Service Record: William Dawes SPO HMS Marigold and HMS Fencer:

[puma53]

Hi, I'm trying to trace my Grandfather William Dawes ships in WW2. I know he was a Leading Stoker then promoted to Stoker Petty Officer. I know he served on HMS Marigold and later HMS Fencer. I would like to hear from anybody who may remember him or know of any other ships he might have served on. At one point I know he played Baseball for the Navy against the Americans.

[doug.birch]

Hi, puma53, I served on Fencer from 1942-1946, I dont recall the name of your father, pehaps you can post a photo of him and the dates he was on Fencer Doug. Birch.

[puma53]

Hi Doug, This photo taken aboard HMS Marigold shows my Grandad at the front with his sleeves roled up holding a cigarette with his tongue poking out. I have his Stoker Petty Officer cert here that shows HMS Fencer name in the top right but this damn contraption is refusing to let me upload the photo of it at the moment. I have put another photo on here thats not very clear showing him and three pals standing in front of an unidentified ship. My Grandad apparently played base against the U.S. during the war, pre war he played at White City, London. I doubt it he was known by it during the war but his nickname was Spike.
All the best mate,
Clive

[doug.birch]

Hi,Puma 53,I have looked at the photos but I did not recongnize hlm. I think he must have joined Fencer after I left her in March 1946, up to that time whilst I was on Fencer, we did not have a PO stoker onboard, our engine room crew were ex merchant navy, T124X ratings, sorry Puma, keep trying.Doug. Birch.

[puma53]

Hi Doug, spoke to my old man last night who said that his Father went to America. This would have been after you left when we handed her back over to the Americans. Now all I have to do is try and work out where he was in between the Marigold and the Fencer, 1941-1946! Thats a big gap!
I'm trying to trace a photo of my grandad and some mates, sitting on the captured Uboat that sunk Ark Royal. It does exist, my grandad showed me it and explained what happened to the Uboat.
All the best
Clive

[jecantwell]

hi. i have a photo of some of the crew on hms fencer about 1946 if it may be of any interest

[doug.birch]

Hi puma53 & jecantwell, I was on fencer from 1942-till march 1946, I missed out on that handing back trip to the USA ,my demob number came up, so I went on leave and got married. Jecantwell I would still like you to post any pictures you have of fencer or crew members. Regards Doug.Birch.

[John Brown]

Clive

You could always try to obtain your Grandfather's service record. If you click on the link below there is informtion on how to do this....

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1340

Could you explain more about the photograph of your Grandfather aboard 'the captured U-boat that sank the Ark Royal' as my understanding is that U-81 was sunk by American bombing in Pola during 1944 then, shortly after, raised and scrapped.

Good luck with your research


Regards...John

[jecantwell]

hi doug,
photo's as requested one of which is the same as one you have posted on another thread. Are you in any of these.
my father is in both of these.
james

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[doug.birch]

Hi James,yes I am in the first group photo I am sitting in the front row 2nd. from the right. This is a photo of the Electrical Division, so if your father was a spo he would not be in this group, as I stated before, we did not have stokers onboard. The other photo you posted I could not see anyone I knew,can you point him out on the photos. Regards. Doug.Birch.

[jecantwell]

hi doug. not sure what spo is but my dad Ronarld (ron) Cantwell was part of the electrical division and is in both photo's. the first one which you say that you are sitting in the first row second from the right, my dad is behind you second from right but on the back row. in the second photo he is the last on the right.
Dad is now 84 and had a stroke about ten years ago which he has recoverd from but to his frustration his speach is still a little slow sometimes which makes it hard to ask him lots about his time in service.
Do you have better photo of you which i could show to him ?

many regards james (enjoying the snow)

[doug.birch]

HI; James, although we were in the electrical branch,in those days we were also in the Torpedo branch, your father was a STO. seaman torpedo operater
Iwill try and post a photo as requested. This one was taken in Cape-Town.
Regards Doug.Birch.

