Thank you for all your interest in Ernie's photographs. Attached are the first half dozen of those so far completed. I hope the captions are self explanatory, they are Ernie's not mine. They are all undated so the chronology is random. I hope you like them, any feedback would be welcomed.

There are also photos of places the Frobisher visited. Would these be of any interest?

Emason

54423

54426

54427

54428

54429

54430

SCRG1970

23-08-2009, 19:59

Emason

You have done a splendid job with the photos. Thanks for posting them.

Regards

Gerry

qprdave

23-08-2009, 20:07

Great Pics. I enjoyed looking at them. Naval history at it's best. We are always seeing the ships pounding the oceans. It is not often we get to see the men that make them "Pound"

Thanks for posting them Emason

Dave

astraltrader

23-08-2009, 20:18

Well done. I especially liked the picture of the Oerilikon.

emason

24-08-2009, 19:22

Thank you for your encouraging comments following the last batch of photos. Here are some more. I hope you like them.

EM11-Untitled
Four very hot looking cooks seemingly very proud of their Christmas cakes.
54484

EM12-Untitled
Not such good quality I'm afraid. The original was only 2 inches wide. Possibly taken at Dyathalaya camp. They appear to be holding sports equipment. Ernie is in the second row from the front, fourth from the left.
54485

EM13-PomPom in action
Seeing as you liked the one with the Oerlikon Terry, this one is for you.
54486

EM14-Untitled
This is the only one of which Ernie had multiple copies. I can only assume that he is one of the crew, possibly at the helm.
54487

EM15-Ship's swing band
Such a good photo. Almost everyone here could be identified. I like the juxtaposition of cool music on a hot day. (Jazz on a Summer's Day?)
54489

EM16-Down among the sugar canes
I think this must be taken in Ceylon (whilst at Dyathalaya camp?) judging by the driver's features
54490

qprdave

24-08-2009, 19:41

Thanks Emason. If you have any more...Keep 'em coming

astraltrader

25-08-2009, 14:08

Great photos emason - and I did very much like the ones with the pom-poms!

Have you any of the Frobisher at all - or any other warships?

emason

26-08-2009, 19:07

Here are another half dozen with a couple for Terry.

Concert On Board
The bandmaster looks the typical smooth dance band leader of the '30s and '40s, doesn't he?
54628

Survivors Of Crashed Swordfish
There are only two survivors shown here from a crew of three. I don't think they are from 788 squadron based in China Bay (Ceylon) as they were all destroyed by the Japanese before the Frobisher arrived in the Indian Ocean. Possibly they are from 844 squadron based on the Hermes, and crashed as the result of an accident.
54629

Frobisher At Anchor
I don't where this was taken but she is looking a little tired.
54630

Frobisher At Sea
What a fast, sleek vessel she looks steaming into action. Obviously Ernie didn't take this one, but it was with his other photographs. This is the only photo I've seen of the Frobisher taken from the air, probably during sea trials.
54631

Coming Back From Dyathalaya Camp no2
A slightly different view from a previous similar one. But just as interesting none the less. This is probably taken in August 1942 when the Frobisher was undergoing repairs at Colombo.
54632

Some Of The Boys
I just love this photograph. Have you ever seen a happier, more carefree bunch of shipmates? The Frobisher appears to have been a happy ship. Ernie is in the front row second from the left.
54633

qprdave

26-08-2009, 19:18

Some more great Pics, emason

The last pic re happy crowd. Bottom left hand. Looks very much like the earthenware jug that the Rum came in. If they managed to "liberate" one of those, I can imagine why they are happy

astraltrader

26-08-2009, 21:01

Thanks again emason. Appreciated.

emason

28-08-2009, 17:53

Thank you once again for your responses. I think you are right qprdave. I shall view this photo in a different light from now on. However, here are a few more.

The Camp - Dyathalawa
A view from inside the camp this time, complete with latest transport.
54746

Officers versus Marines (Mombassa)
This is a bit of a puzzle. The Frobisher has obviously spent some time here, but Mombassa is not listed in the details of war service on the "Naval-History.Net" web site.
54747

Seychelles
I have included this one as it shows the harbour with what could be fleet auxilliary ships, including a tanker. What do you think?
54749

The Frobisher
Nice view of a gun emplacement. What would be in the boxes surrounding it? Life jackets, ammunition?
54750

Shipmates
Is that a gun turret they are standing on? Ernie is second from the right.
54751

Sunset at Diego Suarez
This is the only photograph with a date on (24.12.1942 - Christmas Eve). I have included it because that was Ernie's 23rd birthday. Maybe he was feeling a little homesick at the time.
54752

qprdave

28-08-2009, 18:17

Pic 4

The two long lockers on the right could be for anything.. We have used the for "part of ship" equipment i.e. Blocks and Tackles. hammers et.c depending on what part of ship is was. We even had buckets, scrubbers etc for cleaning the part of ship.

The two either side of the entrance looks like amunition "ready use" lockers. So that you can have ammunition on site ready to be used while more is brought up from the magazine. These are needed when the Gun doesn't have hoists direct fromt he Magazine.

