Name

"Paul Stevenson"

Date and Time

[31st January, Sunday, 2016, 16.00]

Hi Ray

Great web page. It was fantastic to see my dad's name (Stevenson.S. 1946). I have a lot of photos of my dad and his crew mates on the Barfleur that I would like to share if you're interested.

Kind regards

Paul Stevenson


Name

"Carey Edwards"

Date and Time

[1st March, Friday, 2013, 13.09]

Hi Ray

I stumbled across your website dedicated to the crew of Barfleur and the Mossie crew who took part in the trial in Gib, one of which was my father in law.  Do you have any further info on the trials?

Best regards

Carey Edwards


Name

"Patrick Kingwell"

Date and Time

[30th January, Wednesday, 2013, 17:16]

Dear All - just over three years ago my father Arthur Kingwell died. Going through some old photos recently I came across a number from his war service on the Barfleur. I think I may have several photos that are currently not included on your website. If you would like me to copy and e-mail them to you for inclusion, or just for your own interest, I would be pleased to do so. I also have an invitation to Jimmy Riggall's wedding which I can copy.

 Let me know.

Thank you for creating the Barfleur site - my dad enjoyed his time on the ship and often talked about it.

 Regards

 Patrick Kingwell 


Name

"Ray Lloyd"

Date and Time

[17th May, Thursday, 2012, 10:47]

Hi Ray.

Enjoying your site, I served on Barfleur Jan/Feb 1953 to July 1954, as a Leading Stoker Mechanic. We were with the third Flotilla at Malta after the Spithead Revue, the bulk of the crew had been on the Vigo, that had structural damage foreward and I believe was scrapped ,Barfleur taking her place. The 1953 photo could be at the Spithead Revue, we were well down off Southampton if my memory serves me correct.

The other claim to fame for Barfleur whilst I was aboard was that she was one of four RN ships that escorted the Royal Yacht, on her return to the UK with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh aboard from the Queens tour of the commonwealth 1954, we escorted from Malta.

 Excellent site.

Regards.

Ray Lloyd.

Ray would like to hear from ex-shipmates, to contact ray click HERE

 


Name

"Lorraine Harper"

Date and Time

[1st April, Friday, 2011, 06:35]

Hello, dont know if you can help me or not. During the war my Mam wrote to an Albert Springall, I still have the letters that he sent. By chance I looked on your website and to my susrprise found an email sent a number of yours ago from his daughter, sadly she must have changed her email address as it just bounced back. I dont know if through your website anyone would know of her whereabouts or how to get in touch or just more information. I know that he settled in Australia and for all I know he could still be alive. He definately did serve on HMS Barfleur.

In anticipation

Lorraine Harper

Can you help? to contact lorraine please click to following link lorraine.f.harper@gmail.com


Name

"Moby Farrands"

Date and Time

[27th March, Sunday, 2011, 05:19]

Hello, My sister and I have just found your wonderful website. Our father, William Barry Pennington,  served on the Barfleur as a Radar Officer,RNVR in 1945 + 1946. We don't have the exact dates or much info as he died suddenly when we were children, in 1968. We found some photos he took at the time, and have just managed to scan them. I've also found him in one of the photos on your site- He is 4th from the left, front row in the Ships Company. He and a colleague from the ship, Midshipman Cox, visited Nagasaki and took photos of the terrible ruins. I think he was known as Bill, but was later known by his second name, Barry.
Thanks for the website
best wishes,

Moby(Elizabeth) Farrands (nee Pennington)


Name

"Hugh Vivian"

Date and Time

[19th January, Sunday, 2010, 21:43]

I have been researching my late grandfather Cdr. M.S.Townsend. D.S.O.,O.B.E.,D.S.C.,R.N. came by your excellent website thank you.

Another piece for the puzzle! As he would not talk about his war years to anyone including his late wife.  So it has been slow.  The internet has been a godsend.

Thank You for making life a bit easier'

Hugh Vivian


Name

"JENNIE DALE" <jenniedale@btinternet.com>

Date and Time

[30 April, Thursday, 2009,21.23]

Hi there My Father Mr Steve Edwards was a Petty Officer and cook on the Barfleur.  Unfortunately he is no longer with us now, he was in the navy 1940/1947.  Does anyone remember him?