[jecantwell]

hi doug, thanks for the photo i will pass it on to my dad to see if he remembers the face and/or your name.
i will see if my dad has a similar style photo for you to see if you recognise him too.
many thanks james

[Bee]

Hi Doug, James and Clive and John...great to see a few more "diamonds" being unearthed on the forum. I love seeing people turning up photos where others recognise either themselves or their friends on someone elses photos or, better still get reunited with an old crew mate from years ago so they can reignite their friendship.

Cheers,
Bee

[doug.birch]

Hi, Bee, I agree with you, this forum as been great for me, I have had good results in making contact with crew members of Fencer and mates on this forum. Regards. Doug.Birch.

[jecantwell]

dear Doug, i would like thank you for the photos you posted and the info that you passed on. i gave my dad all the pictures that you had sent and it made him happy at all the fond memories that he had. i was glad to see him enjoying the history etc that i had found. im sorry to say that he had a massive stroke on sunday and passed away but i know he enjoyed all the time he had on board hms fencer.
many thanks again. james

[Bee]

Dear James,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dear Dad. At least you managed to reconnect him with some of his past matelots and memories (which is more than many of us had been able to do for our dear old Dads.) Having made it to the forum, rest assured he is with us here forever now and in the good company of his old mates (many of whom will have been there to welcome him back.)
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It is never easy.

One of your and your late Dad's recent forum friends,
Bee

p.s.Many of us, continue on here...to keep our Dad's memories alive (by sharing their stories and pictures)...hopefully you'll stay with us too.

[astraltrader]

Truly sorry to read of this James.

My sincere condolences to both you and your family.

As Bee quite rightly said I hope that you do stay with us and find out more about the life your dad had in service.

[doug.birch]

My dear James I am sorry to learn of the passing of your father, my condolences go to you and your family but I am glad that he got some pleasure from the photos that I posted. its sad just, as we had made contact please keep in touch with the forum, hoping to hear more from you regards Doug.Birch.

[vivian]

Dear James, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. It was good that you were able to share your findings on the forum with him. I sincerely hope that you will stay with us.

My condolences to you and family
sincerely
Vivian

[jecantwell]

dear all, thank you for your kind words they mean a lot. i hope to continue into research about my dad's time in service. many thanks james

[jecantwell]

to all, this last week has been emotional both happy and sad, but i have found some more about my father inculding info on his service. see attached hope its legable on the scan. james.
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[Bee]

Thanks for post that James....we all realise the emotional roller coaster you and your family will have been on over the last week - and our thoughts are with you all.
As for the documents that you have kindly posted...I can read them... however...we'll have to wait now for our naval people here to see what they can come up with for you. (Re: further info and pictures.)

Regards,
Bee

[frankcoppi]

Hello

I have just started on this site. I am looking for anything relating to my father's ship HMS Fencer. My father is Frank H Coppi and he served on Fencer during WW2. He has mentioned Conyoys , Ceylon , Cochin , Australia , New Britain , Hong Kong as places he visited druing WW2 although I am not sure if they were all with HMS Fencer. He was a Petty Officer (Chief I think) and was involved a lot with sports activities etc etc.

I'd be glad to hear from anyone that served on that ship especially ones that may remember him. He is alive and well (89 yoa) but is not a computer user.

Regards

Frank Coppi

[frankcoppi]

hi. i have a photo of some of the crew on hms fencer about 1946 if it may be of any interest

Hi WIlliam

My father served on Fencer during WW2. His name was Frank Coppi (Petty Officer) and I believe part of his duties involved organising sports activities on board. I recall seeing a picture of him with local footballers at Cochin Sports Club, I hope to unearth it and I will post it and any others I find.

Regards

Frank Coppi

[doug.birch]

Hi, Frank, I served on Fencer, from 1942 - 1946 and if I remember rightly, we had an OA named Coppi in our mess. I used to spar with him to keep fit, check my post on the forum about Fencer,you will find some crew photos. If your dads got any photos please put them on this forum. Regards to you and your father. Doug.Birch

[doug.birch]

Hi FRANK I sent a message to you comfirming that Fencer visited all those ports that you mentioned except the far east one, I do remember your dad for we were in PO,S mess together, please post a picture of him when on Fencer. I hope to hear from you again, best wishes to you both. regards Doug.Birch

[doug.birch]

Hi Frank I have just found this photo of a group of our crew at a S.O.D,S opera they put on to entertain us. I am sure your father is in the front row, knealing on the right hand side of the group, can you comfirm this. Regards Doug.Birch.