Dick

28-08-2009, 18:22

Dear Emason,

Thank you very much indeed for posting these pictures. Maybe its pure coincidence, or perhaps divine providence, but I am at the moment keenly interested in the design of the camouflage schemes applied to ships in Devonport dockyard hands in late 1941 and that emerged for trials December 1941 -January 1942 (and then joined the Home Fleet for work-up and then went on to Op Ironclad in the Indian Ocean). Frobisher is wearing one of those particular schemes that I am interested in and your pictures (plus Bob's from last year of course - thank you Bob) have been very helpful in confirming in general terms how they varied between port and starboard.

If there happened to be any other pictures taken by Ernie of other ships in Plymouth Sound in late 1941 or early 1942 I would dearly love to see them!

Best wishes and thanks again.

qprdave

28-08-2009, 18:25

As Dick has mentioned she was in the Indian Ocean

After refit in March 1942, She joined the 4th Cruiser Squadron with the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean until March 1944. She spent her time escorting convoys up the east coast of Africa

I am sure that she would have visited Mombassa during this time.

Dick

28-08-2009, 18:34

Re Mobassa:

Useful as the Naval-History.net site can be, I'm afraid that you should only use it as a general guide and starting point. During the course of researching the detailed movements of particular ships I have sometimes found Geoff Mason's information to be incomplete or incorrect.

MJM6978

05-09-2009, 15:10

Hi, Michaelesse

My grandfather, Ronald (Ron) Lewis was also a gunner on the Frobisher during the same period.

I am enjoying scanning through the photos on this thread on the off-chance that I may catch a glimpse of him. Our family does not have any wartime photos. Only demob and wedding photos.

I do have a list of ports visited that we wrote down for me some years ago, which I would be happy to pot up here if it is useful for people.

Welshman

11-09-2009, 12:45

I live in Australia and my husband's father served on the HMAS Frobisher during WW2. I have found these photos very interesting as my husband recalls a framed picture of the Fobisher in his house and his father had promised it to him. He lost contact with his family 35 years ago after he received a phone telegram saying that they had all been killed in an acident. On 2nd June this year I found his family alive through the wonders of the internet quite by accident and have reunited him with his sisters who had not seen him for over 40 years.That call had been a hoax by someone determined to ruin any happiness he might have had. Unfortunately the whereabouts of the picture of the Frobisher is unknown and that has distressed him deeply.
Through the wonders of the internet I have now found this forum where he can look at the great photos and feel closer to his father and how his father served his country. My husband truly understands serving his country as he served in the British Army for many years prior to coming to Australia.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so grateful for what you have here as it will help him cope and feel close to his dear departed father, as he never had a chance to say goodbye because of that horrible hoax call 35 years ago. You have made him a very happy man, thank you again.

astraltrader

11-09-2009, 16:14

My favourite shot of Frobisher which I felt would be a good addition to the thread!:)

Pedlar

11-09-2009, 16:48

If anyone is interested the bell from HMS Frobisher is in the Maritime Museum at Esquimalt British Columbia

emason

16-09-2009, 18:03

Thanks for posting your favourite photo of the Frobisher Terry. Since dowloading it, it has become my favourite also.

emason

05-10-2009, 19:02

emason

15-10-2009, 17:57

Just a bit more info about the photo shown in post #27.

My late father-in-law (Ernie Mason, front row centre) has an achor and single stripe on his left sleeve. This, I understand and please correct me if I am wrong, makes him a leading seaman with four years good conduct.

If that is correct then the picture must have been taken in the latter part of the war, possibly in the first few weeks of April 1944 when the Frobisher was refitting at Greenock prior to D-day.

If that is correct, why would the crew be at Liverpool? Assuming that the photograph was processed locally.

Any information would greatly appreciated.

oldsalt

15-10-2009, 18:38

Can't make out the branch badge on the right sleeve, at first I thought it might be a torpedo, a closer look, it seems to be a propeller blade. From the photo it looks like a training class with Dad in charge.

qprdave

15-10-2009, 18:40

Bill.

It doesn't necessary mean that he has done 4 years service

It was granted 4 years from the age of 18. As I joined at 15, it took me 7 years to get mine.

Also it wasn't too difficult to "lose" the stripe if you were a naughty boy and be given it back at a later date

So You can't really date something by Good conduct stripes.

If you have his service docs. then you will know how old he was when he joined the RN and if he managed to keep hold of his stripe!

alanbenn

16-10-2009, 16:35

I have just found this photograph tucked away with other non-naval photos. I don't know if this is the crew of Frobisher, of some naval school, perhaps someone can help with this. There is no date or location, but on the reverse the is a smudged studio stamp - "Fred Usk Studios, 92 Bold Street, Liverpool" - I think that is what it says. There is no ship name on any of the hats. Is this anything to do with wartime security? Ernie is seated front row centre.

I think the photo is of a training base probably at Hms Eaglet, Liverpool during ww2.
They are all trainee torpedomen judging by the badges and Ernie is the class leader.

