NEWSLETTER

Nec Quisquam Nisi Ajax1935 - 48 1963 - 85

www.hmsajax.org

DECEMBER 2019

CONTENTSCommittee DetailsChairman's ReportSecretary's Report

Membership Secretary's UpdatePaintings of Ted Wicks

Red Tape of Top Secret? - Bob AdamsChalke Valley History Festival – Richard Llewellyn

Standard Bearer ReportWho Fired the First Shots at Normandy: Update

Q Ship – Heber CollisGraf Spee Captain Who Defied HitlerCaptain Tubby Squires Award 2019

Letter from Mayor of AjaxGraf Spee Shrapnel

Review of 2019 ReunionGraf Spee Artefact Update

Geoffrey Haylett – Mike CranswickMissing Association Flag

Commission 1965 Stokers MessSouth America Trip Final Update

Ride to the WallArchivist Update

SEPARATE PAGES2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDING 31ST AUGUST 2019UPDATED ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

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www.hmsajax.org

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CHAIRMANNigel MastersThe LookoutGolden Cross TerraceStation Road, SwinesheadBoston, Lincolnshire PE20 3LPTel: 01205 820127Mobile: 07743 381153nige.masters@gmail.com

SECRETARYPeter Danks104 Kelsey AvenueSouthbourne, EmsworthHampshire PO10 8NQTel: 01243 371947pandedanks@btinternet.com

MEMBERSHIPSECRETARYPaul Parker8 Templecombe RoadEastleigh, HampshireSO50 8QLTel: 02380 693709Mobile: 07962 080240fezp@btinternet.com

TREASURERIan Darbyshire28 Antony Road, Torpoint,Cornwall PL11 2JRTel: 01752 815789ian862@btinternet.com

ARCHIVIST/WEBMASTER/NEWSLETTER EDITORMalcolm CollisThe Bewicks, Station RoadTen Mile Bank, Norfolk PE38 0EYTel: 01366 377945malcolm.collis@gmail.com

MERCHANDISE OFFICERMichael Fox6 Bown HillSouthwell, PortlandDorset DT5 2EDTel: 01305 823436michael.fox01@talktalk.net

COMMITTEE MEMBERAlan (George/Phil) Phillips8 Orchard WaySend Hill, Send, Surrey GU23 7HSTel: 01483 223299carolalan9590@btinternet.com

STANDARD BEARERAlf Larkin Stonecleave26 Wakeham PortlandDorset DT5 1HNTel: 01305 457259alflarkin70@gmail.com

h.m.s.ajax.rpv@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Hello everyone and welcome to December's Newsletter. It follows shortly after the Association's annual Reunion, for those of you who don't know it took place at the Holiday Inn in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Most of us arrived on the Friday afternoon, me following an horrendous journey from Boston, Lincolnshire; in short l can confirm that the M25 is the world's largest car park!

The Committee then held a meeting followed by dinner and a few drinks.

Up early in the morning for breakfast and a short journey to Chatham to St. George's Chapel situated in the grounds of the University of Kent, formerly HMS Pembroke (Chatham Barracks) for the memorial service. It had been four years since we last visited for our Reunion in Chatham. As reported elsewhere, a mystery was solved when we entered the Chapel - there draped below the Ajax memorial plaque was the Associations Flag. “We” had managed to leave it there after the last service.

After the service we returned to the hotel for lunch, of sorts, followed by our AGM in the afternoon. A great deal of it being taken up finding volunteers to take the many gifts to South America on our forthcoming trip.

One very important item was finding a replacement for Judi and I am delighted that Paul Parker agreed to take on the role of Membership Secretary – a big thanks to Paul and an especial welcome to the mysteries of the Committee!

In the evening we had “Up Spirits” and wine reception, followed by the Gala Dinner and entertainment by Guitarist “Andy” who seemed to enjoy himself!

Sunday morning arrived and after breakfast some boarded the coach and set off for a visit to the Historical Dockyard at Chatham. This really is a fantastic day out with lots to see and do, including: you can board a WW2 Destroyer, HMS Cavalier, a nuclear Submarine, HMS Ocelot and a Victorian sloop, HMS Gannet, view the excellent models of former

Chairman Ken Jones, visit a ropery where you can take part in the making of ropes, just like they did in days gone by; and even go on a “Call the Midwife” tour - the series is filmed around the Dockyard buildings,

We then returned to Hotel. Some of us visited a nearby Pub which had a singer performing Reggae and Ska, a great way to finish the weekend .A footnote to this, the Hotel was not at its best, poor management, which has since been rectified.

Moving on we are now only a few weeks away from the South American trip to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate. Malcolm has not stopped his hard work, if anything his workload has increased and as l write there are reports of civil unrest in Chile, the first country we visit, with restrictions put on movement. Our hope is that by the time we arrive it will have settled down and be back to normal.

We will produce a comprehensive report for our next Newsletter, complete with plenty of photographs and stories to tell and probably a souvenir booklet.

It just leaves me to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best Wishes

Nige Masters

Chairman HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association

SECRETARY'S REPORT DECEMBER 2019

As this is the last newsletter of 2019, may I take this opportunity to wish all our members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. By the time this reaches you, members will be in South America commemorating the events of 1939 both in Chile, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. It is hoped that the weather is kind and all activities go according to plan. In the information booklet that has gone to South America attendees it is requested that trip photographs and memories be collated, the idea being that a souvenir booklet will be produced sometime in 2020. I am acting as trip diarist for the Uruguay and Argentina leg and Alan Phillips likewise for the Chile leg.

This will be the second high profile event in the last 5 years. It may not be necessary to wait that long before we make arrangements for another event. The Committee would like to hear your thoughts on the next event – some of the Frigate members might like to think of commemorating the first commissioning and perhaps also the date F114 went out of service. SO PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT. The committee are happy to listen to ideas from members and if possible try to implement them.

There is a separate report on the Reunion and it was nice to see support from families from the local area.

The minutes of the AGM are attached and for non-attendees please read them and get in touch with any of the committee members if you see anything of interest or any item that you might feel able to support. I say this most times, but it is your Association and the committee will try to meet the needs of you.

Peter Danks Secretary

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www.hmsajax.org

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CHAIRMANNigel MastersThe LookoutGolden Cross TerraceStation Road, SwinesheadBoston, Lincolnshire PE20 3LPTel: 01205 820127Mobile: 07743 381153nige.masters@gmail.com

SECRETARYPeter Danks104 Kelsey AvenueSouthbourne, EmsworthHampshire PO10 8NQTel: 01243 371947pandedanks@btinternet.com

MEMBERSHIPSECRETARYPaul Parker8 Templecombe RoadEastleigh, HampshireSO50 8QLTel: 02380 693709Mobile: 07962 080240fezp@btinternet.com

TREASURERIan Darbyshire28 Antony Road, Torpoint,Cornwall PL11 2JRTel: 01752 815789ian862@btinternet.com

ARCHIVIST/WEBMASTER/NEWSLETTER EDITORMalcolm CollisThe Bewicks, Station RoadTen Mile Bank, Norfolk PE38 0EYTel: 01366 377945malcolm.collis@gmail.com

MERCHANDISE OFFICERMichael Fox6 Bown HillSouthwell, PortlandDorset DT5 2EDTel: 01305 823436michael.fox01@talktalk.net

COMMITTEE MEMBERAlan (George/Phil) Phillips8 Orchard WaySend Hill, Send, Surrey GU23 7HSTel: 01483 223299carolalan9590@btinternet.com

STANDARD BEARERAlf Larkin Stonecleave26 Wakeham PortlandDorset DT5 1HNTel: 01305 457259alflarkin70@gmail.com

h.m.s.ajax.rpv@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Hello everyone and welcome to December's Newsletter. It follows shortly after the Association's annual Reunion, for those of you who don't know it took place at the Holiday Inn in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Most of us arrived on the Friday afternoon, me following an horrendous journey from Boston, Lincolnshire; in short l can confirm that the M25 is the world's largest car park!

The Committee then held a meeting followed by dinner and a few drinks.

Up early in the morning for breakfast and a short journey to Chatham to St. George's Chapel situated in the grounds of the University of Kent, formerly HMS Pembroke (Chatham Barracks) for the memorial service. It had been four years since we last visited for our Reunion in Chatham. As reported elsewhere, a mystery was solved when we entered the Chapel - there draped below the Ajax memorial plaque was the Associations Flag. “We” had managed to leave it there after the last service.

After the service we returned to the hotel for lunch, of sorts, followed by our AGM in the afternoon. A great deal of it being taken up finding volunteers to take the many gifts to South America on our forthcoming trip.

One very important item was finding a replacement for Judi and I am delighted that Paul Parker agreed to take on the role of Membership Secretary – a big thanks to Paul and an especial welcome to the mysteries of the Committee!

In the evening we had “Up Spirits” and wine reception, followed by the Gala Dinner and entertainment by Guitarist “Andy” who seemed to enjoy himself!

Sunday morning arrived and after breakfast some boarded the coach and set off for a visit to the Historical Dockyard at Chatham. This really is a fantastic day out with lots to see and do, including: you can board a WW2 Destroyer, HMS Cavalier, a nuclear Submarine, HMS Ocelot and a Victorian sloop, HMS Gannet, view the excellent models of former

Chairman Ken Jones, visit a ropery where you can take part in the making of ropes, just like they did in days gone by; and even go on a “Call the Midwife” tour - the series is filmed around the Dockyard buildings,

We then returned to Hotel. Some of us visited a nearby Pub which had a singer performing Reggae and Ska, a great way to finish the weekend .A footnote to this, the Hotel was not at its best, poor management, which has since been rectified.

Moving on we are now only a few weeks away from the South American trip to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate. Malcolm has not stopped his hard work, if anything his workload has increased and as l write there are reports of civil unrest in Chile, the first country we visit, with restrictions put on movement. Our hope is that by the time we arrive it will have settled down and be back to normal.

We will produce a comprehensive report for our next Newsletter, complete with plenty of photographs and stories to tell and probably a souvenir booklet.