[Bee]

Hi Doug,

I hope that *Frank? gets back soon so that you and his Dad (Frank), can catch up on old times. Looks like it's another "find" for this wonderful forum of ours.

Also Frank....with regard to the Cantwells.....I believe that "William" is James' late father, who has only just (very recently "crossed the bar".)

Anyway, we're looking forward to your future posts, especially seeings how they will lead to a couple of old matelots reigniting their friendship. :)

One happy forum member = many happy forum members.

Cheers,
Bee

p.s. *Have we two Frank Coppis..(e.g. Frank the father and Frank the son) or are you posting for your father in his name? (due to helping him with the computer.)

[Bee]

Hi again Doug,

That's a great picture (at post #28). It would be good if it was Frank in the front row and he gets to see it. Hope his son returns soon....to see what you have unearthed for them.

Cheers,

Bee :)

[vivian]

"Looks like it's another "find" for this wonderful forum of ours."

Bee, you said it!
I always hope that people come back to see what information is there for them.

Doug, it's great that you have made these links with others connected to Fencer, and there seem to be quite a few now. You have done such a lot in your various posts to flesh out the life and times of HMS Fencer.
Always, always interesting Doug.

best regards
Vivian

[frankcoppi]

Hi Frank I have just found this photo of a group of our crew at a S.O.D,S opera they put on to entertain us. I am sure your father is in the front row, knealing on the right hand side of the group, can you comfirm this. Regards Doug.Birch.

Great picture. Dad is in that picture, kneeling 1st left.

I had a great day with him on Friday last showing what I found so far. He instantly recognised you Doug. He was simply tickled pink.

I have pictures to show you from dad but I'm struggling to work out how to attach them to a message. I'll work something out eventually.

[frankcoppi]

Hi Doug,

I hope that *Frank? gets back soon so that you and his Dad (Frank), can catch up on old times. Looks like it's another "find" for this wonderful forum of ours.

Also Frank....with regard to the Cantwells.....I believe that "William" is James' late father, who has only just (very recently "crossed the bar".)

Anyway, we're looking forward to your future posts, especially seeings how they will lead to a couple of old matelots reigniting their friendship. :)

One happy forum member = many happy forum members.

Cheers,
Bee

p.s. *Have we two Frank Coppis..(e.g. Frank the father and Frank the son) or are you posting for your father in his name? (due to helping him with the computer.)

Hi Bee , I am posting on behalf of my father as he does not use a computer.

You are right , Doug is doing a fabulous job.

[frankcoppi]

Hi Frank I have just found this photo of a group of our crew at a S.O.D,S opera they put on to entertain us. I am sure your father is in the front row, knealing on the right hand side of the group, can you comfirm this. Regards Doug.Birch.

That is my dad in the picture , kneeling 1st left. It's a great picture. I managed to sort out how to attach pics, some attached now more to follow later in the week.

Dad was delighted with what I showed him your posts on here, he instantly recognised you from your picture. Thanks so much Doug.

The pics show Dad (goalkeeper/captain) playing for Navy team against Cochin Blues at Cochin sports club (4 off) , Fencer in heavy seas from escort ship , Murmansk/Russian concert party (2 off) , sleeping in hammocks , crash on deck of Fencer (2 off) and one of Dad at leave in Edmonton, London shortly after he signed up.

Regards

Frank

[frankcoppi]

Doug

Missed one of the pics from COchin football match. Thats Dad in in the hopped goalkeeping jersey.

Regards

Frank

[Bee]

Hi Frank, Doug will be delighted with these photos, when he sees them and that you and he have made contact again, after all these years. :)

Like Vivian, I love seeing people making reconnections on this forum. Sadly, my dad (another "Doug" ) didn't get to use the forum, as he "crossed the bar" in 2007, (prior to this forum's existence). However he did (happily) get to renew contact with a WWII matelot he served with on ML 357, Coastal Forces (via the Coastal Forces Newsletter.)

