Dorsetshire Guestbook

The following entries are in the guestbook:
date :  

Sun May 11 11:59:45 2008
email :  

skatetrader@lexicon.net.au
name :  

John McKeown
comments :  

Hi, my father was Sam McKeown, a survivor of the DORSETSHIRE sinking, he was in "A" turret when she was hit. He sadly passed away 3 years ago aged 84. Can anyone tell me where i can purchase a plaque of the DORSETSHIRES ships crest. Also i have discovered a lot of photos that my father had, i am sure when he was on the ship. I will get some copies organized for download or send copies to the association. Regards . John McKeown.(AUSTRALIA)
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Fri May 9 15:05:49 2008
email :  

brian.ward39@btopenworld.com
name :  

Brian Paul Ward
comments :  

Dennis William Ward KIA 5/4/42 was my uncle. I am trying to get hold of photograps of the crew does anyone remember him.
date :  

Tue May 6 18:18:31 2008
submit :  

Add an entry to the Guestbook
date :  

Fri Apr 25 01:43:10 2008
email :  

derrick@hugonet.com.au
name :  

Derrick Herbert
comments :  

I was pleased to find this site and would just like to provide the following information. My father was a Corporal with the Royal Marines and served on the H.M.S Dorsetshire and from his enlistment records was on the ship from 24 August 1937 until the sinking of the ship. He survived the sinking and returned to the RM base and was released from the Royal Marines as a Sergent in 1948. He emigrated to Australia in 1950 and passed away in 2001. I still have his medals and a photo of the Dorsetshire sinking, plus a copy of the booklet published at the Reunion Gathering at Cape Town South Africa of the survivors which was held on the 5th April 1962. I also have a copy of the booklet about the HMS Dorsetshire and Cornwall giving details of the sinking.
date :  

Fri Apr 4 13:55:43 2008
email :  

eagle 28@sympatico.ca
name :  

Bert Gollop President
comments :  

Sorry I know little about the Royal Marines on board, if Geoff Kitchen R.M.Retired has been in contact with the web of late he may be able to help Bert
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Tue Apr 1 16:06:56 2008
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chriswalker@bulldoghome.com
name :  

christopher john walker
comments :  

Marine Roland Wilson killed in action on that fateful day My late mother's brother. I have his letters to her including Dorsetshire's own Christmas cards sent from when she was off China. Any recollections or information gratefully received.
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Fri Mar 28 21:33:07 2008
email :  

caitmich@gmail.com
name :  

LYNRE PERRIN
comments :  

Hi there, my grandfather, Henry Perrin was on the Dorsetshire when it was sunk and was one of the survivors. If I remember correctly my dad had the piece of wood that he survived on but has since donated it to the naval museum. Does anyone remember him or know anything about from the ship? Thanks.
date :  

Mon Mar 24 23:58:12 2008
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Hi Jennifer, glad everthing went well. We also had a very successful 66th Anniversary Reunion and are now looking forward to next year! Regards to all, Gerald
date :  

Sun Mar 23 19:25:15 2008
email :  

gi_jenn2000@hotmail.com
name :  

Jennifer Carpenter
comments :  

It is Easter Sunday, 2008 and I have just returned from the most wonderful ceremony commemorating the sinking of the H.M.S. Dorsetshire and it's sistership the H.M.S. Cornwall some 66 years ago. Although the ceremony took place here in my hometown of South River Ontario, Canada, a world away from the site of the ships' sinking, I feel a great deal of understanding and respect for the events that unfolded on that fateful day. Most memorable of all is that I was able to share this special day with my grandfather and surviving crew member, Ray "Chippy" Carpenter. I feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to witness today's special event and see my grandfather and fellow shipmate Bert Gollop lay wreaths in memory of those who lost their lives aboard the H.M.S. Dorsetshire and H.M.S. Cornwall on April 5, 1942. To the survivors and members of the Dorsetshire Association, thank you for keeping their memories alive.
date :  