It just leaves me to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Best Wishes

Nige Masters

Chairman HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association

SECRETARY'S REPORT DECEMBER 2019

As this is the last newsletter of 2019, may I take this opportunity to wish all our members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. By the time this reaches you, members will be in South America commemorating the events of 1939 both in Chile, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. It is hoped that the weather is kind and all activities go according to plan. In the information booklet that has gone to South America attendees it is requested that trip photographs and memories be collated, the idea being that a souvenir booklet will be produced sometime in 2020. I am acting as trip diarist for the Uruguay and Argentina leg and Alan Phillips likewise for the Chile leg.

This will be the second high profile event in the last 5 years. It may not be necessary to wait that long before we make arrangements for another event. The Committee would like to hear your thoughts on the next event – some of the Frigate members might like to think of commemorating the first commissioning and perhaps also the date F114 went out of service. SO PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT. The committee are happy to listen to ideas from members and if possible try to implement them.

There is a separate report on the Reunion and it was nice to see support from families from the local area.

The minutes of the AGM are attached and for non-attendees please read them and get in touch with any of the committee members if you see anything of interest or any item that you might feel able to support. I say this most times, but it is your Association and the committee will try to meet the needs of you.

Peter Danks Secretary

4. 5.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S UPDATE

At the 2019 AGM in Sittingbourne one obvious item was the election of officers and sadly this year we had a large vacancy to fill. Member Paul Parker was approached and I am delighted to say he readily agreed to take over as Membership Secretary and his appointment was endorsed by members present. Also endorsed was the following change to the Association's Constitution with the following clause updated: “If any member fails to pay his/her annual subscription following a reminder after one year membership may be closed at the end of a second year, if there has been no response.”I have spent quite some time trying to tidy up the “books” before handing over to Paul. Thank you to those who responded. All papers have now gone off to Paul and any future payments of subscriptions by cheque or cash should go to him and his full details are at the end of this report and on Page TWO of the Newsletter.

CROSSED THE BARJudi CollisI am sure you will be aware that my dear Judi lost her battle with ovarian cancer on 21st August at the age of 63. Her funeral was held at St Mary's Church on Wednesday 11th September 2019 in the nearby little village of Denver, Norfolk.I was really quite overwhelmed by the numbers who attended, particualry the large gathering of Association members who had come from far and wide from all over the country and even from

Canada, specifically for the funeral. On behalf of all the family I send my heartfelt thanks to those who came, those who sent messages and cards of condolences and those who donated to Judi's chosen charity, Cancer research UK with over £1250 raised.

The photograph is us at the NMA at the Memorial Dedication in which Judi was heavily involved, besides many, many other events.

Stanley James 'Jim' London. Brief reference was made in the last Newsletter to the death of

His funeral was held at the Worcester Crematorium on what would have been his 100th birthday, Wednesday 2nd October. Alf Larkin with the Standard, Chairman Nigel Masters and I represented the Association of which Jim was

Jim that came in just as the Newsletter was going off to the printerJim passed away on Sunday 25th August having been admitted to hospital following a fall and subsequent complications.Jim was an HMS Exeter River Plate veteran and was looking forward to receiving his Queen's telegram for his 100th birthday on 2nd October. Jim lived in Worcester.Whilst the Association was in Ajax in 2016 we dedicated London Lane in his honour.

an honorary member. Son Ray is a member as well and will be going with us to South America. Being his birthday at the British Legion afterwards there was birthday cake to be had.

NEW MEMBERSJust the two new members in this Newsletter period.

Sue Harwood as part of the Harwood Dynasty, by virtue of marriage to Jonathan, has attended many events over the years and was at the 2019 Reunion in Sittingbourne.Sue has joined as a member in her own right and we welcome her. She and Jonathan are visiting all three countries on our South American tour.

The photograph is also from the NMA in 2014.

John Mayor had been in touch with Town of Ajax to arrange to visit in summer 2020 as his uncle had been in HMS Ajax at the time of the Battle of the River Plate. He does have a street so the Town will try and arrange a street dedication. As a result John has joined the Association and we welcome him too.

BIRTHDAYSHappy Birthday to the following Crew Members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period (September to November incl.)As part of our Data Protection Policy we now just put ages rather than birth dates.Sadly five names were deleted from last year's list.Particular congratulations to Albert Robb on his 101th birthday.

Albert Robb Cruiser 1940-41 101Charles Poole Frigate 1965-66 79George (Alan) (Phil) Phillips Frigate 1965-66 73Ken (Sharky) Ward Frigate 1968-70 72Robert (Yorkie) Brook Frigate 1972-75 65Andy (Danny) Daniel Frigate 1973-75 65Terry Webster Frigate 1976-78 62Eddie Greenslade Frigate 1979 61Members – if your name is missing from the birthday list please supply details to Membership Secretary.

4. 5.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY'S UPDATE

At the 2019 AGM in Sittingbourne one obvious item was the election of officers and sadly this year we had a large vacancy to fill. Member Paul Parker was approached and I am delighted to say he readily agreed to take over as Membership Secretary and his appointment was endorsed by members present. Also endorsed was the following change to the Association's Constitution with the following clause updated: “If any member fails to pay his/her annual subscription following a reminder after one year membership may be closed at the end of a second year, if there has been no response.”I have spent quite some time trying to tidy up the “books” before handing over to Paul. Thank you to those who responded. All papers have now gone off to Paul and any future payments of subscriptions by cheque or cash should go to him and his full details are at the end of this report and on Page TWO of the Newsletter.

CROSSED THE BARJudi CollisI am sure you will be aware that my dear Judi lost her battle with ovarian cancer on 21st August at the age of 63. Her funeral was held at St Mary's Church on Wednesday 11th September 2019 in the nearby little village of Denver, Norfolk.I was really quite overwhelmed by the numbers who attended, particualry the large gathering of Association members who had come from far and wide from all over the country and even from

Canada, specifically for the funeral. On behalf of all the family I send my heartfelt thanks to those who came, those who sent messages and cards of condolences and those who donated to Judi's chosen charity, Cancer research UK with over £1250 raised.

The photograph is us at the NMA at the Memorial Dedication in which Judi was heavily involved, besides many, many other events.

Stanley James 'Jim' London. Brief reference was made in the last Newsletter to the death of

His funeral was held at the Worcester Crematorium on what would have been his 100th birthday, Wednesday 2nd October. Alf Larkin with the Standard, Chairman Nigel Masters and I represented the Association of which Jim was

Jim that came in just as the Newsletter was going off to the printerJim passed away on Sunday 25th August having been admitted to hospital following a fall and subsequent complications.Jim was an HMS Exeter River Plate veteran and was looking forward to receiving his Queen's telegram for his 100th birthday on 2nd October. Jim lived in Worcester.Whilst the Association was in Ajax in 2016 we dedicated London Lane in his honour.

an honorary member. Son Ray is a member as well and will be going with us to South America. Being his birthday at the British Legion afterwards there was birthday cake to be had.

NEW MEMBERSJust the two new members in this Newsletter period.

Sue Harwood as part of the Harwood Dynasty, by virtue of marriage to Jonathan, has attended many events over the years and was at the 2019 Reunion in Sittingbourne.Sue has joined as a member in her own right and we welcome her. She and Jonathan are visiting all three countries on our South American tour.

The photograph is also from the NMA in 2014.

John Mayor had been in touch with Town of Ajax to arrange to visit in summer 2020 as his uncle had been in HMS Ajax at the time of the Battle of the River Plate. He does have a street so the Town will try and arrange a street dedication. As a result John has joined the Association and we welcome him too.

BIRTHDAYSHappy Birthday to the following Crew Members who had birthdays in this Newsletter period (September to November incl.)As part of our Data Protection Policy we now just put ages rather than birth dates.Sadly five names were deleted from last year's list.Particular congratulations to Albert Robb on his 101th birthday.

Albert Robb Cruiser 1940-41 101Charles Poole Frigate 1965-66 79George (Alan) (Phil) Phillips Frigate 1965-66 73Ken (Sharky) Ward Frigate 1968-70 72Robert (Yorkie) Brook Frigate 1972-75 65Andy (Danny) Daniel Frigate 1973-75 65Terry Webster Frigate 1976-78 62Eddie Greenslade Frigate 1979 61Members – if your name is missing from the birthday list please supply details to Membership Secretary.

6. 7.

WEDDINGSWe do not get many weddings to report upon but Congratulations to George and Rosanna

stHarwood on their marriage on 21 September at Woolley Church in Yorkshire where the bride's parents live.George is an Association member and the two of them will be joining parents Ben & Kate Harwood (pictured), brother Giles and sister Serena for part of the Uruguay/Argentina leg of the South American tour.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscriptions for both crew members and associates, following the 2019 AGM, stay the same at £12 for an individual and £18 for family membership at same address.

Electronic means of paying are by using the subscribe button on the joining page on our website http://www.hmsajax.org/?use_flash=1#/joining/4560949163 – you can do it when you join or as an existing member. Future payments are taken out on that anniversary and we are notified by PayPal that the payment has been made. Single payments for any amount can be made by using the donate button and overdue sums can be paid this way.

Bank Transfers or standing orders can be set up using the details below.Bank details: HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans AssocAccount no. 24865868, Sort Code 30-99-56. Cheques payable to HMS Ajax & RPVA and sent to:

Membership Secretary - Paul Parker8 Templecombe, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 8QL Tel. 02380 693709 fezp@btinternet.com

IF YOU PAY THROUGH PAYPAL PLEASE ENSURE YOUR PAYMENT BANK CARDS HAVE NOT EXPIRED – IT'S SIMPLE TO UPDATE.

Malcolm CollisOn behalf of new Membership Secretary

Ted at Royal Beach Hotel next to Ajax at Crete

PAINTINGS OF TED WICKS

You may recall from previous Newsletter pieces that the Association was bequeathed seven paintings from former Ajax River Plate member Ted Wicks. One of Ajax we retained and it is displayed in the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea next to our other painting donated by member Clive Sharplin.

The other three “modern” ones of HM Ships Illustrious, Orion and Cleopatra, had no direct link to the Association and with nowhere really to store or exhibit them we resolved at our 2017 AGM to donate them to other Associations.

Of the three “old” ones of Mary Rose at London, HMS Centurion taking a Spanish ship and HMS Centurion rounding the Horn all were sold at auction for much less than expected.

Dan Sherren presented the HMS Illustrious painting to their Association at a remembrance parade in Weymouth leaving just two to go.