Hms Eaglet had several MTB's (motor torpedo boats) attached to it during the war.

Regards
Alan

emason

16-10-2009, 17:12

Thank you very much, Keith, Dave and Alan.

The badge on their right sleeves is definitely a propeller, and none that I can see have anything on their left sleeves. So a training school at Liverpool seems to fit the bill.

I have looked on the Naval-History.net website (Rank-Badges) and a two bladed propeller on its own seems to indicate an Air Mechanic (Unclassified). Does that sound right to you?

Thanks again.

alanbenn

16-10-2009, 18:21

Bill, the 2 blade propeller sounds right for the air mechanics. Where they did their training I'm not sure.......however there was a RN Air Station named Hms Ringtail...RNAS Burscough in Lancashire, there is a website IIRC that can be accessed from the FAA website, which shows photo's of the tower and buildings most of which would have been Nissan type huts similar to the one in your photograph.

Regards
Alan

jbryce1437

16-10-2009, 18:54

I have just found this photograph tucked away with other non-naval photos. I don't know if this is the crew of Frobisher, of some naval school, perhaps someone can help with this. There is no date or location, but on the reverse the is a smudged studio stamp - "Fred Usk Studios, 92 Bold Street, Liverpool" - I think that is what it says. There is no ship name on any of the hats. Is this anything to do with wartime security? Ernie is seated front row centre.

58389

An interesting photo, which clears up a query that I had regarding cap tallies with the HMS logo. All of the recruits appear to bave their bow tied correctly, with the centre letter of the name, ie M of HMS above the nose, and the bow tied over the left ear. Whereas, Ernie - by then an old salt, has his bow over the left eye. It would appear that "Jack" will go to any length to 'personalise' his uniform.

emason

17-10-2009, 18:07

Thank you both for your replies.

I have followed up your suggestion Alan and have been trying to contact RNAS Burscough, but I am having difficulties with email at the moment

Many thanks

TACKLINE

05-12-2009, 22:19

This is a photograph of HMS Roberts in action on D-Day. The ship in the background is the Frobisher.
63427

DJE

15-12-2009, 16:36

Nigel Lewin

02-03-2010, 15:05

I am looking for any photos of crew members during the second world war, my father Arthur Lewin was a Royal Marine on board and I would like to get any photographic material I can to search for pictures of him, if anybody has any other link to my father I would be eternally greatfull.

nigelfran.lewin@googlemail.com

:)

emason

02-03-2010, 16:44

Nigel, there is already a thread on HMS Frobisher with many WW2 photographs of her Indian Ocean assignment. They were mainly taken by my father-in-law Ernest Mason. There are a few of the Royal Marines, mainly the band. I hope you can find your father among them.

You can view it by clicking here:-

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495&highlight=frobisher

Please let us know if you find him.

jim booth

07-06-2010, 18:29

Hi have just been reading all the messages re HMS FROBISHER, my dad served on the ship for about 18 mths picking it up in Ceylon or Capetown (not sure), but certain he was at D DAY with her. Dads name is Jimmy Booth (BOOTHY) able seaman DJX302173. He is still going strong , and wondering if the name rings any bells with anyone. Thanks Jim jnr.

He also served on HMS CARADOC HMS CUMBERLAND and THYME

qprdave

07-06-2010, 18:46

Jim

I have removed your E-Mail address from the post.

Leaving it there will only entice the SPIDERS (internet searchers) to pick it up and you could be inundated with SPAM.

If you want to contact a member then do it through the PM facility which is secure. Then you can pass your E-Mail to whoever you want.

qprdave

qprdave

07-06-2010, 20:53

Jim

I have changed the way that you posted the photo's.

By linking the post to the Web (Using URLs) we could run the risk of losing them if the Website closes or the account is closed

It is always best to save the picture on to your computer (i.e. Desktop) then post them as attachments. This then sends the pictures to our server and then can be retrieved even if the website that they came from is no more. Once the pictures have been posted, they can then be deleted from your computer.

qprdave

emason

07-06-2010, 21:00

Hello Jim, any chance of you re-scanning the group photographs at a higher resolution, say 300dpi? At the moment they are too small to identify anyone.

qprdave

07-06-2010, 21:02

Bill

I have a feeling that Jim did not scan the pictures onto his computer, but took them of the internet.

qprdave

emason

07-06-2010, 21:06

Pity, as I thought a few faces looked familiar, even though I couldn't put a name to them.

jim booth

07-06-2010, 21:24

Thanks ,not to sure what u mean and how to do this . All the photos ive got in my posession ive copied by camera and transferred them to my computer. Could you explain how I get them to the best way , sorry about this cheers Jim jnr

qprdave

07-06-2010, 22:21

If you go here, it will tell you how to post attachments. Don't be overawed by it. It will soon become second nature to you