Name

"Jimmy Beaumont"

Date and Time

[31 January, Saturday, 2009, 16.50]

Hello Ray. My name is Jimmy Beaumont, I'm 66years old in march and I would like to tell you that my elder brother Stanley Beaumont from Darlington Co Durham served on the HMS Barfleur around the late 1940's early 50's.Think he was a cook. Not sure for how long (must be two years). Unfortunately he died a couple of years ago and I would love to know if anyone remembered him. I'm not sure about this but I was told by my parents that the HMS Barfleur was adopted by Darlington, maybe you know. Glad to have found your site, I will keep visiting often to read all the letters sent in, keep up the good work it's a very interesting.

Do you remember Stanley, if so click HERE to email Jimmy


Name

"Graham Connah"

Date and Time

[29 December, Monday, 2008, 06.41]

I served on Barfleur from September 1954 to August 1955, Mediterranean Fleet
and then Home Fleet. I was the ship's Coder. Is there anyone around from
that commission?

Graham Connah

Click HERE to email Graham


Name

"Stehanie Hess"

Date and Time

[27 October, Monday, 2008, 16.50]

Dear Ray,
 
I have enjoyed browsing your excellent website. My grandfather, J.B. Dunne, was one of the POWs transported on HMS Barfleur from Hakodate to Yokohama on the first leg of his journey home after 3 years and 8 months as a prisoner of the Japanese. He kept a diary throughout his years of captivity and you may be interested to know that in it he comments on the wonderful welcome and hospitality he and his fellow POWs received during their three days on board from September 14th to September 17th 1945.
 
with best wishes,
Stephanie Hess
 
South Africa

Name

"Jennifer Cutts" <jennifer@jennifercutts.co.uk>

Date and Time

[7 October, Tuesday, 2008, 21.40]

Hello,
 
I just wondered if anyone remembered my grandfather - he was a stoker called Guy Cutts.
 
Regards,
 
Jennifer Cutts

 


Name

"Doug White" <DWhite8683@aol.com>

Date and Time

[14 September, Sunday, 2008, 15.32]

An excellent site very well presented. It does rather knock any other prospective coverage of Barfleurs subsequent activities smartly on the head!. Not that I think anyone would be interested in doing so!.
Doug White (a much later Barlfleur commission)

 


Name

"William Fawns" <william.fawns@tesco.net>

Date and Time

[23 June, Monday, 2008, 12.33]

Hello,
Have been visiting site of "Barfleur", bringing back some great memories of a very happy ship. I am now 82years of age and think this is a great site, just wish I had found it sooner. I am Bill Fawns (Jock) from Dundee.
I joined the ship at Wallsend on 11.1.45 until 10.10.46.

I have been enjoying trips down memory lane this week, happy ones I may add as the Barfleur was a very happy ship.

Best wishes.
Bill.


Name

"Stephen Calvert" <stevecalvert@fsmail.net>

Date and Time

[10 January, Thursday, 2008, 22.31]

Hi

My Uncle, William ( Bill ) Mcguiness used to serve on the Barfleur, just found this out 2 nights ago so thought i'd do abit research on the internet for him

He's now in his 80's and lives still in Newcastle Upon Tyne, does anyone remember him?

yours

Steve


Name

"Dave Hills" <dj1937@optusnet.com.au>

Date and Time

[7 December, Friday, 2007, 05.24]

Hi Ray i jioned the Barfleur in 53 great ship and a great web site my mail dj1937@optusnet.com.au
Dave Hills

Name

"Jan" <janspen61@yahoo.co.uk>

Date and Time

[4 November, Sunday, 2007, 20.52]

Found your website interesting and am thinking of doing a similar thing with my father's diary and photos. His name was Charles Peter Harrison and he joined on 7 - 4 -1945. unfortunately he died a few years later, at the age of 28, and we have often wondered if visiting Hiroshima contributed to his death. He wrote for Monday 10th June, 'Went after dinner on a trip to Hiroshima, atom bombed city. Very grim sight. A few stone buildings left standing, but the rest flattened out.'
Good luck with the website, I shall keep having a look.