If you'd like to see his, my Dad's (first hand) stories....I've posted them on a thread I've called "Aegean Memories." I know it's not your ship, or type of ship....but the stories do recall the era and would be a trip down memory lane.

Cheers,

Bee (daughter of late WWII veteran)

[frankcoppi]

Hi Frank, Doug will be delighted with these photos, when he sees them and that you and he have made contact again, after all these years. :)

Like Vivian, I love seeing people making reconnections on this forum. Sadly, my dad (another "Doug" ) didn't get to use the forum, as he "crossed the bar" in 2007, (prior to this forum's existence). However he did (happily) get to renew contact with a WWII matelot he served with on ML 357, Coastal Forces (via the Coastal Forces Newsletter.)

If you'd like to see his, my Dad's (first hand) stories....I've posted them on a thread I've called "Aegean Memories." I know it's not your ship, or type of ship....but the stories do recall the era and would be a trip down memory lane.

Cheers,

Bee (daughter of late WWII veteran)

Hi Bee

I too am a child of a WW2 veteran as I am posting on here on behalf of my father who does not use a computer. He has enjoyed hearing and seeing the stuff on here and I will visit your posts and recount that to my father as I know he enjoys hearing of such things regardless of the lack of personal involvement. My father is still in good shape, he's 89, but computers are not his thing at all so I will do the needful. I find this site fascinating , especially as Dad rarely spoke of his war years until fairly recently.

Regards

Frank Coppi (junior)

[Bee]

Hi Frank (junior),

I understand where you're coming from. My dad never really got the hang of the computer (even though he was a very competent Sparks in his time).

Also, I thought your dad might be a bit like mine, in that my dad used to love reading everything and anything Naval. :) (He especially enjoyed the first person accounts.) I guess once in the Navy...you can tell whether or not another has had similar experiences. Although my Dad also enjoyed navy fiction...but written with insight as to what was really involved. Such as the Hornblower series.

Actually you'll find a few WW2 veterans offspring (e.g. Vivian) around the forum. (We're basically their proxies :) keeping their memories alive and whilst we're fortunate enough to have them here....letting them know how very valued they are and how much we appreciate everything they did for us.) :)

Cheers,

Bee
p.s. There are also offspring of veterans of later conflicts. As well as the veterans of those.

[vivian]

Hello Frank, thanks for posting these photos. It's marvellous that this connection has been made. My father, aged 90, was on HMS Striker which was often with Fencer. He has just gone into a nursing home and I look for stories of interest for him from the forum since he can't manage a computer himself. He will enjoy hearing about this.

Now where's our Doug? :)

Best regards
Vivian

[doug.birch]

Here I am again Frank Vivien and Bee, it was great making this connection with my old sparrng partner, I last saw him in SYDNEY 1945 when he left Fencer. Frank the photos you posted were great, if you would like to send me a private message with your dads address I would so much like to write to him to catch up on the past. Greetings to you all, I did not forget you, I was just waiting for comformation. Regards to you all Doug.Birch.

[vivian]

That's great news Doug, you take care and my best wishes always,

Vivian :)

[doug.birch]

Hi, Vivian,yes its great that I have made another contact on this great forum.
I am waiting for a reply from Frank for his father,s address, then I thought that I may be able help you to get messages to your father, let me know if I can. Regards Doug.Birch.

[jecantwell]

to all. its good to see all new info etc being posted. And while sorting through my late dads stuff ( Ron Cantwell ) i have found some too. i hope this is of some interest to ww2 veterens and son/daughters alike. regards james
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[Bee]

Hi James,
Good to see you back with us. From your Dad's document all I can say is that he and my Dad weren't on any of the same ships. However, as you know...you have others here who were/ or whose father's were....so hopefully you'll have more information coming from them. All the best.

Regards,
Bee

p.s Doug, I hope you get Frank Snr's address soon. It's so good for you and him to have made contact. Also it would be great if you could get information to Vivian's Dad, too. (I'm sure she'll let you know.)

[vivian]

Hi Doug, Bee, James and Frank, yes, the more bits and pieces gathered here the more it helps others like us today and down the road.

Doug, thanks for your kind offer, I will be in touch.

regards all,
Vivian

[frankcoppi]

Hi All

A few more pics etc attached.

