HMS Frobisher 1920-1949 - World Naval Ships Forums Archive (Page 2)

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HMS Frobisher 1920-1949 - World Naval Ships Forums Archive (Page 2)

HMS Frobisher 1920-1949 (Page 2)

Posts 51 to 100

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

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

[QUOTE=DJE;87886]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.[/QUOTE] 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.

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.

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.
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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

OK, thanks. I'll try again - not sure how large I should go.
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That is a great improvement. Thank you. qprdave

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

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.

Tubs, Interesting photos - thanks for posting. You may find this site of use: [url]http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Frobisher.htm[/url]. 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

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.
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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

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

My "vote" for pic #4 is HMS [I]Gambia[/I]...

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

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

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
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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.
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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

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.
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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?
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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

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.
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The first from right is French Heavy Cruiser Suffren:)

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

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

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

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
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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!:)

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

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. :)

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.
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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

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
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[QUOTE=astraltrader;127834]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. :)[/QUOTE] 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

Always a pleasure to help Jim. :)

I have just come across this rather fine photo of Frobisher taken post WW2 when she was a cadet training ship. [ATTACH]88630[/ATTACH]
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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. [ATTACH]92193[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]92194[/ATTACH]
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[QUOTE] Here's a couple more of Frobisher I'd forgotten I had. [/QUOTE] Bill, pleased you found them, great shots of her in different roles. Thanks for sharing these with everyone. Regards Alan

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).

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

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

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.

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:)

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!

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 `

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

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

Thanks for that advice, will do. Sue

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