In early September 2019 Treasurer Ian Darbyshire firstly presented the painting of HMS Cleopatra (the ship where Ted nearly lost his life) to the Honorary Secretary of the Cleopatra Association Warwick Franklin who said, “Many thanks for the painting which will eventually go to a good home. I will let you know the outcome come May next year when we will raffle it at the next Cleo reunion. May I, on behalf of HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association thank you and the Ajax Association for the painting”

Ian also presented the HMS Orion painting to David Scott in the waiting room at HMS Drake main gate.

Ian said,

“Note behind his head identical but smaller print of picture. David Scott was Field Gun Officer HMS Drake 1991 when I was the Field Gun Battery Staff bugler!”

The model is of HMS Orion

Hopefully that concludes Ted’s legacy.

6. 7.

WEDDINGSWe do not get many weddings to report upon but Congratulations to George and Rosanna

stHarwood on their marriage on 21 September at Woolley Church in Yorkshire where the bride's parents live.George is an Association member and the two of them will be joining parents Ben & Kate Harwood (pictured), brother Giles and sister Serena for part of the Uruguay/Argentina leg of the South American tour.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscriptions for both crew members and associates, following the 2019 AGM, stay the same at £12 for an individual and £18 for family membership at same address.

Electronic means of paying are by using the subscribe button on the joining page on our website http://www.hmsajax.org/?use_flash=1#/joining/4560949163 – you can do it when you join or as an existing member. Future payments are taken out on that anniversary and we are notified by PayPal that the payment has been made. Single payments for any amount can be made by using the donate button and overdue sums can be paid this way.

Bank Transfers or standing orders can be set up using the details below.Bank details: HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans AssocAccount no. 24865868, Sort Code 30-99-56. Cheques payable to HMS Ajax & RPVA and sent to:

Membership Secretary - Paul Parker8 Templecombe, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 8QL Tel. 02380 693709 fezp@btinternet.com

IF YOU PAY THROUGH PAYPAL PLEASE ENSURE YOUR PAYMENT BANK CARDS HAVE NOT EXPIRED – IT'S SIMPLE TO UPDATE.

Malcolm CollisOn behalf of new Membership Secretary

Ted at Royal Beach Hotel next to Ajax at Crete

PAINTINGS OF TED WICKS

You may recall from previous Newsletter pieces that the Association was bequeathed seven paintings from former Ajax River Plate member Ted Wicks. One of Ajax we retained and it is displayed in the Royal Beach Hotel Southsea next to our other painting donated by member Clive Sharplin.

The other three “modern” ones of HM Ships Illustrious, Orion and Cleopatra, had no direct link to the Association and with nowhere really to store or exhibit them we resolved at our 2017 AGM to donate them to other Associations.

Of the three “old” ones of Mary Rose at London, HMS Centurion taking a Spanish ship and HMS Centurion rounding the Horn all were sold at auction for much less than expected.

Dan Sherren presented the HMS Illustrious painting to their Association at a remembrance parade in Weymouth leaving just two to go.

In early September 2019 Treasurer Ian Darbyshire firstly presented the painting of HMS Cleopatra (the ship where Ted nearly lost his life) to the Honorary Secretary of the Cleopatra Association Warwick Franklin who said, “Many thanks for the painting which will eventually go to a good home. I will let you know the outcome come May next year when we will raffle it at the next Cleo reunion. May I, on behalf of HMS Cleopatra Old Shipmates Association thank you and the Ajax Association for the painting”

Ian also presented the HMS Orion painting to David Scott in the waiting room at HMS Drake main gate.

Ian said,

“Note behind his head identical but smaller print of picture. David Scott was Field Gun Officer HMS Drake 1991 when I was the Field Gun Battery Staff bugler!”

The model is of HMS Orion

Hopefully that concludes Ted’s legacy.

8. 9.

RED TAPE or TOP SECRET? by Bob Adams

This painting (first shown in June 2019 Newsletter) is of HMS Ajax entering Portsmouth for removal of the Seafox plane and catapult to be replaced by radar.

At the start of WWII the Admiralty Constructors in London were relocated to Bath. My father, Albert (Ajax) Adams [HMS Ajax Achilles & Exeter designer], my mother and I, lived adjacent to another of Dad's Naval Constructor colleagues, Mr Dippy. One day, a playmate and I over-heard them complaining about something at work. As kids, we only pricked up our ears at the word "Secret". They had been given orders to fix something really high up on their ships. What was it?

With hindsight, the top brass probably sent out a top secret order to replace catapult aircraft with radar on its Battle fleet. The designers' quandary was, how to build it without any details of size, weight, location and function. At least, I never gave away any secrets.

Researching the history, I now find that radar was invented in Germany in 1904. ChristianHuelsmeyer was detecting ships at a range of 3000 rnetres and was granted a patent in ENGLAND that year. In 1906 he filed another patent application written in English in the UNITED STATES for an improved radar system.

No nation used radar in WWI, but by 1935 the Germans had both a land-based system (opposite) and sea-based systems and were visible for all nations to see. What was not visible was the German technical input into airborne radar detection and land-based and sea-based radar-directed gunnery prior to WWII.

We only had 20 land-based radar towers along the east coast of Britain just for detection of incoming aircraft but were vital in the air Battle of Britain. Nothing sea-borne, unlike the German Navy.

The 1939 Graf Spee certainly had radar and I presume the network of wires in the photo is the radar antenna and the horizontal arm is the traditional optical rangefinder? [Editor - This rangefinder is displayed in the Montevideo Naval Museum and will be visited]Did it have radar not only for detecting and measuring target distance but linked to automatic gun laying as well? If Ajax was the first British ship to have radar, and that was after the May 1942 refit, the British Navy was surely at a disadvantage in the River Plate Battle.

Bob Adams

CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL – Richard Llewellyn

Following on from Ben Harwood's piece in the September Newsletter Richard Llewellyn wrote to say:“I noticed the article in the Newsletter about the Chalke Valley History Festival and thought that you might be interested to know that I and Joe Cattini, another D-Day Veteran, were invited to open the Festival on the first morning. We were chaired by Peter Caddick-Adams, who you may know of, and we had an hour of chat to an over-flowing audience in the main Marquee.

We were well entertained and hosted by a charming couple whose tastes matched our own. We also came away with a signed proof copy of James Holland's latest book “Normandy 44” and a copy of Peter's book just published “Sand and Steel” which is a highly detailed account of the first 24 hours from the landings on 6th June. Both massive volumes, though James writes in a very easy to read manner, so all I need is the time to read them!”Richard Llewellyn

Avalanche Memorial Church on Portland

STANDARD BEARER'S REPORT DECEMBER 2019

On the 15th September the Standard was paraded at a commemorative service for the sinking of the Avalanche, a merchant ship, at Avalanche Memorial Church on Portland.

On Tuesday 11 September 1877, the sailing ship Avalanche was bound for Wellington, New Zealand when off Portland was struck amidships by the Nova Scotian ship Forest and sank within three minutes. All 59 passengers were drowned. Of the 34 seamen, 3 were saved. Of the 21 crew of the Forest, 9 were saved. Of the 59 passengers, a third of them were from, or had connections to Wanganui, New Zealand.

The Church, also known as the Church of St Andrew, is a 19th century Anglian parish church built following a national campaign to raise £2000 to become a memorial to the tragedy. It was consecrated in 1879 and is located in Southwell village on Portland.

On 2nd October Alf attended the funeral of Jim London, HMS Exeter River Plate Veteran at Worcester crematorium together with the HMS Exeter Association Standard and the local RNA Standard carried by an ex-Grenadier Guard.

On Sunday 3rd November Dan Sherren took on the unusual task of supporting the RNLI as they dedicated their new StandardThe Standard also attended the various events surrounding Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

8. 9.

RED TAPE or TOP SECRET? by Bob Adams

This painting (first shown in June 2019 Newsletter) is of HMS Ajax entering Portsmouth for removal of the Seafox plane and catapult to be replaced by radar.

At the start of WWII the Admiralty Constructors in London were relocated to Bath. My father, Albert (Ajax) Adams [HMS Ajax Achilles & Exeter designer], my mother and I, lived adjacent to another of Dad's Naval Constructor colleagues, Mr Dippy. One day, a playmate and I over-heard them complaining about something at work. As kids, we only pricked up our ears at the word "Secret". They had been given orders to fix something really high up on their ships. What was it?

With hindsight, the top brass probably sent out a top secret order to replace catapult aircraft with radar on its Battle fleet. The designers' quandary was, how to build it without any details of size, weight, location and function. At least, I never gave away any secrets.

Researching the history, I now find that radar was invented in Germany in 1904. ChristianHuelsmeyer was detecting ships at a range of 3000 rnetres and was granted a patent in ENGLAND that year. In 1906 he filed another patent application written in English in the UNITED STATES for an improved radar system.

No nation used radar in WWI, but by 1935 the Germans had both a land-based system (opposite) and sea-based systems and were visible for all nations to see. What was not visible was the German technical input into airborne radar detection and land-based and sea-based radar-directed gunnery prior to WWII.

We only had 20 land-based radar towers along the east coast of Britain just for detection of incoming aircraft but were vital in the air Battle of Britain. Nothing sea-borne, unlike the German Navy.

The 1939 Graf Spee certainly had radar and I presume the network of wires in the photo is the radar antenna and the horizontal arm is the traditional optical rangefinder? [Editor - This rangefinder is displayed in the Montevideo Naval Museum and will be visited]Did it have radar not only for detecting and measuring target distance but linked to automatic gun laying as well? If Ajax was the first British ship to have radar, and that was after the May 1942 refit, the British Navy was surely at a disadvantage in the River Plate Battle.

Bob Adams

CHALKE VALLEY HISTORY FESTIVAL – Richard Llewellyn

Following on from Ben Harwood's piece in the September Newsletter Richard Llewellyn wrote to say:“I noticed the article in the Newsletter about the Chalke Valley History Festival and thought that you might be interested to know that I and Joe Cattini, another D-Day Veteran, were invited to open the Festival on the first morning. We were chaired by Peter Caddick-Adams, who you may know of, and we had an hour of chat to an over-flowing audience in the main Marquee.