All the best

Frank

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[doug.birch]

Hi, Bee & Vivian, the plot thickens, I have just recieved an e- mail from Frank with his fathers address and I have draughted out a letter to Frank senior which I shall be sending by post, he wants that photo of Fencer,s concert party. Regards Doug.Birch.

[Bee]

That's great Doug....once again it's lovely that you've made contact with your friend, Frank. It's also good that you've now got an address and that you and he can also "converse" via letters. (I know that computers are good for quick access but there's something about handwritten letters that is somewhat eternal.) I still have letters that my Grandparents used to write to me, which I treasure.

Cheers,

Bee

[vivian]

That's really terrific Doug, I'm so pleased that you and Frank will be in touch again.

all the best,

vivian

[doug.birch]

Hi, Frank I have today posted a letter off to your father,I have included some photos that he might not have, including the concert party. I have filled him in on what happened to Fencer after he left the ship in Sydney and I hope he gets some enjoyment from it. In the photo of the football team in Cochin I found several faces that I remembered, in the front row was my opposite No.
EA Nick.Carter, he left the ship in Sidney too, I next saw him in Chatham in 1952 when I was recalled to the Reserve Fleet, he got fed up with civy street so he signed on again, he was going back to his ship a submarine I dont know how he got on with it, for he was rather a nervous person.Regards Doug.Birch

[frankcoppi]

Hi, Frank I have today posted a letter off to your father,I have included some photos that he might not have, including the concert party. I have filled him in on what happened to Fencer after he left the ship in Sydney and I hope he gets some enjoyment from it. In the photo of the football team in Cochin I found several faces that I remembered, in the front row was my opposite No.
EA Nick.Carter, he left the ship in Sidney too, I next saw him in Chatham in 1952 when I was recalled to the Reserve Fleet, he got fed up with civy street so he signed on again, he was going back to his ship a submarine I dont know how he got on with it, for he was rather a nervous person.Regards Doug.Birch

Hi Doug

Sorry for the absence, I've been on holiday. Dad will love getting your letter. I shall tell him tomorrow about the name you place on the team picture, it will jog his memory a little more I am sure. Thanks again.

Regards

Frank

[doug.birch]

Hi,Frank, nice to hear from you again, hope you enjoyed your holiday. I glad to be able to write to my old sparring partner and I am looking forward to hearing from him and to learn how he got on in his new ship. Regards Doug.

[doug.birch]

HI, Frank,where are you, hope everything is alright at home, did your dad get my letter, I cant wait to hear from him,take care. Regards Doug. Birch.

[doug.birch]

Hi, Alan Scoot, welcome to the forum, so your father was a signalman on Fencer, great another contact. It would be helpful if you can post some photos and more information. If you look up some of my posts, you will find a lot of photos and information about Fencer. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards to you and your father Doug.Birch.

[AlanScoot]

Many thanks for the Reply Doug. Unfortunetly my dad (William "Billy" Scoot) died in 2002 from a long heart related illness. Im thrilled to have found so many posts regarding the Fencer and those who served on her. I remember my dad recounting with fondness stories about his travels to Sth Africa, covoy duties to Russia, a mighty storm on a trip to Australia (where he eventaully emmigrated) from India, being part of the task force in the Pacific, etc etc etc..... I hope to post more on here soon, keep well.

Alan.

[doug.birch]

Hi, Alan I am sorry that your father as passed on, but please keep is memory alive by posting any photos and yarns that he may have told you. I am inserting a photo of our signal branch, perhaps you willbe able to pick him out for us on the forum. Regards Doug.Birch.

[AlanScoot]

Hi, Alan I am sorry that your father as passed on, but please keep is memory alive by posting any photos and yarns that he may have told you. I am inserting a photo of our signal branch, perhaps you willbe able to pick him out for us on the forum. Regards Doug.Birch.
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Thanks for your Reply Doug, ALAS my Father isnt in the photo. You might be able to help though, Dad's Service records say he was at the following instillations;

Glendower - Ord Seaman 1943
Valkyrie II - Ord Seaman 1943
Valkyrie II - Ord Telegraphist (O/T) 1943/44
Pembroke - O/T 1944
Fencer - O/T 1944/45
Pembroke - O/T 1945/46
President II - O/T 1946
Pembroke - O/T 1946

Other than the Fencer, im not sure if any/all of the others were ground bases or ships (?) can you help.