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3330

qprdave

jim booth

09-06-2010, 10:37

jim booth

09-06-2010, 18:44

Just a few more photos, dads ID badge, Crossing the Line on Caradoc certificate (amazing they had time to award certificates). The uniform badge ? not sure, he's said he operated a oeuriliken gun, is that it. On the previous set of photos the non uniform ones taken at hospital in Columbo then Ceylon, and the one with two sailors in uniform guy on left is Ditchburn. He also mentions HMS Assegai Capetown? Barrocks? Dads 89 next birthday its only the last few years he talked about the war, wish he had told me earlier, cause he struggles to recall stuff. Yet if you ask him (like an order)he rattles off his name rank and number without taking a breath, salute and SIR! included. Remarkable, Thanks for listening hope to here back, Jim jrn

astraltrader

09-06-2010, 19:44

Ive had another go and seems ok , hope the photos are better, added a couple, dad says they are HMS RAMILLIES (dock) and FROBISHER (at sea) .Interested to here from anyone, will be seeing him later interrogation will continue! He did mention last time there was a high ranking officer thought he was Canadian? who was a great fellow. Thanks for all your help. Jim jrn

Hi Jim the picture taken of the warship [dock] is in fact of HMS Jamaica at Trincomalee taken in 1952.

The photograph taken at sea is of Frobisher taken probably in 1942.

jim booth

13-06-2010, 17:41

Thanks Terry, your right its Jamaica, what I dont get is the photo is on Wikpedia , and Im thinking its an original snap which was amongst all the other photos in my dads stuff which I prosumed hadnt seen the light of day since his "demob" after the war. Have asked him but hes not sure how he got it. Which cast a little doubt on a couple of the others, especially the one of the group of sailors on the rocks, closer inspection a couple of there caps seem to read HMS GALATEA (not 100%) was sunk Dec 41, however survivors Ive read were sent to Durban and my Dad was there? Had no other feedback on the other photos or previous queries , still hopeful , thanks again for listening Jim jrn , it would be great to tell dad anything however small cheers to all

chris westwood

13-06-2010, 19:39

what a magnificent group of ships they were.
They would have been major assets if they had been better armed, and if the attempts at rearmament had been better: equipping Effingham with second hand 6 inch guns for instance

Tubs

16-06-2010, 11:33

Coming from a family of sailors(4) and royal marines (2) and loving ships and planes. I joined the RAF (sorry, I also like trees and grass). Hello.

Whilst hunting for a relative Harry Bragg on HMS Usk. a River class frigate in the Pacific during 1945, I came across this photo of Edward Eric Jenner on the Frobisher 42-45. Does anyone recognise Edward.

Amazing! I am looking though this site / thread because Edward Eric Jenner was my father.

I have a copy of this same photograph, plus a collection of others from his time on Frobisher - 2 official photos of the ship (which appear elsewhere on this thread) plus 40-50 others which are personal though sadly not captioned. Maybe I can post some of them. The other photos I see here are providing some clues.

Please can you suggest how dad's photo may have found its way into your possession? I would be fascinated and really really grateful. Dad died over 20 years ago and I am playing catch-up with his wartime experiences.

astraltrader

17-06-2010, 11:03

Welcome Tubs - I hope you find the answer to your question.

Please feel free to post any of your pictures. If you have trouble over this then please let me know here.

Tubs

17-06-2010, 13:49

My father served on HMS Frobisher 1942-45 as a Stoker Fire Fighter. He was Edward Jenner, known to his friends at home as Eddie but to some on board ship, apparently, as ‘Jim’. He died in 1987 and left some photos from the ship (without any captions).
Some shots are the same as those posted by EMason. I imagine the photos were made available for crew members to buy, as I was never aware of my dad owning (or even using) a camera himself. Some have ‘Passed by Censor’ stamped on the back.
I am posting five here: (1) Edward Jenner, right of picture, sharing a rickshaw with one of his mates (unknown); (2) a Frobisher officer – can anyone identify? (3) Frobisher officers again; (4) a (non-naval?) officer on board – unknown; (5) heavy lifting on deck, portside – someone will know what’s happening here.
I could add some other photos if there’s interest. Some are of other ships in the various convoys. Others are of groups of mates on board.
Thanks to all who’ve posted here – am delighted to have come across the site. I’m searching for all the Frobisher information I can find from the war years, to put dad’s story together as well as possible.

qprdave

17-06-2010, 13:56

It is almost impossible to recognise anyone in the pictures as they are so small. Is it possible to rescan the pictures larger. You may have some success on recognition then.

qprdave

Tubs

17-06-2010, 14:34

OK, thanks. I'll try again - not sure how large I should go.

qprdave

17-06-2010, 14:54

That is a great improvement. Thank you.

qprdave

qprdave

17-06-2010, 15:00

The second photo is, by his rank depicted, the Captain. HMS Frobisher had three in the timescale that you are interested in .