Thu Mar 13 15:16:08 2008
email :  

richard.obrien270@ntlworld.com
name :  

richard o'brien
comments :  

iam looking for a photo of the the crew of the dorsetshear when it sunk the bizmark i am looking for cap eric humpries
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Sun Mar 2 01:44:08 2008
email :  

ihug.co.nz
name :  

John Cambridge
comments :  

Greetings to survivors and members of the Dorsetshire Assoc.I hope that you all have a very happy reunion at Easter I am sure my late father C.P.O Bill Cambridge will be watching over you all. Kindest Regards John Cambridge,New Zealand
date :  

Mon Feb 11 14:22:03 2008
email :  

neimec@btinternet.com
name :  

Michael Neish
comments :  

I am trying to find out information about my father,James Neish; who served on the Dorsetshire as a signalman.He was a survivor from the sinking,and I believe on the ship during the Bismark engagement.
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Fri Dec 14 12:49:57 2007
email :  

richard .bagnall@stockton.gov.uk
name :  

richard bagnall
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Does anyone remember joshua bagnall - he was my uncle and sadly went down with the ship - my dad and other uncle would love to hear from anyone who might possibly remember him? this is a very good website and I have learned a lot about the ship and the crew. well done!
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Mon Dec 10 20:06:12 2007
email :  

thornley@mweb.co.za
name :  

Rev Ralph Thornley
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Often think back to the Returned Heroes visit to Simon's Town in 2004. The highlight of course was the very kind invitation to share in the Easter commeration in 2005. What a privilege and experience it was for my wife and I. We are in regular contact with Doug Harris who keeps us informed of latest happenings. Every blessing to all the Dorsetshire Associaton members. Ralph Thornley(Rev)(Chaplain SAN Retired)
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Mon Dec 10 13:59:19 2007
email :  

Kamillo@mzbm.rzeszow.pl
name :  

Kamillo
comments :  

This a very god site. http://surface.internetdsl.pl
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Tue Dec 4 21:01:10 2007
email :  

paul.lenton3@ntlworld.com
name :  

Paul Lenton
comments :  

having looked this ship up because my late uncle was on board when she was lost,he made it to Durban s/a but was ill for some time his name was G Benbridge. He never told us much aboutthis time but always spoke of the crew in the water and how they helped each other.
date :  

Mon Nov 26 00:05:10 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Nice to hear from you Bob and I will forward you a copy of the latest Newsletter shortly from which you will see that our President, Bert Gollop who lives now in Ontario is a Survivor. Do you know what your father, Bill Matthews, did on the ship? Gerald
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Sat Nov 3 19:53:43 2007
name :  

bob matthews
comments :  

my father was Bill Matthews,and went d own with the ship.I never knew him being a year old at the time.Any info would be gratfully recd. My address is 23 George St S.,Brampton ON. CANADA.L6Y 1P4,. Thanks Bob M
date :  

Wed Oct 24 23:17:06 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Thank you Alan, unfortunately we do not have a reliable list of those crew members that survived but I will put the name of your uncle, Stanley Spittle in our Newsletter. Kirsty's great grandfather did lose his life in the action and he is listed on the (incomplete) record we have as: Tom Flevill, Leading Seaman BA, RNS(?)BR. (I must check that). Again I will insert it in the Newsletter.
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Mon Oct 8 20:45:39 2007
email :  

x-eeyore-and-ashton-x@hotmail.com
name :  

Kirsty Flevill
comments :  

Hello My great grandfather was KIA on the HMS Dorsetshire on the day it sank, I was wondering if anyone had any information or pictures of him, it would be wonderful to be able to show my grandfather information about his father who died when he was so young. My great-grandfather was Thomas Flevill. Thank you
date :  

Sun Oct 7 11:37:10 2007
email :  

pat&alan@talktalk.net
name :  

alan spittle
comments :  