Alan

[doug.birch]

Hi ALAN, Ihave checked on the ship names you posted and this is what I found out hms glendower was a shore training establishment Pwllhli North Wales
hms valkyrie11 was a shore training establishment Douglas Isle of Man for training of Radar & telegraphy
HMS President 11 shore establishment either in London or Chatham.
HMS Pembroke Chatham Barracks. In coclusion I think your father was a teleghapher or a radar operater. Tomorrow I will look out some more photos of
the radar branch and the teleghapher branch and post them. Doug.Birch.

[doug.birch]

Hi Alan, here are the Fencer crew photos. Regards Doug.Birch.77915

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[AlanScoot]

Thanks for the reply Doug,

Dad go to "Ordinaly Telegraphist" (as per his records) he always mentioned the Ise of Mann (Valkyrie II, 1943).

WOW, the young man top row, 2nd from the right in the "Fencer Telegraphists Photo" looks like him, i'll have to get mum to have a closer look.....

After the war (1946) dad worked in the Admiralty and some of his letters to government depts after the war to the UK mention that he worked at the "Citadel (spelling)" located at Admiralty Arch, on the Mall and was working under the official secrets act. He never said too much about that though....

OK the search continues :) ......

Alan.

[AlanScoot]

Post Script.....

Doug, were there ever Avengers on the Fencer?? I remember dad mentioning Wildcat's/Hellcat's/Spit's/Swordfish and Avengers...

:) Al'

[doug.birch]

Alan, yes there were Avengers onboard Fencer at some time, it looks like we have found your father on the photo,I remember the face, for I spent quite some time with the communication branches. In one of the other photos I am sitting on the rail of the after steering platform with 3 telegraphists and a aircraft fitter. Let me know if your mother picks out your father & anything else you have about your dad,s service. Regards to you and your mother
Doug.

[doug.birch]

Returning to Civy Street.
I left Fencer, sadly for the last time, to return to Chatham Barracks for demobilisation, Fencer had been my home for 4 years, I joined her has a young lad and left her as a man.
I was grateful to the senior chiefs & PO,S that imparted to me all the skills to survive life at sea. I left Chatham with my Demob Suit tucked under my arm and proceeded to my home in Charlton Village and resumed my employment, as an Instrument Maker at Siemens Brothers at Charlton. Things in England were not the best, rationing was still in force, housing was hard to come by, furnishings were on dockets. Not the world we had fought for, but with stiff upper lip, we learnt to cope with it. On March the 18 Th. 1946
At the Old Woking Church I married my lovely Doreen and we set up our first home in a one room of a friend in Charlton Village. I was a bit unsettled at work, for the time in the Navy, put me behind for promotion, men who were labourers, were now foremen so I sought employment elsewhere, first at the British Scientific Instrument Research,
When the Cold War started I joined the Royal Fleet Reserve and I got recalled in 1951.
I was drafted to Chatham Dockyard to service & prepare ships for recommissioning and on my release in 1953. I obtained employment with Morphy Richards in their Model Shop and later as a technician at the Medical Research Institute, but because of too much travelling I obtained a position of Senior Technician at Kings College in the Strand, where I remained until migrating to Australia in 1959.with my wife and 2 children.
But that’s another story. Doug.Birch.





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[Bee]

Doug, that's a beautiful photo of you and your lovely Doreen and your bridal party. Happy memories for you there, I'm sure.
Regards,
Bee

[doug.birch]

Thanks Bee for your kind words,yes many fond memories and I dont regret any of them. I am coming to Freemantle soon to go a cruise on the Sun Princess, a 21 day Asian cruise. I hope I get my sea legs back. Regards Doug.

[AlanScoot]

Doug,

Update on the "Telegraphists" photo. You'll remember i thought the young man top row, 2nd from the right (?) Mum veiwed an exploded photocopy and without prompting picked the same man. Then added "I think it is" Heheheheheheheheheheheheheehehe..... Things are never easy. Theres a high degree of certanty its him. What date was that taken??