Capt. James Frank William Mudford, RN 13 Jan 1942 - 13 Sep 1944
Capt. (retired) Neville Brevoort Carey Brock, RN 13 Sep 1944 - 16 Mar 1945
Capt. John Graham Hewitt, DSO, RN 16 Mar 1945 - Oct 1945

Tubs

17-06-2010, 19:32

Thanks for this. Must be James Mudford, as all photos are from Indian Ocean days.
Also, if he was captain of the Frobisher up to Sep 44 I think that would have covered all her active service. The ship was torpedoed out of the Normandy action and (I think) went to Chatham for repairs. But I'm not sure she went to sea again - maybe someone will know. Dad stayed with her till 17 Mar 1945 (doing what, I don't know), then had a while in naval barracks at Portsmouth and was transferred to the RAMC in April.

tjstoneman

17-06-2010, 19:51

Tubs,

Interesting photos - thanks for posting.

You may find this site of use: http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Frobisher.htm.

As for photo 5 in posts #53 and #55, I believe it shows a 7.5" gun barrel being exchanged, almost certainly the aftermost one on the quarterdeck. I think the photo was taken from the starboard side, not the port side, looking aft past the crew shelter for that gun.

Tim

Tubs

17-06-2010, 21:10

Thanks Tim. That makes good sense.

Here are some more photos - two of Frobisher herself; then a view of a convoy (I assume taken from Frobisher, but can't be sure about that); then two of other warships which presumably accompanied Frobisher at some time. Someone may recognise these - the camouflage patterns alone are quite distinctive.

jim booth

17-06-2010, 21:35

Great photos, Tubs, it seems our Dads were on her at the same time certainly D Day, he remembers the torpedo hit and the bomb hit on B turret before that. He's certain it was from a Liberator bomb stuck in the hold accidently released. What do others think of that scenario. You must be right re the photos, wondered where they came from. Not heard from anyone as yet re improved photos it would be great to pass something back to him. Will continue with a few questions tomorrow, certainly i'll ask him about your dad, thank for listening again Jim jrn

kronserg

18-06-2010, 09:25

Town-class on the last photo - is HMS Newcastle in 1943

RNfanDan

18-06-2010, 10:35

My "vote" for pic #4 is HMS Gambia...

tjstoneman

18-06-2010, 12:21

Post #62:
Photo 3 shows a squadron of cruisers in line ahead (no sign of a convoy); the nearest is DEVONSHIRE (only County class with that geometric camouflage pattern) and the next one looks like a Town class (HA.DCTs above the hangars and what looks like a cruiser stern rather than a transom). The one ahead of her also has HA.DCTs above her hangars, so may be a Town or a Colony. The two ships leading the line may be battleships.
I agree with RNFanDan that Photo 4 shows GAMBIA, and with kronserg that Photo 4 is NEWCASTLE.
Tim

Tubs

18-06-2010, 12:35

Thanks everyone for replies. So great to have such expertise available - really appreciated.

Tubs

Tubs

18-06-2010, 15:58

Thanks again for identifying the ships. There are others photos that may be worth posting, including some of merchant / troop ships.

Here for now are five photos of Frobisher people. There are two posed groups (no names, unfortunately); a diver (would he be Frobisher crew?); and two entertainment sessions (one musical, the other dramatic and featuring some distinctly non-naval costume – somehow an oddly reassuring image of the British at war). All the photos had to be ‘Passed by Censor’, presumably because they show recognizable faces.

Tubs

Tubs

23-06-2010, 19:02

Here are some more photos from my father’s collection, from HMS Frobisher’s time in the Indian Ocean 1942-44.
The first is interesting – an onboard exercise – and I’d be very glad if someone could add some background, including the part played by the flag-waver on the left.
Other photos are of different ships, but they help to build a picture of the wider company that Frobisher served alongside. The first two are actually labeled on the back (the only pics that have been, alas), and say ‘Mauritius’ and ‘Quickmatch’.
The next shows what also appears to be Quickmatch (though looking a little different?). She is alongside a carrier which I think may be Formidable. If so, then I think this must be 1942 and quite early in Frobisher’s time out there.
I don’t really have many clues about the locations, though Mombasa/Kilindini and Colombo would be two of tropical-looking possibilities (and maybe Diego Saurez). Frobisher also spent quite a bit of time at Durban and Simonstown.

tjstoneman

23-06-2010, 21:20

Again, thanks for posting. The ships in post #69 seem to be:
MAURITIUS (camouflage and configuration match other photos of her).
NAPIER (not QUICKMATCH - the ship shown has 3 twin 4.7" mountings, not 4 single 4.7", and a long after deckhouse; the only three with that configuration were KELLY (sunk off Crete), JERVIS (which never had RDF (radar) replacing the rangefinder on the bridge) and NAPIER - so it must be the latter).
NORMAN (pennant number G49) alongside FORMIDABLE (definitely one of the first three Illustrious class as she has HA.DCT Mk IV above the bridge, and the camouflage pattern is one I've only seen on FORMID).
The sailor with the flag in the first photo is there to indicate to those on the bridge when the anchor is clear of the water. It looks as if the capstan has failed and the ship's company is raising the anchor the old-fashioned way!

Tim

Tubs

24-06-2010, 12:56

Thanks very much, Tim, for the comments and IDs - very helpful.