My uncle Stanley Spittle served on the Dorsetshire and was lucky to survive the sinking, and like many more spent a long time in the water before being rescued. He is no longer alive now. He joined the navy as a boy. I hve not been able to find his name on crew members list. Is there anyone out there who might offchance remember him.Many thanks in anticipation Alan Spittle
date :  

Tue Oct 2 21:52:03 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Thanks Mark and Leslie for your queries and I will put an appeal in the next Newsletter for any information. Thank you both for your interest in the Association and all things 'Dorsetshire'. Gerald
date :  

Mon Sep 17 14:34:51 2007
email :  

mark.1991.2007@hotmail.co.uk
name :  

mark mcmahon
comments :  

does anyone no if my grandad J.P williams served time on the H.M.S Dorsetshire he will have been on the ship when it sunk the bismark an when it got sunk any information plz thanx
date :  

Sat Sep 8 15:49:40 2007
email :  

lesliebagnall11@msn.com
name :  

Leslie Bagnall
comments :  

I wonder if anyone knows if my father served on H.M.S Dortsetshire, his name was Henry Bagnall . He told me he was on the ship when it was sunk, and also at the sinking of the Bismark.
date :  

Sat Sep 1 20:24:13 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

G Blackburn
comments :  

Lynn thanks for your message about your father. Fredrick Molyneux, who survived the sinking in 1942 but without knowing where he served on the ship it would be difficult to direct a meaningful message to any of our remaining survivors. I will put a note in our next Newsletter and it may produce some result. Gerald Blackburn Secretary
date :  

Wed Aug 29 23:28:43 2007
email :  

lynger@hotmail.co.uk
name :  

Lynn Cornwell
comments :  

I understand via my stepmother that my father Frederick Molyneux(from Barnsley) was aboard HMS Dorsetshire when she was torpedoed in 1942. I can remember seeing the telegram saying he was missing in action presumed killed, happily he turned up safe and sound later having spent several days in the oily sea.I have searched many crew lists on various websites but his name never appears. As my mother died in 1969 and my father in 1982 (40 years after the sinking) I have no other information or possible sources and would be extremely grateful if any of your guests have any recollections of him.I don't know what rank or trade he was in, but I can remember that whenever he had his shirt off in the summer his skin was always tanned in patches where the oil had stained his skin. Many Thanks. Lynn Cornwell.
date :  

Tue Jul 10 23:22:45 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Thanks Gordon & Trevor for your messages and I will pass them on to a couple of survivors who might be able to remember your fathers. Gerald
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Wed Jul 4 03:32:16 2007
email :  

gfmflashbuilt@xtra.co.nz
name :  

Gordon F Mitchell
comments :  

My father was Ted Mitchell, ex Royal Marines plyx2766, and served on the Dorsetshire, participating in the Bismark sinking.He was despatched then to Leander, & Bellona ( his last ship ), but trying to find out more. Does anyone remember him or have records? Cheers mates
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Sun Jun 24 17:15:07 2007
email :  

trevor.gerrard@yahoo.co.uk
name :  

trevor gerrard
comments :  

My fathers name was Eric N Gerrard and was an officers cook on the Dorsetshire until he lost his life when the ship sank in 1942. Does anyone remember him on board or have any information about his war time service?
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Sat Jun 23 08:51:26 2007
email :  

dale.taylor@t-online.de
name :  

Dale
comments :  

Dear Gerald, many thanks for helping me. King regards, Dale
date :  

Fri Jun 22 18:26:20 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Welcome both Dale & Megan to the Dorsetshire family which grows from day to day. Although it is 65 years since the sinking we stillhave survivors who keep in touchand some attend our annual reunion in Plymouth each Easter to join the many family and friends of past crew members. Our President, Bert Gollop may be able to remember your relatives but I will publish their names in our Newsletter, you never know! Gerald Secretary
date :  