Jan Spencer


Name

Rod Stoneman <stoneyrodman@tiscali.co.uk>

Date and Time

[23 October, Tuesday, 2007, 20.00]

Ray, Congratulations on your website.  I had a draft chit to join Barfleur in late 1956 after being promoted to L/Sig. but fate took a hand, I had suffered a knee injury in October 1955 and further damaged the same knee in early 1956.  When doing my joining routine for Barfleur the MO decided I was unfit for sea because of the aforementioned injuries and I was declared "P7R."  Now this will be of no interest to you but I have some regrets that I did not join her for a commission in the Med.  Eventually I joined the Hogue, another Battle Class destroyer but that is another story.
Best Wishes,
Rod Stoneman

 


Name

Peter Cassidy (<cassidy7@supanet.com)

Date and Time

[16 June, Saturday, 2007, 00:39:]

Hi Raymond
Excellent website, keep up the good work.
My dad, Peter Cassidy, joined HMS Barfleur on 2 Feb 1946 and he was delighted when I copied him info. from the site.
For the record, he was not the Peter Cassidy who fought in the Spanish Civil War, as indicated in the message from Mike Arnott. That was actually his father, also named Peter Cassidy from Dundee.
Best Wishes
Peter Cassidy

 


Name

Fiona (fiona_eccles at yahoo.co.uk)

Date and Time

[05 february, Sunday, 2006, 13:01:07]

This is a great idea. My Great Uncle served on the Barfleur (John McIntyre) and talks about it often. Now I can see what he's talking about! My Mum found your site and has put him in touch with Harry Randall which really pleased him. He's looking forward to seeing the photos on the site. Thanks very much.


Name

Carol (ceebarg at yahoo.com)

Date and Time

[13 january, Friday, 2006, 23:43:21]

Greetings from BC Canada....What a fantastic site & job well done! Made my day in seeing my Dad's name on the HMS Barfleur's ships rating list. His name Stephens S (Sid)Stoker I formerly of 9,Wood Lane, Caterham, Surrey. Joined the Barfleur 11/1/1945. He still lives in Caterham & just turned 79 Nov 2005. I'm in contact with him via the phone & recently he told me about Navy News...tonight I searched via computer & was amazed to find a website for Barfleur. Going to phone him later & let him know! He will be one very happy fella. Dad always talks about his time on Barfleur & of 2 old shipmates Hughie Graham from Tynemouth & "Banger" Bracewell from Billingsworth Sussex. Perhaps there's others out there who may remember my Dad...if so look forward to hearing from you & will pass on messages to Dad. All for now, take care & many sincere thanks to all Sailors, who gave their all for those of us here today.
Kindest Regards,
Carol (Daughter of S Stephens)


Name

Alison Trauttmansdorff

Date and Time

[20 december, Tuesday, 2005, 19:47:00]

My Dad is listed on your site - W.Davies from Penybanc. He has banners from the Barfleur that we have just inherited for his little Grandson. My Dad sadly died on 28.11 after a battle with cancer. He kept a lot of material on his time on the Barfleur and Renown (mostly), so it was nice to see his name on the site.

Best regards,

Alison


Name

Ron Pedley

Url

http://www.pedleybell@aol.com

Date and Time

[01 november, Tuesday, 2005, 16:54:23]

Hi... my name's Ron PedleyI've just found the .
Barfleur web site... it's excellent
I served as a PO/RM(radar) on the Duke of York in the British Pacific Fleet... and tansferred to the Barfleur in Hong Kong in 1946... my demob group was deferred because they were short of Radar mechs. so I didn't get to go home on the DoY.... but at the tender age of 79 it was a refreshing reminder of my time on the Barfleur... she was agreat ship.. despite the problems I had with the new fangled 262 radar on the remote mounting to the twin Bofors on the afterdeck.... happy memories now although some of them didn't seem to be so at the time...

best wishes Ron Pedley


Name

Jane Northam (janenortham at btinternet.com)

Date and Time

[09 october, Sunday, 2005, 09:16:15]

I'm leaving this message on behalf of my aunt, Margaret MacMillan of Exmouth, Devon. Her husband John, served on the Barfleur (joined 11.1.1945). John, who we sadly lost in 1990, would, I believe have been thrilled with this site.