Possibly we can place these shots in July 1942, when it looks like FORMIDABLE, NORMAN, and MAURITIUS were together at Kilindini, and were then joined by NAPIER on their way to Colombo – according to naval-history.net.

FROBISHER was at Kilindini during July 1942, though does not seem to be listed as part of the same operation. FORMIDABLE had a fairly brief spell in those parts, I think – she seems to have returned to Europe the next month - so the timing would fit.

Here are two more pics of FROBISHER, from different angles – one from the waterline and the other from the foredeck.

Tubs

05-07-2010, 19:07

Here are some more photos of ships taken from / serving alongside HMS Frobisher in the Indian Ocean. They’re R-Class battleships, I believe, though not sure which. I gather Ramillies, Resolution, Revenge and Royal Sovereign were all there for a while.

I’ve just read in Michael Tomlinson’s book The Most Dangerous Moment (re Indian Ocean 1942) that “conditions on board these battleships were appalling” - as they had limited water supplies and were “oppressively hot within their steel sides”. Sounds grim – but how different was this from other ships out there, I wonder?

tjstoneman

05-07-2010, 21:59

Tubs,

Thanks for posting photos in post#72:
First photo shows HMS WARSPITE - not sure about the two destroyers alongside her.
Second photo shows HMS RESOLUTION - only "R" class with a quadruple 2pdr pompom on the quarterdeck.
Third photo shows HMS REVENGE - only "R" class with a searchlight platform low down on a pole mainmast.
Tim

Tubs

07-07-2010, 12:37

Thank you once again. It’s great to be able to put captions to these photos. They seem like quite precious old things, given they were hidden away for a long time - and illustrated things we never had described to us.

Here are four more – again taken from Frobisher (I’m assuming). The first was actually labelled GAMBIA, which looks right. The others are not labelled. Very small images, I’m afraid, but the camouflage patterns are visible.

MMM

07-07-2010, 15:50

The first from right is French Heavy Cruiser Suffren:)

astraltrader

07-07-2010, 16:27

Tubs I will leave these pictures here as they were taken from Frobisher but we do have a thread for identifying unknown ship photos and pictures.

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316&page=41

tjstoneman

07-07-2010, 17:27

Tubs,

Thanks again for post #74.
I agree that the first photo is of GAMBIA - the configuration matches other references and the camouflage scheme is the one she wore from new until June 1943.
The second photo is of ROYAL SOVEREIGN - the only one of the class which, in wartime, had a pole mainmast without a searchlight platform on it.
The third photo shows HAWKINS - whilst she and FROBISHER carried very similar patterns, FROBISHER's was more angular than that shown (and, as you say, this photo was probably taken from FROBISHER!).
I agree that the fourth photo is SUFFREN, which left the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal in mid 1943 heading round Africa for Dakar.
Tim

Dick

07-07-2010, 19:41

Tubs,

A really wonderful series of photos. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Tubs

08-07-2010, 15:46

Thanks for the advice re photo queries.

I’ve pretty much got through dad’s Frobisher pictures now. They included a few of troop carriers which I’ll post elsewhere. (Also one of a sub – not sure how much these operated in the Indian Ocean?)

But here are his last from Frobisher (other than duplicates of some already posted by Emason). Thanks everyone for your responses and explanations. I’ve really appreciated it.

Pic #1 looks like Frobisher on exercise (AA target practice?). From a previous reply I think the ship ahead is DEVONSHIRE.

Pic #2 just looks like a suitable shot to end with.

And I’m taking it that the censor has given his permission for all this to be shared...

Tubs

frobisher

24-07-2010, 21:03

hi im trying to find anyone who might remember my grandad,his name was edward charles christopher and all i know is that he was the rum bosun!!!!will be great if any one can help!:)

jim booth

19-08-2010, 21:31

Hi to TERRY EXETER, just a quick update re your accurate ident of HMS Jamaica docked in Trincomelee. Found an old newspaper cutting about my uncle Wilf Oneill who had taken up a post of Petty Officer Instructor with the New Zealand Navy around 1952, in the article it listed he served on the ship for 3 years before he took his new post. That I think solves that. Thanks again for your interest Terry, just wish I had more feed back on the photos and posts Ive sent, cheers to all Jim jrn

astraltrader

20-08-2010, 02:47

Alison

19-09-2010, 20:57

Hello,

My father was on HMS Frobisher from 1943 to 1945 (I think) and he had these photos. I thought you may want to see them. He worked as a stoker and was very happy on this ship. He spoke of his time very proudly and went to a couple of Frobisher reunions in Portsmouth. My dad's name was Ronnie Wilks and he was from Newcastle Upon Tyne. Unfortunately he died in September 2004. He would have loved this site.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. I don't know much about them so if anyone can recognise anything let me know.

Alison.