Al'

[doug.birch]

Hi Alan, thats great that your mum picked out your father from the photo that I posted. Have you got any photos and stories to share with us. Doug.

[AlanScoot]

Yeah Doug, i'll have to dig them up. Just a footnote though, what year was the "Telegraphists" photo taken??

Al'

[doug.birch]

Hi Alan,I cant be to sure about the actual date,that photo taken but I think it must have been taken when we had left Sydney on our way to Cape Town,say about July 1945. Regards Doug.Birch.

[AlanScoot]

Well done Doug, Thank you, Dad was on Fencer during that time....

[doug.birch]

Hi Bee, here is the rest of the story. Doug.78377

I first fell in love with Australia when in 1944 Fencer arrived in Melbourne and later Sydney, coming from war torn England it was like coming to paradise, although food was rationed, there was enough to go round and there were goods to buy in the shops.
I suppose I always had a yearning to return for when I was recalled to the navy in 1951. I tried to join the Australian Navy, but they were not able to help with housing, so having 2 children I was unable to proceed with the transfer. In late 1959. there was an opportunity of tradesmen to take up employment with the Weapons Research Establishment in Salisbury Adelaide, with a promise of a house, it was too good an offer to turn down.
On the 19 Th. of November we left Tilbury on the P & O Strathaird and arrived in Adelaide the 19 Th. of December. We were met by a Government Agent who gave us back our 10 pound, we were then bussed to the WRE to be processed then sent on leave until after Christmas, when we were supplied with a brand new house in Salisbury. I settled in to my new job, Doreen set about to build a home, the children started their new schools.
Parents in Australia play a much bigger part in schools, so not having any friends Doreen and I went on the school committee and soon made
many new friends and we soon settled in to our new life.
For me the job did not turn out to be what I was looking for,so Ichanged employment to the CSIRO where I remained until retirement in 1987.

[AlanScoot]

Doug, the documentation I said I'd post

[AlanScoot]

Doug, Certificate of Service

[AlanScoot]

HMS Striker Great Australian Bight. My dad, 3rd from right Loch Ewe 1944

[AlanScoot]

Fencer, taking on Grumman Avengers

[stontamar]

[QUOTE Alan Scoot;117077] HMS Striker Great Australian Bight.

I think you may find the CVE shown at post 74 is HMS RULER D72 and not STRIKER D12.

Regards

stontamar

[AlanScoot]

Mmmmm.... Seems Ruler was in Australian waters early months of 1945. I was going off dad's notation on the rear or the photo. Good pick up.

[Bee]

Hi Bee, here is the rest of the story. Doug.78377

I first fell in love with Australia when in 1944 Fencer arrived in Melbourne and later Sydney, coming from war torn England it was like coming to paradise, although food was rationed, there was enough to go round and there were goods to buy in the shops.
I suppose I always had a yearning to return for when I was recalled to the navy in 1951. I tried to join the Australian Navy, but they were not able to help with housing, so having 2 children I was unable to proceed with the transfer. In late 1959. there was an opportunity of tradesmen to take up employment with the Weapons Research Establishment in Salisbury Adelaide, with a promise of a house, it was too good an offer to turn down.
On the 19 Th. of November we left Tilbury on the P & O Strathaird and arrived in Adelaide the 19 Th. of December. We were met by a Government Agent who gave us back our 10 pound, we were then bussed to the WRE to be processed then sent on leave until after Christmas, when we were supplied with a brand new house in Salisbury. I settled in to my new job, Doreen set about to build a home, the children started their new schools.
Parents in Australia play a much bigger part in schools, so not having any friends Doreen and I went on the school committee and soon made
many new friends and we soon settled in to our new life.
For me the job did not turn out to be what I was looking for,so Ichanged employment to the CSIRO where I remained until retirement in 1987.

Hello again Doug,

Thankyou for posting the rest of your story snapshot...of how you and your family came to Australia. Sorry it's taken me so long to reply....(have got a bit sidetracked lately, with various happenings)...and I didn't notice your post here until today.