We were well entertained and hosted by a charming couple whose tastes matched our own. We also came away with a signed proof copy of James Holland's latest book “Normandy 44” and a copy of Peter's book just published “Sand and Steel” which is a highly detailed account of the first 24 hours from the landings on 6th June. Both massive volumes, though James writes in a very easy to read manner, so all I need is the time to read them!”Richard Llewellyn

Avalanche Memorial Church on Portland

STANDARD BEARER'S REPORT DECEMBER 2019

On the 15th September the Standard was paraded at a commemorative service for the sinking of the Avalanche, a merchant ship, at Avalanche Memorial Church on Portland.

On Tuesday 11 September 1877, the sailing ship Avalanche was bound for Wellington, New Zealand when off Portland was struck amidships by the Nova Scotian ship Forest and sank within three minutes. All 59 passengers were drowned. Of the 34 seamen, 3 were saved. Of the 21 crew of the Forest, 9 were saved. Of the 59 passengers, a third of them were from, or had connections to Wanganui, New Zealand.

The Church, also known as the Church of St Andrew, is a 19th century Anglian parish church built following a national campaign to raise £2000 to become a memorial to the tragedy. It was consecrated in 1879 and is located in Southwell village on Portland.

On 2nd October Alf attended the funeral of Jim London, HMS Exeter River Plate Veteran at Worcester crematorium together with the HMS Exeter Association Standard and the local RNA Standard carried by an ex-Grenadier Guard.

On Sunday 3rd November Dan Sherren took on the unusual task of supporting the RNLI as they dedicated their new StandardThe Standard also attended the various events surrounding Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

10. 11.

WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOTS AT NORMANDY? UPDATE

You may recall in the September 2019 Newsletter there was piece entitled “WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOTS AT NORMANDY?” in which Ajax's claim to have fired the first shots in Operation Neptune appears to have been challenged by HMS Belfast at 0527 and indeed HMS Warspite.

Richard Llewellyn, who has featured in several D-Day Newsletter articles, sent in this record that appears to confirm Ajax's rightful place at 0525!“Thought you might be interested. Copied from my Midshipman's Journal. Not sure how accurate the time is!”

I did ask Richard the stupid question of how he told the time and he informed me that, “as the Navigating Officers 'Dogsbody' my Action Station was on the bridge and I was privy to everything that was going on. Either the Pilot or me would have filled in the Ship's Log, times would have been taken from the Ship's Chronometer but of such details I'm afraid I have no recollection. I know I read in some 'official' document that Ajax was supposed to have been the first ship to open fire.”[A Chronometer is a device that measures time very accurately. If a watch is referred to as a Chronometer, it means that it is COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) certified and the watch has an accuracy of +6/-4 second in a day. A normal watch is a normal watch]

Malcolm Collis

Q SHIP - HEBER COLLIS

Going through some boxes of family photographs I came across this one. In my father's hand writing on the back read “Some of the crew of a Q Ship torpedoed by a German Sub on December 16 1916 in the Mediterranean Sea. Heber Collis Front Right”Heber Collis was my paternal grandfather. He died in 1973 and I recall opening my 21st birthday presents in the churchyard at his funeral!

I should know more but like so many others I actually don't know too much about his naval career. I know he was Royal Navy 1908 to 1929 and I have his medals: 1914-18 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; 1914-18 Victory Medal; Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (King George V). He was home guard in the Second World War.

I remember the story that he sat in a flooded hull for quite some time, days, awaiting rescue – he blamed his piles on the Germans!

I didn't really know too much about Q Ships either I am sad to say. Thanks to the internet - 'It seems that Q Ships, or Defensively Armed Ships,

BURCOMBE, 3,516grt, defensively-armed, 1 December 1916, 100 miles SE by E from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 8 lives lostISTRAR, 4,582grt, defensively-armed, 2 December 1916, 120 miles NNW ½ W from Alexandria, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lost Chief Engineer made prisonerCALEDONIA, 9,223grt, defensively-armed, 4 December 1916, 125 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lost Master made prisonerBRITANNIA, 1,814grt, defensively-armed, 8 December 1916, 70 miles W by S from Cape Sines, Portugal, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 2 lives lost Master made prisonerST URSULA, 5,011grt, defensively-armed, 12 December 1916, 45 miles SE by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 4 lives lostBRETWALDA, 4,037grt, defensively-armed, 13 December 1916, 220 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarineWESTMINSTER, 4,342grt, defensively-armed, 14 December 1916, 196 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 15 lives lost including MasterRUSSIAN, 8,825grt, defensively-armed, 14 December 1916, 210 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 28 lives lostITONUS, 5,340grt, defensively-armed, 20 December 1916, 60 miles NW by W ½ W from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 5 lives lost Master made prisonerMUREX, 3,564grt, defensively-armed, 21 December 1916, 94 miles NW from Port Said,

were the British naval vessels that officially didn't exist; the mystery ships of World War One. Their captains and crew needed to be masters of disguise, not only of themselves but of their vessels. To all intents and purposes the ships were scruffy little colliers, tramp steamers, fishing smacks and luggers, manned by salty old seadogs with a no-nonsense attitude to landlubbers. Behind these facades they carried 12-pounder and Maxim guns and twice the crew that a commercial craft would need. Their mission was to decoy and destroy German submarines. They were Britain's answer to the Submarine Menace.'

I thought it would be a simple task to identify his ship but no, there were none on the 16th as recalled by my father but plenty of others to choose from. In fact the number of Q Ships lost to subs in December 1916 alone in the Meditterraen is quite staggering and worth listing.

10. 11.

WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOTS AT NORMANDY? UPDATE

You may recall in the September 2019 Newsletter there was piece entitled “WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOTS AT NORMANDY?” in which Ajax's claim to have fired the first shots in Operation Neptune appears to have been challenged by HMS Belfast at 0527 and indeed HMS Warspite.

Richard Llewellyn, who has featured in several D-Day Newsletter articles, sent in this record that appears to confirm Ajax's rightful place at 0525!“Thought you might be interested. Copied from my Midshipman's Journal. Not sure how accurate the time is!”

I did ask Richard the stupid question of how he told the time and he informed me that, “as the Navigating Officers 'Dogsbody' my Action Station was on the bridge and I was privy to everything that was going on. Either the Pilot or me would have filled in the Ship's Log, times would have been taken from the Ship's Chronometer but of such details I'm afraid I have no recollection. I know I read in some 'official' document that Ajax was supposed to have been the first ship to open fire.”[A Chronometer is a device that measures time very accurately. If a watch is referred to as a Chronometer, it means that it is COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) certified and the watch has an accuracy of +6/-4 second in a day. A normal watch is a normal watch]

Malcolm Collis

Q SHIP - HEBER COLLIS

Going through some boxes of family photographs I came across this one. In my father's hand writing on the back read “Some of the crew of a Q Ship torpedoed by a German Sub on December 16 1916 in the Mediterranean Sea. Heber Collis Front Right”Heber Collis was my paternal grandfather. He died in 1973 and I recall opening my 21st birthday presents in the churchyard at his funeral!

I should know more but like so many others I actually don't know too much about his naval career. I know he was Royal Navy 1908 to 1929 and I have his medals: 1914-18 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; 1914-18 Victory Medal; Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (King George V). He was home guard in the Second World War.

I remember the story that he sat in a flooded hull for quite some time, days, awaiting rescue – he blamed his piles on the Germans!

I didn't really know too much about Q Ships either I am sad to say. Thanks to the internet - 'It seems that Q Ships, or Defensively Armed Ships,

BURCOMBE, 3,516grt, defensively-armed, 1 December 1916, 100 miles SE by E from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 8 lives lostISTRAR, 4,582grt, defensively-armed, 2 December 1916, 120 miles NNW ½ W from Alexandria, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lost Chief Engineer made prisonerCALEDONIA, 9,223grt, defensively-armed, 4 December 1916, 125 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lost Master made prisonerBRITANNIA, 1,814grt, defensively-armed, 8 December 1916, 70 miles W by S from Cape Sines, Portugal, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 2 lives lost Master made prisonerST URSULA, 5,011grt, defensively-armed, 12 December 1916, 45 miles SE by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 4 lives lostBRETWALDA, 4,037grt, defensively-armed, 13 December 1916, 220 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarineWESTMINSTER, 4,342grt, defensively-armed, 14 December 1916, 196 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 15 lives lost including MasterRUSSIAN, 8,825grt, defensively-armed, 14 December 1916, 210 miles E by S from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 28 lives lostITONUS, 5,340grt, defensively-armed, 20 December 1916, 60 miles NW by W ½ W from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 5 lives lost Master made prisonerMUREX, 3,564grt, defensively-armed, 21 December 1916, 94 miles NW from Port Said,

were the British naval vessels that officially didn't exist; the mystery ships of World War One. Their captains and crew needed to be masters of disguise, not only of themselves but of their vessels. To all intents and purposes the ships were scruffy little colliers, tramp steamers, fishing smacks and luggers, manned by salty old seadogs with a no-nonsense attitude to landlubbers. Behind these facades they carried 12-pounder and Maxim guns and twice the crew that a commercial craft would need. Their mission was to decoy and destroy German submarines. They were Britain's answer to the Submarine Menace.'

I thought it would be a simple task to identify his ship but no, there were none on the 16th as recalled by my father but plenty of others to choose from. In fact the number of Q Ships lost to subs in December 1916 alone in the Meditterraen is quite staggering and worth listing.

12. 13.

torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lostTHISTLEBAN, 4,117grt, defensively-armed, 23 December 1916, 5 miles NNW from Alexandria, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarineORONSAY, 3,761grt, defensively-armed, 28 December 1916, 48 miles SE from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, Master made prisoner

The “Russian” or “Westminster” are looking favourite for my grandfather's ship although I need to confirm this – it could be that he was rescued on the 16th. The sailors who served on these ships, Royal & Merchant Navy, were true heroes by putting themselves up as decoys to lure enemy submarines close enough to shell whilst trying to evade incoming torpedoes – rather them than me! The numbers speak for themselves.

Malcolm Collis

GRAF SPEE CAPTAIN WHO DEFIED HITLER

The following article appeared in The Times in August and whilst there are many interpretations of how the closing stages of the River Plate drama played out this is David Crossland's (Berlin) take on it.