My dad is on the left of this first photo.

alanbenn

20-09-2010, 11:10

Alison, welcome to the forum. A wonderful set of photo's, thank you for posting them onto the forum, I have amended them to thumbnail attachments which is our preferred method of uploading them, they can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Regards
Alan

Alan Reed

12-11-2010, 07:39

I am researching my family history and have come across this photgraph in my late fathers picture album he is back row far right - Frederick Charles Christopher Reed.

I have no idea when this picture was taken, or where, so if anyone has any idea?

Regards

Alan

jim booth

14-11-2010, 18:52

Thanks Jim - I think the only reason people have not comeback with any feedback on most of your pictures is that they were obviously of crewmen who are not known to any of our oldest members of the forum.
Nevertheless it is great to have you in the forum and please convey my warmest regards and respect to your father. :)

Apologies for not replying sooner,I had given up any hope, hence delay. just happen to take a butchers tonite and saw your reply. Thanks very much for your thoughts and wishes will certainly pass them on to Dad whos still going strong,he enjoyed the Armistice Day parade on TV. Thanks again Ill tune in more often , you never know I might get a surprise for him one day. Very best wishes Terry all the best to you and all regards Jim jrn

astraltrader

15-11-2010, 14:44

Always a pleasure to help Jim. :)

emason

17-11-2010, 17:03

I have just come across this rather fine photo of Frobisher taken post WW2 when she was a cadet training ship.

88630

emason

15-01-2011, 20:11

Here's a couple more of Frobisher I'd forgotten I had.

1. Another post war shot when a training ship.
2. A 1937 view.

92193 92194

alanbenn

15-01-2011, 20:50

Here's a couple more of Frobisher I'd forgotten I had.

Bill, pleased you found them, great shots of her in different roles.
Thanks for sharing these with everyone.

Regards
Alan

emason

16-01-2011, 18:13

There is correction to the captions of the two photos in post #89.

Both photos show Frobisher in her pre ww2 configuration as a cadet training ship. I should have spotted the lack of main armament in photo #2. The aircraft is an Avro Tutor biplane.

Her 1940 refit reinstalled her 7x7.5 inch guns, fitted the tripod mainmast, the midships deckhouse and the surface search RDF above the bridge.

Information kindly provided by Tim (tjstoneman).

richard george evans

18-01-2011, 19:33

Hello

My father was William George Evans who served on HMS Frobisher during the war years. Whilst HMS Frobisher was in Durban (South Africa) he met my mum who he married. They lived in Clacton-on-Sea for many years before moving to South Africa.

I can recall my dad making one or two visits to Portsmouth for the annual reunion of crew members. He also showed me a newspaper cutting in which HMS Frobisher is mentioned as having knocked out several German tanks at D-Day

Does anyone remember my dad and perhaps have any photos in which he may be included.

Thanks and regards

Dianna Bennett

10-02-2011, 15:08

Im new to this site and I am hoping that someone can help me.
Its my dads 60th birthday this year and as a surprise I am trying to find any information on my grandad, his dad. I never knew him and even though I have some photos of him they aren't from his navy days.
Other family members have filled in some info for me. If anyone knows anything please help me!!!

He was called : Albert Henry Bennett
He was a first class able bodied seaman
He sailed on the hms frobisher and the hms duke of york
He signed up in about 1943
He travelled to Hawaii, italy and sweden and whilst in sweden got a wound septic and had to stay in the hospital for 6 months.

Thank you

S Fisher

14-02-2011, 20:25

My father served on HMS Frobisher during WW2. He was on the HMS Ark Royal before that until she was sunk, and then joined HMS Frobisher.

He is nearly 90 and I am helping him write up some his memories of his wartime service. I know he will find this forum very interesting particularly some of the photographs that members have posted.

I wonder is there anyone out there who might remember him, his name is Tom Fisher and he was a stoker. He dosnt think anyone is still around after all this time, but it would be really nice if there is and you could make contact.

Dianna Bennett

16-02-2011, 13:02

After doing some more family history digging. I have spoken to my great Auntie Ruth, the sister of my grandad, Albert Bennett. I now know he was a stoker aboard HMS Frobisher and he joined up near the end of world war 2. He was on the ship when it went into Gibraltar strait and when they got there, there was another ship moored in the way so they moved somewhere else. The place where the Frobisher should have been got bombed by enemy air craft shortly after. My grandad witnessed it all and was traumatised by it. He ended up with a perforated ear drum because of the noise.

I would love to know if you're grandad remembers him as they were both stokers at the same time. I have no photos of him when he was younger.