It's great that you've found yet another naval connection with Alan Scoot's late Dad. I'm hoping that one day someone will turn up with another photo of my late Dad...from their parent's collection. (One that we've never seen before....I'm sure that there must be some more out there somewhere.)

Anyway, I hope you've got your "land legs" back again now and that you're in good health.

Looking forward to reading some more posts from you.

Fond Regards,
Bee
p.s. Alan - it's great that you've found this forum (like the rest of us...you'll soon become a "forum addict" it's amazing the amount of information that is here and the variety of help available.) Also, just in case you hadn't come across this info. (and might be interested: ...my Dad, Doug Barrow, was a WWII Telegraphist as well (in Coastal Forces.) I've posted some of his stories and a few of the pictures that we have of that time, within a thread named "Aegean Memories."

[doug.birch]

Hi, Alan, great photos, sorry that I did not reply earlier but I have just got back from a 21 day cruise on the the SUN PRINCESS, any more photos to post. Regards Doug.

[AlanScoot]

Geeee...... Its alright for sum!! hope you had a good time Doug. Hello Bee started reading "Aegean Memories" I'll have to take the day off work to read it all!! It was truely a facinating time....

[Bee]

Hi Doug and Alan,

This is proving to be a very interesting thread....long may the photos and stories continue on here. :)

Alan, I'm also glad that you're finding the "Aegean Memories" thread interesting. I guess MLs were quite a bit different to the experience of being on Fencer...but, they were all sailors ( the ships just varied in size.) There is also a communications thread on the forum here for telegraphists that you might find interesting. (But do keep this as your primary port of call....pls.)

Also, I think you'd agree with me that it's good that our Doug Birch has been able to have a relaxing trip on a cruise ship....a well earned holiday, I'd say. :)

Doug, did you ever hear back from your old sparring partner, Frank?
If not yet - I hope he'll be in touch soon.

As has been said before - this is a great thread, (thanks to you and those who have shared their memories) - I hope that it keeps getting better - as more of your "Fencer" people come aboard with more pics and info.

Regards,
Bee

[doug.birch]

Hi, Bee, no I have not had a reply yet from either Frank senior or from his son I am getting a bit worried that something is wrong, I will send him an E-Mail.Regards DOUG.

[WillCox]

Hi guys
I enjoyed reading all your posts re HMS Fencer.
I was not in the Royal Navy but I traveled on HMS Fencer in Aug 1946
I was a Boy Scout and attended a Jamboree at Blair Atholl Scotland during July 1946. In mid Aug we moved down to London and after a few days we (a group of 12 Malta Scouts) boarded HMS Fencer and she took us back to Malta.

If my memory is OK, I think it was towards the end of August. The carrier was empty and I think it was being used to bring back UK servicemen home.

We struck some choppy weather and she was bopping up and down like a yo-yo. I remember we were very seasick but we managed a few games of deck hockey. Arrived at Malta on a glorious sunny day.

Thanks.

Bill

[Ian.S]

Hi,

This is really a query to Doug Birch (he who knows all), but if anyone else can help feel free.

Regarding Post #9 in this thread, does anyone know the name of the person in the middle of the front row, looks vaguely like my Dad (Ron Sowden) who was on Fencer and was I THINK, the FDO.

Cheers

Ian

[AlanScoot]

Hello All!!

How are you all, It has been quite some since I have posted, but no one is ever that far away with the internet....

I had a little private chat with Doug about his emigrating and life in Australia since his (and my Dads) service on Fencer, and God bless the National Archives!! I have since found that Mum and Dad emigrated from the U.K (slightly) after Dad being demobbed, arriving on board the RMS Maloja, a P&O ship, to Sydney, via Perth, May 1951.

Catch up again soon!!

Alan.

[jbryce1437]

Hello Alan, nice to have you back.
I presume Maloja was the former Armed Merchant Cruiser and Troopship. She was scrapped in 1954.
Jim

[AlanScoot]

Hello Alan, nice to have you back.
I presume Maloja was the former Armed Merchant Cruiser and Troopship. She was scrapped in 1954.
Jim

Yes, a great shame, there has been 3, 1 sunk during WWI, the one doing constant England Australia runs with P & O and some recent freighter.

Al'