Thu Jun 14 16:00:09 2007
email :  

dale.taylor@t-online.de
name :  

Dale Taylor
comments :  

Hi! I´m 15 years old and I live in Germany. I go to a german school and I´m doing a project about the Dorsetshire. Is there maybe any possibility to get some information about my great uncle Harry Taylor who was sadly killed in action on 5 April 1942? I would be very happy if anybody could tell something about him or maybe even send me some pictures of him or of the Dorsetshire. Thank you very much, Dale Taylor
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Sat Jun 9 03:46:24 2007
email :  

jbalmer@shaw.ca
name :  

Megan Balmer(nee Thomas)
comments :  

My welsh uncle Ernest Emlyn Thomas served in the Royal Navy, and was lost in the sinking of the Dorsetshire in 1942, he was a machinist, and joined the navy at age 16. I met him at age 1 when my army father and family were on leave in South Wales. I wonder if there is anyone who served in the navy with him.
date :  

Sun Jun 3 13:20:19 2007
email :  

david@jwoolfenden.fsnet.co.uk
name :  

David Woolfenden
comments :  

Hi, I have just written the personal account of Frank Anstis'(Stoker 1st class) survival when the Dorsetshire was sunk. I wondered if there is anywhere on the site you could accommodate the story for posterity. Frank is 85 years old now and in poor health but he would be delighted to be able to see his story on your site. Kindest regards David Woolfenden (Son in law to Frank)
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Wed May 30 02:11:50 2007
email :  

icon@merseymail.com
name :  

K Bannon
comments :  

I like the web site. EX-Sgt (sc)42 Commando affil RMA.
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Mon May 28 13:41:29 2007
email :  

sandy12345@fmtc.com
name :  

John Flood
comments :  

Dear Sir, My temporary email is sandy12345@fmtc.com. I would very much like to receive a newsletter. Thanks for suggesting it. Were you on the Dorsetshire in 1941?
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Sat May 26 21:44:22 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Just to confirm, I am now back on line again (for the second time!).
date :  

Wed May 23 22:22:50 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

John, have we 'found' another survivor? If we have welcome from the Association. I would like to have your address so that we can keep in touch and send you our Newsletter. I should be saying "let me have it by e-mail" but mine appears to have 'gone down' again. Try anyway. Bert Gollop, our President, now lives in Ontario so probably he will be getting in touch with you. Nice to hear from you. Gerald
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Mon May 21 00:52:29 2007
email :  

sandy12345@fmtc.com
name :  

JOHN FLOOD
comments :  

My name is John E. Flood. DJX 162593. I am living in Ontario, Oregon temporarily with a lovely American family. Does anyone remember the day Captain Martin sent me aloft?
date :  

Mon May 14 22:17:27 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Sorry I meant to say Stan (Higgins) in the previous message. G
date :  

Mon May 14 21:58:25 2007
email :  

gblackburn@mgownersclub.net
name :  

Gerald Blackburn
comments :  

Apologies to all. I have been off line for over a month (due to problems with my Server) and I am not yet back on the e-mail trail. I will try and catch up with the various messages which all very interesting but suffice to say that we had yet another fantastic Reunion with over 40 at Dinner. Report later. It is good to hear news about Robbie, it is difficult to keep track of all our survivors and any news is welcome. Apologies again and let's hope I can get my e-mail connection back asap. Gerald
date :  

Tue May 8 15:32:37 2007
email :  

christopher.warrender@yahoo.co.uk
name :  

Christopher Warrender
comments :  

I recently learned that my uncle was on the Dorsetshire in 1941/42. Derek Connell was his name. He was was a red-headed scouser from Liverpool. Derek would have been 23 years of age and a I believe he was a PO at the time of the sinking - which he survived. Don't know what ship he sailed on after that. My uncle crossed the bar in 1988 but his sister (my Mum) and his daughter are still around and I'm sure they'd be tickled pink if we received word from somebody who can remember Derek Connell from those turbulent times at sea. I'd welcome receiving your emails if you have any memories to share. By the way, congratulations to all concerned with contributing to the web-site. Lots of activity and very informative. All the best, Chris Warrender
date :  