“The “pocket battleship” Admiral Graf Spee limped into port in Uruguay, heavily damaged in the battle of the River Plate and facing the prospect of a fearsome pack of enemy vessels waiting to pounce if it returned to sea. Its commander, Captain Hans Langsdorff, was under orders from the Nazi high command to fight on against what seemed impossible odds.

He disobeyed and instead scuttled his ship, an act that earned him the wrath of Adolf Hitler. Knowing of his disgrace, Langsdorff shot himself in the head three days later, his name already a byword in Germany for cowardice.

Today, however, the German navy is under growing pressure to honour Langsdorff and recognise his act in December 1939 as one of moral courage that saved a crew of 1,000 from almost certain death. Former naval officers and politicians have joined the captain's only surviving daughter, Inge Nedden, 82, in demanding that he receive official recognition.

Langsdorff committed suicide in a hotel room in Buenos Aires, across the river in Argentina, three days after he scuttled his ship rather than face what he believed to be a vastly superior British force waiting out at sea. No streets or squares in Germany are named after him and there is no official representation at the annual ceremonies at his grave in Buenos Aires held by the descendants of Graf Spee crewmen who settled in Argentina after being interned there during the war. [Editor's note – we shall be there on 15th December]

Hans-Jürgen Kaack, who has written a biography of Langsdorff due to be published next month, [Editor's note – unable to find this book] said it was a contradiction that Germany ignored his legacy while honouring Rear-Admiral Rolf Johannesson, who signed five death sentences against resistance members two weeks before the end of the war, with a bust that stands in the modern navy's college at Mürwik on the Baltic coast. Kaack, a former commander in the post-war navy, said that Langsdorff was “an early embodiment of the moral leadership that is demanded of German officers today”.Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, defence policy spokeswoman for the liberal Free Democratic Party, said: “Langsdorff could serve as an example for discussing with young officers about how far

obedience should go.”The defence ministry has rebuffed previous attempts to commemorate Langsdorff and played down the significance of his story for the modern military, the Bundeswehr.Jörg Hillmann, head of the Centre for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr, said the Langsdorff biography would be read “and then we will look at how we position ourselves regarding this person”.

His daughter has been invited to Portsmouth for a memorial dinner in December to mark the 80th anniversary of the River Plate battle.” [Editor's note - Inge will be with us in Uruguay on this date & Argentina later]

Member Alec Taylor spotted the article and felt compelled to write in response and had his, edited, letter published.

LANGSDORFF TRIBUTESir, Your article “Pleas to honour Graf Spee captain who defied Hitler” (Aug 15) recognises the honourable refusal of Captain Langsdorff to take the life of others unnecessarily. My father, a junior signalman aboard HMS Ajax during the Battle of the River Plate, held him in high esteem both for his willingness to remove the crews of merchantmen before sinking them in the South Atlantic and his refusal to take the crew of Admiral Graf Spee out of Montevideo to their certain death after the events of December 13, 1939.

The town of Ajax in Ontario, Canada, is named after HMS Ajax and many streets are named after those who served aboard her and other naval vessels. One is called Langsdorff Drive. The library holds a digital biography of those after whom streets are named. That of Captain Langsdorff records that “He is remembered fondly for his conduct during war and for the many lives he saved”. To date Germany may have failed to honour him. The free world that Hitler tried to destroy has not.Alec TaylorBiggar, South Lanarkshire

[Editor - Well done Alec – we shall be joining up with the Graf Spee Association in both Uruguay & Argentina. I did try and make contact with David Crossland without luck]

CAPTAIN TUBBY SQUIRES AWARDthDuring the Association's 2016 visit to Ajax to mark the 40 Anniversary of the Frigate's visit to

Lake Ontario, Nigel Masters commissioned and presented a glass trophy to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) be known as the Captain Tubby Squires Award. He was the Captain at the time of the visit.

Ross Mounsteven, the Commanding Officer updated the Association on this year's outcome.

As with previous years the cadets voted on the award in May and Ross presented it to the winners in June at their Annual Ceremonial Review.

This year's vote was a tie, so the two cadets were both presented with the award. The winners were Chief Petty Officer Second Class Spencer Holmes, left, (older brother of last year's winner) and Petty Officer First Class Dawson Diotte.

Congratulations to them both.

12. 13.

torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, 1 life lostTHISTLEBAN, 4,117grt, defensively-armed, 23 December 1916, 5 miles NNW from Alexandria, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarineORONSAY, 3,761grt, defensively-armed, 28 December 1916, 48 miles SE from Malta, torpedoed without warning and sunk by submarine, Master made prisoner

The “Russian” or “Westminster” are looking favourite for my grandfather's ship although I need to confirm this – it could be that he was rescued on the 16th. The sailors who served on these ships, Royal & Merchant Navy, were true heroes by putting themselves up as decoys to lure enemy submarines close enough to shell whilst trying to evade incoming torpedoes – rather them than me! The numbers speak for themselves.

Malcolm Collis

GRAF SPEE CAPTAIN WHO DEFIED HITLER

The following article appeared in The Times in August and whilst there are many interpretations of how the closing stages of the River Plate drama played out this is David Crossland's (Berlin) take on it.

“The “pocket battleship” Admiral Graf Spee limped into port in Uruguay, heavily damaged in the battle of the River Plate and facing the prospect of a fearsome pack of enemy vessels waiting to pounce if it returned to sea. Its commander, Captain Hans Langsdorff, was under orders from the Nazi high command to fight on against what seemed impossible odds.

He disobeyed and instead scuttled his ship, an act that earned him the wrath of Adolf Hitler. Knowing of his disgrace, Langsdorff shot himself in the head three days later, his name already a byword in Germany for cowardice.

Today, however, the German navy is under growing pressure to honour Langsdorff and recognise his act in December 1939 as one of moral courage that saved a crew of 1,000 from almost certain death. Former naval officers and politicians have joined the captain's only surviving daughter, Inge Nedden, 82, in demanding that he receive official recognition.

Langsdorff committed suicide in a hotel room in Buenos Aires, across the river in Argentina, three days after he scuttled his ship rather than face what he believed to be a vastly superior British force waiting out at sea. No streets or squares in Germany are named after him and there is no official representation at the annual ceremonies at his grave in Buenos Aires held by the descendants of Graf Spee crewmen who settled in Argentina after being interned there during the war. [Editor's note – we shall be there on 15th December]

Hans-Jürgen Kaack, who has written a biography of Langsdorff due to be published next month, [Editor's note – unable to find this book] said it was a contradiction that Germany ignored his legacy while honouring Rear-Admiral Rolf Johannesson, who signed five death sentences against resistance members two weeks before the end of the war, with a bust that stands in the modern navy's college at Mürwik on the Baltic coast. Kaack, a former commander in the post-war navy, said that Langsdorff was “an early embodiment of the moral leadership that is demanded of German officers today”.Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, defence policy spokeswoman for the liberal Free Democratic Party, said: “Langsdorff could serve as an example for discussing with young officers about how far

obedience should go.”The defence ministry has rebuffed previous attempts to commemorate Langsdorff and played down the significance of his story for the modern military, the Bundeswehr.Jörg Hillmann, head of the Centre for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr, said the Langsdorff biography would be read “and then we will look at how we position ourselves regarding this person”.

His daughter has been invited to Portsmouth for a memorial dinner in December to mark the 80th anniversary of the River Plate battle.” [Editor's note - Inge will be with us in Uruguay on this date & Argentina later]

Member Alec Taylor spotted the article and felt compelled to write in response and had his, edited, letter published.

LANGSDORFF TRIBUTESir, Your article “Pleas to honour Graf Spee captain who defied Hitler” (Aug 15) recognises the honourable refusal of Captain Langsdorff to take the life of others unnecessarily. My father, a junior signalman aboard HMS Ajax during the Battle of the River Plate, held him in high esteem both for his willingness to remove the crews of merchantmen before sinking them in the South Atlantic and his refusal to take the crew of Admiral Graf Spee out of Montevideo to their certain death after the events of December 13, 1939.

The town of Ajax in Ontario, Canada, is named after HMS Ajax and many streets are named after those who served aboard her and other naval vessels. One is called Langsdorff Drive. The library holds a digital biography of those after whom streets are named. That of Captain Langsdorff records that “He is remembered fondly for his conduct during war and for the many lives he saved”. To date Germany may have failed to honour him. The free world that Hitler tried to destroy has not.Alec TaylorBiggar, South Lanarkshire

[Editor - Well done Alec – we shall be joining up with the Graf Spee Association in both Uruguay & Argentina. I did try and make contact with David Crossland without luck]

CAPTAIN TUBBY SQUIRES AWARDthDuring the Association's 2016 visit to Ajax to mark the 40 Anniversary of the Frigate's visit to

Lake Ontario, Nigel Masters commissioned and presented a glass trophy to the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC) be known as the Captain Tubby Squires Award. He was the Captain at the time of the visit.

Ross Mounsteven, the Commanding Officer updated the Association on this year's outcome.

As with previous years the cadets voted on the award in May and Ross presented it to the winners in June at their Annual Ceremonial Review.

This year's vote was a tie, so the two cadets were both presented with the award. The winners were Chief Petty Officer Second Class Spencer Holmes, left, (older brother of last year's winner) and Petty Officer First Class Dawson Diotte.

Congratulations to them both.

14. 15.

GRAF SPEE SHRAPNEL

I received an internet enquiry from Nick Evans MBE Lt RN (Rtd) asking if the Association would like to receive a piece of Graf Spee shrapnel and naturally I said yes!

The background to it all goes like this;

“I retired from the RN in 1999 after 40 years ending my days working for the Department of Naval Recruiting in Glasgow. It was there one day a dear little old lady, Mrs Barnes, came to my

office and said 'I would like to give this to a serving Navy man, I know my husband would want me to'. She explained that the item belonged to her husband and had been used as a door stop for his potting shed. I opened up the bag and behold, the artefact from The Battle of The River Plate. Sid Barnes stayed on HMS Ajax, I think she said, until he was demobbed in 1947. It has remained in my possession since 1991 and has been a talking point on many occasion over a dram or two! I will forward the piece of shrapnel to you for your association to keep and exhibit or to donate to whoever you think would benefit from it the most. I am so pleased that I have found and contacted your Association.” I was able to confirm Sid E Barnes was indeed in HMS Ajax at the time of the

Battle of the River Plate on 13th December 1939 and there is a Barnes Drive named in his honour in Ajax Ontario. Other than that unfortunately I had no further details.

