Lt Ewan Cameron RNZNVR

[Lancashire Steve]

I'm searching for information about the wartime career of this officer, specifically his time with HMS Scarab to which he was appointed 7/41. I know he was captain of Scarab by early 1943, but I haven't yet been able to establish whether he served as 1st Lieutenant beforehand. Can anyone help? Many thanks, Steve

[Old Salt]

I'm searching for information about the wartime career of this officer, specifically his time with HMS Scarab to which he was appointed 7/41. I know he was captain of Scarab by early 1943, but I haven't yet been able to establish whether he served as 1st Lieutenant beforehand. Can anyone help? Many thanks, Steve

Hi Steve

I think you mean HMNZS Scarba ?

I will see what I can find for you

Brian

[Lancashire Steve]

No Brian, the river gunboat HMS Scarab - he joined her in Singapore, as far as I can make out. He was captain by early 1943 but I'm wondering if he was in command from the start. He came from Christchurch and unfortunately died in 1944 when the ship he was travelling home on was sunk. Regards, Steve.

[Old Salt]

Sorry Steve, have a lot about Scarba and was hoping to be able to help.

I can find only one record of Lt. Ewan Cameron :

Quote : The Scarab was commanded by Lieutenant Ewan Cameron,(2) of Christchurch, who lost his life when the steamer Nellore in which he was returning to New Zealand on leave was torpedoed and sunk in the Indian Ocean on 30 June 1944

(2 ) Lieutenant E. Cameron, RNZNVR; born Dipton, 23 Feb 1910; clerk; killed on active service 30 Jun 1944. Unquote

Source : History of the RNZN ( online ) http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Navy-c29.html

You may have this already, but just in case.

Brian

[Lancashire Steve]

Brian, do you know anything about the RNZNVR generally? The RNVR, and the RANVR, had a lot of ex-yachtsmen and so forth who were quickly appointed to command of small ships - was the RNZNVR the same?

[Old Salt]

Brian, do you know anything about the RNZNVR generally? The RNVR, and the RANVR, had a lot of ex-yachtsmen and so forth who were quickly appointed to command of small ships - was the RNZNVR the same?

The RNZNVR list gives the civilian occupation of the officers, I don't remember seeing any professional yachtsmen, but of course the weekend yachties would have some knowledge which should have given them an advantage.

A number of fishing and coastal craft requisitioned as minesweepers retained their crew. The skipper was given a commission in the VR and the crew were signed on as 'hostility only' ratings.

A number of the RNZNVR officers also served in the RN and I know some had commands.

My eldest brother as a first trip Midshipman was XO on a Tank Landing Craft in the RN at Normandy !

Brian

[Fred Lemberg]

Hi Steve. Hope this gets to you o.k. Very proud to say I served under the command of Ewan Cameron on H.M.S.Scarab for twelve months, 1943-44. As an H/O, A/B. Have plenty of tales to tell, a wonderful ship with a great skipper. Keep in touch.
Kindest regards,
Fred Lemberg. (Kiwi)

[Old Salt]

Hi Steve. Hope this gets to you o.k. Very proud to say I served under the command of Ewan Cameron on H.M.S.Scarab for twelve months, 1943-44. As an H/O, A/B. Have plenty of tales to tell, a wonderful ship with a great skipper. Keep in touch.
Kindest regards,
Fred Lemberg. (Kiwi)

Hi Fred, great to have another Kiwi onboard !

Brian