Mon May 7 18:28:21 2007
email :  

linda@vivavillalonga.com
name :  

Linda Phillips
comments :  

May a say thank-you very much to you all for your web page. I am researching my family tree and as my parents, grand parents and uncles are all departed I was hitting a brick wall but thanks too you all, I now have more info. My uncle was Arthur Bellis leading stokes on board HMS Dersetshire when she went down. If there is anyone who new him I would appreciate you contacting me at this e-mail. address. Thank you in anticipation.
date :  

Mon Apr 23 21:16:44 2007
email :  

thawkings@gmail.com
name :  

Tim Hawkings
comments :  

My grandfather served on board HMS Dorsetshire from 1935-1937. I always thought he was in the merchant navy and not the Royal Navy and was wondering if anyone knows if the merchant navy served alongside the royal navy? Does anyone know where to find crew lists for the Dorsetshire for that period? thanks! tim
date :  

Fri Apr 20 18:53:41 2007
email :  

armson@clara.net
name :  

Anne Armson
comments :  

My Uncle, David Byars, was a Royal Marine onboard HMS Dorsetshire when it was sunk in 1942. Despite the bad injury he sustained to his left foot during the attack, he is still with us, now aged 89, and has vivid memories of his time with the Dorsetshire.
date :  

Mon Apr 9 00:09:55 2007
email :  

peter.higgins@virgin.net
name :  

Peter Higgins
comments :  

Hello all. Just a quick note to let you know that my Father (Stan Higgins) is still around. Although he has sadly been unable to make the trip to the reunion for the last few years, he does wish all his old comrades & their families all the very best. Stan himself has not been in the best of health recently as the rigours of "advanced years" are starting to take their toll. If anyone wishes to contact Stan they can do so at the email address above, and I shall relay any news onto him. Best wishes to all. Pete Higgins
date :  

Sat Apr 7 15:10:57 2007
email :  

tandp.yeates@btopenworld.com
name :  

Pat Yeates
comments :  

My father, Len Strange, survived the sinking of the Dorsetshire. He sadly passed away in April 1994. I believe that at 17 1/2 he was one of the youngest, if not the youngest on board at the time.Also on board at the time of the sinking was his older brother, Arthur, who was a swordfish pilot. He was sadly killed that fateful day. I would be interested to hear from anyone who might remember my Dad.
date :  

Sat Apr 7 14:30:46 2007
email :  

dicuffy@tiscali.co.uk
name :  

Christopher J Tunnell
comments :  

I would like to inform you that of your list of surviving serving men, of the Dorsetshire, sadly Harry Cuffling passed away earlier this year. His internment was at the reserved plots for Burma Star honoured men, on the Isle of Wight, 13th February 2007. He will be sadly missed by his surviving son Ron & 2 daughters June & Diane.
date :  

Tue Apr 3 14:04:31 2007
email :  

d.grohl@tiscali.co.uk
name :  

David Grohl
comments :  

I have just discovered that my now late Aunt's father died on the Dorsetshire on 5 April 1942. His name was John Woodward, a steward.I am in possession of his medals after my Aunt's death. If any surviving members of the crew have any memories of John I would be grateful if they would share them with me. Thank you for the website that has enabled me to find so much out about John's passing.
date :  

Sat Mar 31 22:56:49 2007
email :  

cambridge@ihug.co.nz
name :  

john cambridge
comments :  

This is a message to all survivors and friends and relations of the Dorsetshire Ass I hope you have a great time with your comrades and your memories,my late father C.P.O.Bill Cambridge.survivor will be with you in spirit I am sure,if any of you have any memories of him that you would like share I would be very gratefull.Kindest thoughts to you all,Regards John Cambridge