Nick duly sent me the item. A very impressive piece indeed and really brought it home what it must have been like to have been in the thick of it with such objects hurtling around the ship. I took the outside curvature and was able to establish it was from an 11 inch shell – for sure the Graf Spee's.

The question of what to do with naturally arose – too good to be kept in my Archive cupboard for certain. I took it to the 2019 AGM where various options were discussed but finally we all agreed it should be presented to the Harwood family to join their collection and Jonathan was delighted to accept it – it now has pride of place on his mantle shelf. Nick was delighted with this choice.

There have been several exchanges of emails between Nick, Jonathan and myself regarding the technical nature of the Graf Spee shells, much of it over my head!

Jonathan did find this image on the internet – the top left sailor has Ajax on his tally and the piece of shrapnel looks remarkably similar – could it possibly be that one of the two is Sid? I'd like to think so!

Malcolm Collis

14. 15.

GRAF SPEE SHRAPNEL

I received an internet enquiry from Nick Evans MBE Lt RN (Rtd) asking if the Association would like to receive a piece of Graf Spee shrapnel and naturally I said yes!

The background to it all goes like this;

“I retired from the RN in 1999 after 40 years ending my days working for the Department of Naval Recruiting in Glasgow. It was there one day a dear little old lady, Mrs Barnes, came to my

office and said 'I would like to give this to a serving Navy man, I know my husband would want me to'. She explained that the item belonged to her husband and had been used as a door stop for his potting shed. I opened up the bag and behold, the artefact from The Battle of The River Plate. Sid Barnes stayed on HMS Ajax, I think she said, until he was demobbed in 1947. It has remained in my possession since 1991 and has been a talking point on many occasion over a dram or two! I will forward the piece of shrapnel to you for your association to keep and exhibit or to donate to whoever you think would benefit from it the most. I am so pleased that I have found and contacted your Association.” I was able to confirm Sid E Barnes was indeed in HMS Ajax at the time of the

Battle of the River Plate on 13th December 1939 and there is a Barnes Drive named in his honour in Ajax Ontario. Other than that unfortunately I had no further details.

Nick duly sent me the item. A very impressive piece indeed and really brought it home what it must have been like to have been in the thick of it with such objects hurtling around the ship. I took the outside curvature and was able to establish it was from an 11 inch shell – for sure the Graf Spee's.

The question of what to do with naturally arose – too good to be kept in my Archive cupboard for certain. I took it to the 2019 AGM where various options were discussed but finally we all agreed it should be presented to the Harwood family to join their collection and Jonathan was delighted to accept it – it now has pride of place on his mantle shelf. Nick was delighted with this choice.

There have been several exchanges of emails between Nick, Jonathan and myself regarding the technical nature of the Graf Spee shells, much of it over my head!

Jonathan did find this image on the internet – the top left sailor has Ajax on his tally and the piece of shrapnel looks remarkably similar – could it possibly be that one of the two is Sid? I'd like to think so!

Malcolm Collis

16. 17.

REVIEW OF 2019 REUNION80th ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE

Association members gathered for the 2019 Reunion at the Coniston Holiday Inn Hotel at Sittingbourne, Kent over the weekend of 4th, 5th, 6th October organised once again by the Isle of Wight Tours. The Committee met on Friday afternoon prior to an informal gathering for dinner in the evening.

Saturday morning saw us take a coach trip to St George's Centre in Chatham for our Church Service. It was very nice to meet up again with Canon Paul Kerr and Doug Moutrie the organist. Doug, now aged 99, who had recently received the MBE, for which he was warmly congratulated.

Paul had taken our memorial dedication at the NMA 5 years ago and since our last visit had retired. In addition to our Association Standard carried by Alf Larkin, member Terry Herbert had also brought along the HMS Dainty Standard. Chairman Nigel Masters read out the names of those who had "Crossed the Bar" since our last reunion and Dennis Talbot delivered the Exhortation and after Last Post, Silence and Reveille Mike Fox laid the Association wreath at the Memorial Board, a replica of the one in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Montevideo and where we shall be holding our service, unveiling our plaque and laying wreaths, on the very day of the

River Plate anniversary, the 13th December 2019.

For members visiting for the first time it was an opportunity to see the HMS AJAX memorial and many other Royal Navy memorials within the centre. One lesson for all future services – we need to learn verse 2 of The National Anthem - we were caught napping when Doug played it!A very full AGM was held in the afternoon. After the traditional Up Spirits, well managed as always by Alf Larkin and Doug Harris, and wine reception, 34 of us sat down to the Gala

meal which unfortunately was below the standard we had been used to. Yorkshire puddings, looking very much like Aunt Bessies, eventually arrived for those eating beef and when asked if there was chance of another one, was told it would be 99p!

Alan and Malcolm ran a very successful raffle and Dennis Talbot certainly enjoyed the luck of the draw, although in all fairness to him, he did generously buy rather a lot of tickets. It isn't known if he did the lottery on the Saturday night!

Sunday morning breakfast was a contest competing with the wedding guests also there. We then took the coach to the Chatham Dockyard and it was great to see that Ken Jones'

models of the ships involved in the Battle of the River Plate remained in a prime place for visitors to see. I personally did not stop for Sunday night dinner but I am advised that it was certainly not of a particularly good standard.

In summary, it was wonderful meeting new members and enjoying their company, but overall a slight disappointment in the catering at the hotel due mainly to staffing issues and attendee numbers were again quite low. We shall be investigating holding the 2020 reunion in the Portland/Weymouth area.

[Post script – the Association received a £300 refund as the result of a complaint by the Secretary!]

Peter Danks Association Secretary

GRAF SPEE ARTEFACT UPDATE

In the September Newsletter I advised that the Uruguay Courts had ordered the government to sell the bronze Eagle salvaged in 2006 from the stern of the Graf Spee in the River Plate.

Considered divisive due to the Nazi symbol the artefact has been kept hidden inside a sealed crate in a Uruguayan navy warehouse for more than a decade.

The court ordered that it must be sold and the proceeds split equally among the investors who organised the effort to recover the Eagle from the bottom of the River Plate.

I had hoped that our group would be granted special permission to privately view this artefact with backing at a high level.

But our application failed at the last hurdle when the Minister of Defence said it is not possible to visit the Eagle. The reason being the ongoing dispute between the Uruguayan Government and the various salvage companies and negotiations over the last few weeks have been unsuccessful. The Eagle, therefore, remains secured at its current location, a MoD weapons deposit, with no access to the public or the possibility of being moved. If there is any change before we visit we will be updated!

Malcolm Collis

16. 17.

REVIEW OF 2019 REUNION80th ANNIVERSARY BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE

Association members gathered for the 2019 Reunion at the Coniston Holiday Inn Hotel at Sittingbourne, Kent over the weekend of 4th, 5th, 6th October organised once again by the Isle of Wight Tours. The Committee met on Friday afternoon prior to an informal gathering for dinner in the evening.

Saturday morning saw us take a coach trip to St George's Centre in Chatham for our Church Service. It was very nice to meet up again with Canon Paul Kerr and Doug Moutrie the organist. Doug, now aged 99, who had recently received the MBE, for which he was warmly congratulated.

Paul had taken our memorial dedication at the NMA 5 years ago and since our last visit had retired. In addition to our Association Standard carried by Alf Larkin, member Terry Herbert had also brought along the HMS Dainty Standard. Chairman Nigel Masters read out the names of those who had "Crossed the Bar" since our last reunion and Dennis Talbot delivered the Exhortation and after Last Post, Silence and Reveille Mike Fox laid the Association wreath at the Memorial Board, a replica of the one in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Montevideo and where we shall be holding our service, unveiling our plaque and laying wreaths, on the very day of the

River Plate anniversary, the 13th December 2019.

For members visiting for the first time it was an opportunity to see the HMS AJAX memorial and many other Royal Navy memorials within the centre. One lesson for all future services – we need to learn verse 2 of The National Anthem - we were caught napping when Doug played it!A very full AGM was held in the afternoon. After the traditional Up Spirits, well managed as always by Alf Larkin and Doug Harris, and wine reception, 34 of us sat down to the Gala

meal which unfortunately was below the standard we had been used to. Yorkshire puddings, looking very much like Aunt Bessies, eventually arrived for those eating beef and when asked if there was chance of another one, was told it would be 99p!

Alan and Malcolm ran a very successful raffle and Dennis Talbot certainly enjoyed the luck of the draw, although in all fairness to him, he did generously buy rather a lot of tickets. It isn't known if he did the lottery on the Saturday night!

Sunday morning breakfast was a contest competing with the wedding guests also there. We then took the coach to the Chatham Dockyard and it was great to see that Ken Jones'

models of the ships involved in the Battle of the River Plate remained in a prime place for visitors to see. I personally did not stop for Sunday night dinner but I am advised that it was certainly not of a particularly good standard.

In summary, it was wonderful meeting new members and enjoying their company, but overall a slight disappointment in the catering at the hotel due mainly to staffing issues and attendee numbers were again quite low. We shall be investigating holding the 2020 reunion in the Portland/Weymouth area.

[Post script – the Association received a £300 refund as the result of a complaint by the Secretary!]

Peter Danks Association Secretary

GRAF SPEE ARTEFACT UPDATE

In the September Newsletter I advised that the Uruguay Courts had ordered the government to sell the bronze Eagle salvaged in 2006 from the stern of the Graf Spee in the River Plate.

Considered divisive due to the Nazi symbol the artefact has been kept hidden inside a sealed crate in a Uruguayan navy warehouse for more than a decade.

The court ordered that it must be sold and the proceeds split equally among the investors who organised the effort to recover the Eagle from the bottom of the River Plate.

I had hoped that our group would be granted special permission to privately view this artefact with backing at a high level.

But our application failed at the last hurdle when the Minister of Defence said it is not possible to visit the Eagle. The reason being the ongoing dispute between the Uruguayan Government and the various salvage companies and negotiations over the last few weeks have been unsuccessful. The Eagle, therefore, remains secured at its current location, a MoD weapons deposit, with no access to the public or the possibility of being moved. If there is any change before we visit we will be updated!

Malcolm Collis

18. 19.