His name : Albert Henry Bennett:)

gerard44

25-02-2011, 08:24

Michaelesse,
Great pictures!
HMS Frobisher is mentioned in the war memoirs of Commandant Jubelin (future admiral) "Marin de métier Pilote de fortune" p.359 Editions France-Empire, 1951.
In early Dec 1943, ( The book does not give the date), the Free French destroyer Le Triomphant was escorting a convoy from Freemantle to Diego-Suarez ( US tanke CEDAR MILLS and Dutch freighter JAVA) when they ran into a cyclone. Following an aborted attempt at refuelling from Cedar Mills, the fuel tank cover was not properly secured by a sailor who had been badly knocked about by the weather (Force 10), the cover eventually came off and the ship took on a severe list.
HMS Frobisher answered the SOS call, as did Savorgnan de Brazza (Jubelin's command, Colonial sloop, max. speed 13 / 14 knots).
Frobisher got there first and started towing.( the list had by then been corrected) When Savorgnan de Brazza met the the two ships, (Dec. 16th)Jubelin was astonished to discover that Frobisher was towing at 18 knots! And he had to ask Frobisher to slow down by four knots in order to be able to stay in company.
The tow was taken over by the tug HMS PRUDENT (Dec. 16th) and they all arrived at Diego Suarez a few days later.
As Frobisher left, she sailed past the Free French ships and saluted with "la plus formidable des Marseillaises" Much appreciated...
Regards,
Gerard
PS The English edition (The flying sailor, Hurst & Blackett, 1953) does not contain this passage, the book having been cut short in April 1942. You will have to read it in French!

Susan

25-03-2011, 16:16

HMS Frobisher was at Chatham between 1932 and 1937 and was used as a training ship. Lieutenant George William Wheeler at the end of his naval career worked on the Frobisher training recruits. If anyone knows anything about this man I would be interested.
George had served in the navy certainly before 1911 where I found him on HMS Venus as a leading seaman.
Sue
`

jainso31

26-03-2011, 14:07

Hello Susan welcome to the Forum-this is your first post.My father enlisted in the RNR at Chatham in 1925-I shall see if his papers for his RNR Training make any mention of Frobisher; and get back to you if there is anything to tell.

jainso31

jainso31

28-03-2011, 12:43

Susan I went through my father's papers; but no mention of HMS Frobisher-he having joined in 1925 his Training ships were applicable to the period .
To ensure your thread does not go begging -start a new thread with his name and rank HMS Venus and Date and see what that catches -there quite a few that are into older ships OK??
PS Ship and Date first!!
jainso31

Susan

31-03-2011, 18:28

Thanks for that advice, will do.
Sue

lewis 1

12-04-2011, 10:26

j wishart

15-04-2011, 19:26

my dad john george wishart was on the frobisher from 11 march to 19 sept44 he was in ceylon when the frobisher was sent home to england he was at a place lanka he was also on tender the springtide 11 4 42 till 10 6 43

hillneerg

09-06-2011, 13:36

My wife's Uncle served on HMS Frobisher although I don't know when he joined the crew. His name was Leading Torpedoman Robert John Marsh and he lost his life aboard the Frobisher on 18th July 1944 in a bombing attack.
One of the crew did write to his mother after the war to say that he was killed by friendly fire (a US bomb). He had only been married to his wife, Alice, for a few months when the incident took place.
If anyone has any memories of him (or pictures), we would be so grateful if you would tell us.
Thanks.

cakey

16-11-2011, 18:02

My grandfather Pembroke Caroll (known as Pem) served on HMS Frobisher as a stoker,my mum recently gave me a telex of a radio broadcast he made called Greetings from India on 7th November 1943. The reason she has a copy is because my grandmother was deaf so her brother arranged for a copy to be sent to her. I wonder if anyone else had a relative who also made that broadcast to their familes back home.

canteenken

23-11-2011, 16:09

Hello everyone

I'm new here - only just joined this forum - and I'm equally new to computers, so my daughter and son-in-law are helping me to do this. Please forgive any mistakes etc!

I served on the canteen staff of HMS Frobisher, joining the ship in 1942 at the age of 17 and was aboard while she was being commissioned, and stayed with her until she arrived in Rosyth at the end of her active career.

I would dearly love to hear from any surviving canteen staff or their families. Memories are very old now, but I especially remember Bert Jones, who was canteen manager in 1943/1944, and other canteen assistants Jim Cyril (not sure about the spelling), and Jeff Cox.

Thank you for your help.

Kind regards
Ken Hodges

emason

23-11-2011, 16:28

canteenken

24-11-2011, 11:21

Hello Ken, welcome to the Forum. If you worked in the canteen, you probably know the fellows in the first photograph in post #11.

Click here:-
http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495

Many thanks for the welcome. Had a look at that photo, but sadly my memory can't put names to those faces. At least one of them looks pretty familiar though.

I was in 51 Mess for most of the time, next to the galley, until we were torpedoed off Normandy.

I'll go through my photo albums, and if I can add anything to the collection already on here, with a bit of help I'll try to work out how!

Thanks again
Ken

cazan

30-03-2012, 09:41

I am seeking any information concerning HMS Frobisher's active duty during WW2. My Grandfather Ben Willis was a gunner on this ship from @ 1940 to 1945. I am aware that they saw action in the Indian Ocean, around Capetown and at Normandy.

Hi Michaelesse. My father, Denis Mark Collins served on HMS Frobisher rough dates 1941 - 1943. He is still alive (approaching 90) . He would be interested in contact from anyone who is still around who remembers him and I will be pleased to pass any reminiscences he may have of your grandfather.

cheers,
Cazan