GEOFFREY HAYLETT – Member Mike Cranswick

Member Mike Cranswick (Ajax 1976-78) contacted me with the following information and to see if I could shed any light:

“I have a Battle of the River Plate query. In my school years I was a cadet scholar at Trinity House Navigation School in Hull, a very old boys school aimed at preparing young boys for a career at sea, more so the Merchant Navy. It was fairly brutal, think Tom Browns Schooldays, we all wore the midshipman uniform of bumfreezer jackets harking from the days of Nelson (attached school photo of 1973 will give you an idea - the whole school, pictured with the elders (brethren) of Trinity House and headmaster. I'm two rows up from the elders, 5th from right, tip of my hat in the centre pane.)

One of my old teachers was a Mr Haylett who was known as Jack.

I recently became a member of the old boys association for the school, long since gone. One of the administrators must have viewed some of the public profile pictures on my FB page and commented on the River Plate Memorial picture at the arboretum. He asked me whether I was aware that Mr Haylett served on

the Exeter during the battle, which of course I wasn't.

It got me looking at the Exeter Wall in Ajax and I could not see Haylett's name, neither can I find anything on the web that links him to the ship.I went back to the school admin and asked him if he had any further information and he pulled up an article from the Hull Daily Mail that he had in the archives.

As you can see, he had quite a distinguished life. Do you have any knowledge of Mr Geoffrey Haylett? He taught me nautical studies, ropework etc. and PT and as I remember, one of the kinder teachers!

The other photo was in the Hull Daily Mail, I'm the 5th one in from the left. Both photos 1973 although they could have been 1873!

Mike subsequently came back with a quick update on Geoffrey Haylett: “as far as I can find out, he lived alone in Hull and died in a road accident some years back. I'm still not aware of any living relatives. The Trinity House Old Boys Association held their annual meeting last night and one of the members thinks he might have access to Haylett's history, they are going to report back to me.”

It was also pointed out to Mike that Haylett's name and rank of AB have been added as NEW to the Exeter website http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_people/crewexeter.php where the crew from the River Plate are listed. [Editor - Looking at I also see that Charles Janes (see archivist report) has been added as NEW – not by me!]

MISSING ASSOCIATION FLAG

Back in June of this year I came across a reunion photograph from 2015 when I noticed the flag as in the attached photo - the panel reads "Presented to HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association By Mayor Bill McLean Town of Ajax Ontario Canada October 26 1988".It was also pictured in the 2013 reunion photographs in exactly the same position, to the brick. I emailed Committee members to see if anyone had it in their cupboard as it wasn't in my archive cupboard – no takers.

Our last visit to Chatham was in 2015 and since then we've had our reunions at Portsmouth in 2016, NMA staying in Stafford 2017, Plymouth 2018 and this year we returned to Chatham but staying at Sittingbourne.

So after 4 years we walked in to St George's Chapel and there before us was our missing flag in exactly the position, to the brick, as previous photographs. I retrieved it along with many years of dust. I've since found a 2008 picture showing the flag in, you've guessed it, the self-same, to the brick, position.

It looks as if it was draped for a previous reunion, quite some years ago, and “someone” forgot to take it home with them – and there it has stayed for probably at least eleven years.

After a good wash it will be back to its former glory.

It is also a tribute to the honesty of the people of Chatham that it was still there bearing in mind the Chapel is now used daily as a community centre!

Malcolm Collis

18. 19.

GEOFFREY HAYLETT – Member Mike Cranswick

Member Mike Cranswick (Ajax 1976-78) contacted me with the following information and to see if I could shed any light:

“I have a Battle of the River Plate query. In my school years I was a cadet scholar at Trinity House Navigation School in Hull, a very old boys school aimed at preparing young boys for a career at sea, more so the Merchant Navy. It was fairly brutal, think Tom Browns Schooldays, we all wore the midshipman uniform of bumfreezer jackets harking from the days of Nelson (attached school photo of 1973 will give you an idea - the whole school, pictured with the elders (brethren) of Trinity House and headmaster. I'm two rows up from the elders, 5th from right, tip of my hat in the centre pane.)

One of my old teachers was a Mr Haylett who was known as Jack.

I recently became a member of the old boys association for the school, long since gone. One of the administrators must have viewed some of the public profile pictures on my FB page and commented on the River Plate Memorial picture at the arboretum. He asked me whether I was aware that Mr Haylett served on

the Exeter during the battle, which of course I wasn't.

It got me looking at the Exeter Wall in Ajax and I could not see Haylett's name, neither can I find anything on the web that links him to the ship.I went back to the school admin and asked him if he had any further information and he pulled up an article from the Hull Daily Mail that he had in the archives.

As you can see, he had quite a distinguished life. Do you have any knowledge of Mr Geoffrey Haylett? He taught me nautical studies, ropework etc. and PT and as I remember, one of the kinder teachers!

The other photo was in the Hull Daily Mail, I'm the 5th one in from the left. Both photos 1973 although they could have been 1873!

Mike subsequently came back with a quick update on Geoffrey Haylett: “as far as I can find out, he lived alone in Hull and died in a road accident some years back. I'm still not aware of any living relatives. The Trinity House Old Boys Association held their annual meeting last night and one of the members thinks he might have access to Haylett's history, they are going to report back to me.”

It was also pointed out to Mike that Haylett's name and rank of AB have been added as NEW to the Exeter website http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_people/crewexeter.php where the crew from the River Plate are listed. [Editor - Looking at I also see that Charles Janes (see archivist report) has been added as NEW – not by me!]

MISSING ASSOCIATION FLAG

Back in June of this year I came across a reunion photograph from 2015 when I noticed the flag as in the attached photo - the panel reads "Presented to HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association By Mayor Bill McLean Town of Ajax Ontario Canada October 26 1988".It was also pictured in the 2013 reunion photographs in exactly the same position, to the brick. I emailed Committee members to see if anyone had it in their cupboard as it wasn't in my archive cupboard – no takers.

Our last visit to Chatham was in 2015 and since then we've had our reunions at Portsmouth in 2016, NMA staying in Stafford 2017, Plymouth 2018 and this year we returned to Chatham but staying at Sittingbourne.

So after 4 years we walked in to St George's Chapel and there before us was our missing flag in exactly the position, to the brick, as previous photographs. I retrieved it along with many years of dust. I've since found a 2008 picture showing the flag in, you've guessed it, the self-same, to the brick, position.

It looks as if it was draped for a previous reunion, quite some years ago, and “someone” forgot to take it home with them – and there it has stayed for probably at least eleven years.

After a good wash it will be back to its former glory.

It is also a tribute to the honesty of the people of Chatham that it was still there bearing in mind the Chapel is now used daily as a community centre!

Malcolm Collis

20. 21.

COMMISSION 1965 STOKERS MESSAfter seven years Archivist gets an answer! Alan/George/Phil Phillips emailed me after the 2019 Reunion having picked up a spare Newsletter back copy Peter Danks had taken to the reunion from the days when he was Newsletter Editor and trying to clear out his cupboard!

“At our recent reunion, I picked up a copy of the March 2012 newsletter and on page 10 was an article with photos from Ben Salter. You are correct in assuming that Ben Salter was a stoker. He was known by one and all as “Zoonie”.You also mentioned that they were no names, I can give you just about everybody's name on the photo. The ones in red I am not too sure about.

Left to Right

Front Row: Jim Tucknott, “Freda” Grimes, “Bunny” Edwards, “Brum” Shinton, “Dickie” Dawes, “Scouse” Corrigan,

Neil Minnis.

Middle Row: Bill Smith, “Zoonie” Salter, “Father”Smith, Joe Best, “Bomber” Wells, Roger Cragg, “Squire” Myers, “Phil” Phillips*, “Nosey” Parker.

Back Row: Andy Anderson, “Tug” Wilson, “Jan” Dalziel, “Mac” McLennan, CPO Gordon, Chris Townsend, Pete Earley,? Shepherd.

*AKA Alan or George Phillips

Chappell?Larry Snellam? Kenny Ferns? Appleton?

“Jock” Nichol?

“Soapy” Watson,

SOUTH AMERICA TRIP FINAL UPDATE

By the time you read this the first wave of 29 travellers should be getting ready to be on their way to Chile; 28 from the UK and one from Canada.

In the weeks leading up to departure there were news reports of civil unrest in Chile's main cities but FCO advice was that travel was safe. One impact may be the engagement of the Navy on other peace-keeping duties but seeing as they never really committed to meeting us …!

The itinerary is all but fixed with minor tweaks as we go along. This group, having also been down to Concepción then fly over to Montevideo where, over the coming days, we are met by other members taking numbers up to 42.

The day trip to Punta del Este now does not involve any sailing either with the Navy, the waters are too shallow to get into harbour, nor with ADES. I have managed to get the individual who was arranging the ADES element to act as guide and it turns out he is the grandson of Lloyd Hirst who the historians amongst you may recall was the Intelligence Officer stationed in Buenos Aires during the Graf Spee drama. We shall join members of the local community for an informal service at the Ajax Anchor Memorial and lay a wreath.

On the Thursday I had hoped to be able to view the Graf Spee bronze eagle but this is not possible. But the British Defence Attaché is arranging for some form of presentation when we visit the Naval Museum in Montevideo involving the Uruguay Navy and their band, the German Ambassador and the German Defence Attaché. What exactly they have planned remains to be seen.

In the evening we are off to meet the British Society and we are joined by Inge, daughter of Hans Langsdorff and husband Rüdiger Nedden, and my good friend Enrique Dick and his wife, President of the Graf Spee Association over from Argentina – no pressure then on Jonathan Harwood as he delivers his Battle lecture!

20. 21.

COMMISSION 1965 STOKERS MESSAfter seven years Archivist gets an answer! Alan/George/Phil Phillips emailed me after the 2019 Reunion having picked up a spare Newsletter back copy Peter Danks had taken to the reunion from the days when he was Newsletter Editor and trying to clear out his cupboard!

“At our recent reunion, I picked up a copy of the March 2012 newsletter and on page 10 was an article with photos from Ben Salter. You are correct in assuming that Ben Salter was a stoker. He was known by one and all as “Zoonie”.You also mentioned that they were no names, I can give you just about everybody's name on the photo. The ones in red I am not too sure about.

Left to Right

Front Row: Jim Tucknott, “Freda” Grimes, “Bunny” Edwards, “Brum” Shinton, “Dickie” Dawes, “Scouse” Corrigan,

Neil Minnis.

Middle Row: Bill Smith, “Zoonie” Salter, “Father”Smith, Joe Best, “Bomber” Wells, Roger Cragg, “Squire” Myers, “Phil” Phillips*, “Nosey” Parker.

Back Row: Andy Anderson, “Tug” Wilson, “Jan” Dalziel, “Mac” McLennan, CPO Gordon, Chris Townsend, Pete Earley,? Shepherd.

*AKA Alan or George Phillips

Chappell?Larry Snellam? Kenny Ferns? Appleton?

“Jock” Nichol?

“Soapy” Watson,

SOUTH AMERICA TRIP FINAL UPDATE

By the time you read this the first wave of 29 travellers should be getting ready to be on their way to Chile; 28 from the UK and one from Canada.

In the weeks leading up to departure there were news reports of civil unrest in Chile's main cities but FCO advice was that travel was safe. One impact may be the engagement of the Navy on other peace-keeping duties but seeing as they never really committed to meeting us …!

The itinerary is all but fixed with minor tweaks as we go along. This group, having also been down to Concepción then fly over to Montevideo where, over the coming days, we are met by other members taking numbers up to 42.

The day trip to Punta del Este now does not involve any sailing either with the Navy, the waters are too shallow to get into harbour, nor with ADES. I have managed to get the individual who was arranging the ADES element to act as guide and it turns out he is the grandson of Lloyd Hirst who the historians amongst you may recall was the Intelligence Officer stationed in Buenos Aires during the Graf Spee drama. We shall join members of the local community for an informal service at the Ajax Anchor Memorial and lay a wreath.

On the Thursday I had hoped to be able to view the Graf Spee bronze eagle but this is not possible. But the British Defence Attaché is arranging for some form of presentation when we visit the Naval Museum in Montevideo involving the Uruguay Navy and their band, the German Ambassador and the German Defence Attaché. What exactly they have planned remains to be seen.

In the evening we are off to meet the British Society and we are joined by Inge, daughter of Hans Langsdorff and husband Rüdiger Nedden, and my good friend Enrique Dick and his wife, President of the Graf Spee Association over from Argentina – no pressure then on Jonathan Harwood as he delivers his Battle lecture!

22. 23.

thOn the big day of the 13 I have secured the services of the Ambassadors of the UK, Germany and New Zealand to take part in the various services and two Defence Attachés. The Association's Standard Party, Paul Parker & David Lear will process in accompanied by a piper and the bugler will, hopefully, play the actual bugle used on Achilles by Bob Batt [son Douglas and Julie Batt are joining us from New Zealand]

Later in the day we shall set sail in a Navy frigate out to the Graf Spee wreck site where members will cast individual flowers on the waters of the River Plate.

The following day it’s over the water to Buenos Aires and on the Sunday services with the Graf Spee Association at La Chacarita cemetery followed by a formal luncheon. On the Monday after the city tour some of us will meet up with the Graf Spee Association for a discussion at which Jonathan Harwood will again deliver his lecture. The obligatory Tango Show is that night. With a day of leisure on the Tuesday it is then time to fly home on the Wednesday arriving Thursday 19th ... back just in time to get ready for Christmas!

With plenty of photographs taken and plenty of memories the plan will be to produce some form of souvenir publication.

At the AGM we displayed some of the impressive, and expensive, items we have commissioned for the trip including the brass plaque for the Cathedral in Montevideo, shields for the City of Concepcion and similar shields for the British Society in Montevideo and Graf Spee Association in Buenos Aires. Additionally we have items such as inscribed and plain Association plaques, various signed books, paperweights, flags, pennants, caps, port glasses, inscribed salvers, ties, memorial photos, memorial DVDs, pens, lapel badges and other odds and sods. Depending upon the status and degree of help the Association has received will determine the level of gift but the recipient list currently stands at 32, hence the volume and number of gifts required. Hopefully they'll all fit in members' suitcases!

Malcolm Collis

RIDE TO THE WALL

Back in the summer Peter Danks' son David contacted me enquiring if it would be possible for him to fly on his motorbike a White Ensign with River Plate badges thereon or something similar, as he was to take part in the 12th annual Ride to the Wall; a bikers' tribute to our Armed Forces – the Wall being the Memorial Wall at the National Memorial Arboretum. Excellent timing as I had just taken delivery of five Association flags I had made up for the South America trip – ideal. So I arranged to send one off to him in time for the event on 5th October.

David completed the Ride and sent in his report and photos – well done David.

David's journey to the meeting point at Woodall Services, one of 11 around the country, was eventful in that just before joining the M18, the pole snapped. He arrived in good time to fix it and was ready to leave at 8.30 a.m. along with the several hundred other bikers.

His group arrived at the NMA at about 9.45 a.m. joining a sea of other bikes and was marshalled to a parking area with the flag still flying. Many people were looking to see what it was.

By the time the last of the bikes arrived at 1 p.m. it was estimated to be over 8000 motorbikes and probably 10000 bikers gathered. A select few joined the main ride through the Arboretum – David hopes to be one next year.

22. 23.

thOn the big day of the 13 I have secured the services of the Ambassadors of the UK, Germany and New Zealand to take part in the various services and two Defence Attachés. The Association's Standard Party, Paul Parker & David Lear will process in accompanied by a piper and the bugler will, hopefully, play the actual bugle used on Achilles by Bob Batt [son Douglas and Julie Batt are joining us from New Zealand]

Later in the day we shall set sail in a Navy frigate out to the Graf Spee wreck site where members will cast individual flowers on the waters of the River Plate.

The following day it’s over the water to Buenos Aires and on the Sunday services with the Graf Spee Association at La Chacarita cemetery followed by a formal luncheon. On the Monday after the city tour some of us will meet up with the Graf Spee Association for a discussion at which Jonathan Harwood will again deliver his lecture. The obligatory Tango Show is that night. With a day of leisure on the Tuesday it is then time to fly home on the Wednesday arriving Thursday 19th ... back just in time to get ready for Christmas!

With plenty of photographs taken and plenty of memories the plan will be to produce some form of souvenir publication.

At the AGM we displayed some of the impressive, and expensive, items we have commissioned for the trip including the brass plaque for the Cathedral in Montevideo, shields for the City of Concepcion and similar shields for the British Society in Montevideo and Graf Spee Association in Buenos Aires. Additionally we have items such as inscribed and plain Association plaques, various signed books, paperweights, flags, pennants, caps, port glasses, inscribed salvers, ties, memorial photos, memorial DVDs, pens, lapel badges and other odds and sods. Depending upon the status and degree of help the Association has received will determine the level of gift but the recipient list currently stands at 32, hence the volume and number of gifts required. Hopefully they'll all fit in members' suitcases!

Malcolm Collis

RIDE TO THE WALL

Back in the summer Peter Danks' son David contacted me enquiring if it would be possible for him to fly on his motorbike a White Ensign with River Plate badges thereon or something similar, as he was to take part in the 12th annual Ride to the Wall; a bikers' tribute to our Armed Forces – the Wall being the Memorial Wall at the National Memorial Arboretum. Excellent timing as I had just taken delivery of five Association flags I had made up for the South America trip – ideal. So I arranged to send one off to him in time for the event on 5th October.

David completed the Ride and sent in his report and photos – well done David.

David's journey to the meeting point at Woodall Services, one of 11 around the country, was eventful in that just before joining the M18, the pole snapped. He arrived in good time to fix it and was ready to leave at 8.30 a.m. along with the several hundred other bikers.

His group arrived at the NMA at about 9.45 a.m. joining a sea of other bikes and was marshalled to a parking area with the flag still flying. Many people were looking to see what it was.

By the time the last of the bikes arrived at 1 p.m. it was estimated to be over 8000 motorbikes and probably 10000 bikers gathered. A select few joined the main ride through the Arboretum – David hopes to be one next year.

ARCHIVIST UPDATE DECEMBER 2019

An unusually quiet period for enquiries that was most welcome given all that has gone on in last few months and an almost fulltime job as the big trip looms ever closer.

CHARLES JANESI received an enquiry from Mark A. Reid saying, “Dear Sir; Congratulations on such an interesting and worthwhile website. I wonder if I might add some information that I have gleaned from the ADM 363 service document of J23732 Petty Officer Charles JANES; He joined AJAX on 30 Aug 1939 but transferred to EXETER on 2 December 1939 and appears to have served in her during the battle. Afterwards, he re-joined AJAX on 19 February 1940. There is a notation that he was awarded a Wounds & Hurts Certificate 'for wounds received in action.' PO Janes was from Herne Bay, KENT and had joined the RN in 1913. He was recalled from pension in 1938. Hope this was of some interest. Yours Sincerely, Mark, Ottawa. CANADA.”After a little digging I responded: This is very interesting and somewhat difficult to reconcile.On 30/8/1939 Ajax was at sea off Rio and had been for some days - it is more than likely he joined Ajax along with many others in Bermuda in 31/03/1939 before the ship sailed south?On 2/12/1939 Ajax sailed from The Falklands for the River Plate area joining up with Exeter on 12/12/1939, the day before the Battle.After the Battle both ended up in The Falklands before returning to England with Ajax arriving on 31/01/1940 and Exeter 14/02/1940 and both had refits.

Charles Henry "Jimmy" Janes features on the Town of Ajax, Ontario, Memorial Wall at the time of the Battle under Ajax rather than Exeter and on their database have him as 1939 for Ajax & 1940 for Exeter. There is a Janes Lane in his honour in the town.I have requested a copy of the service record so I can see if I can do some more researching.

CHARLES FRANCES KINGDavid King contacted to say he had some photos of HMS Ajax & Graf Spee and of the Ajax Bell

amongst others and offered them to me; his great granddad Charles King was on Ajax.

I have him as serving in Ajax 1939 through to 1942 with his name appearing on the historical memorial wall in Ajax.

I've asked to see his service record to work out exactly when he joined Ajax as the one sheet he sent me shows him entering service 23/07/1939; Ajax had already sailed from Georgetown, British Guiana on 16/07/39 and only called at Bahia on 09/08/39 and Rio de Janeiro 17/08/39 before war broke out so not too sure how and where he joined Ajax.

Malcolm Collis – Archivist