Name

Penny Griffiths (gary at sofa1.fsnet.co.uk)

Date and Time

[29 august, Monday, 2005, 16:44:47]

Hi

Just found out my dad served on the Barfleur from Jan 1945.

His name is Reg (Buck) Taylor.

Found this great site - loads of good photos. Don't suppose anyone remembers my dad or has a photo of him? Would love to know what he looked like back then...........

Thanks to all you sailors who gave us our todays.

Penny


Name

raymond ford (paulchambers at talktalk.net)

Url

http://www.great-lifestyles.co.uk

Date and Time

[13 july, Wednesday, 2005, 19:48:21]

Hi I understand you problems with this site sometime ago my father alfred chambers was on this ship many moons ago and is now living about 200 yrds from the address you have for him. Thanks for a great web site this will be on my fav for a long time to come . I am also ex navy hms kent and hms endurance .

Paul


Name

Daniel Lambourne (SIR_WHIRLWIND at yahoo.co.uk)

Date and Time

[06 july, Wednesday, 2005, 06:30:02]

My Grandad Sam Beresford served as an AB gunner on the Barleur in 1944 onwards. The site lists him here as S.Berdsford. Please can this be corrected to properly honour him. I would like to thank you for this wonderful site. Sam Beresfords Daughter and Son are both alive and would love to learn even more about him (As would i) If anyone knows more or can tell us more please could you help. his nickname was 'Stripey'and he was in his thirties during WW2.
Many thanks,
Daniel 'Beresford' Lambourne


Name

Adam Todman (atodman at southeastwater.co.uk)

Date and Time

[21 june, Tuesday, 2005, 07:14:59]

My maternal Grandfather Vic Greetham served on the Barfleur at the end of the war, and I found a photo of him on your excellent site. Unfortunately he died a few years ago and I never really spoke to him about his years in the service.
I was suprised at how far he had travelled on board the ship and all that he had seen.
He did however tell me that the half a finger he was missing got blasted up the barrel of one of those 4.5 inch guns biggrin

Great site and my Nan has got some photo's that I will try and dig out.


Name

John Edelsten (megnjohn at bigpond.net.au)

Date and Time

[17 may, Tuesday, 2005, 02:16:16]

At Last! A photo of my great-uncle Admiral Sir John Edelsten - many thanks.
John


Name

Dianne Springall (dartsdi at yahoo.com.au)

Date and Time

[22 april, Friday, 2005, 23:39:28]

Great website just found my dad in the pic of the boys in auckland.Albert (Bert) Springall


Name

mike arnott (dundeetuc at hotmail.com)

Date and Time

[05 april, Tuesday, 2005, 07:57:15]

Hi,
Just for information, the Peter Cassidy of Dundee who joined on 2nd Feb 1946 was an international brigader who fought in the Spanish Civil War.


Name

Roy (Mick) Mairs (roymairs at bt513qe.freeserve.co.uk)

Date and Time

[02 february, Wednesday, 2005, 16:52:52]

Just found your website by chance and also some interesting info on the BarF.
I have a number of photos from her last commission that you may be interested in and I'll dig them out and send them to you shortly. I served on her from 1957 until mid 1958 when I left to join s/ms and I never heard of her again after that.


Name

Andy Applegarth (A.Applegarth at chevinha.co.uk)

Date and Time

[11 january, Tuesday, 2005, 08:43:29]

Dear ray,
I've just discovered your excellent website.
My Dad (Roland Applegarth) served for a couple years on board HMS Barfleur in the final years of the war.
Before his sad death in 2002, we used to chat about his time in the Senior Service and he had many happy memories.
My mum still has many photo's in her possession, including one of all the ships crew gathered on the fore-deck. These may be of interest to you.
There are also anumber of photo's of his two best mates on board; 'Jock' and 'Geoff'--sorry no surnames.
Regards,
Andy.


Name

Mrs Maureen Taylor (maureentaylor52 at hotmail.com)

Date and Time

[20 december, Monday, 2004, 07:32:50]

My father, Arthur Wilson, served on HMS Barfleur from 2/4/1945. Unfortunately my father died in 1985 after suffering a heart attack at the age of 58.
He always talked about his time on HMS Barfleur and even took us onto it when it was docked at Harlepool.
His wife, my mother, Norma now lives in Dunscroft Doncaster and is 75 yrs of age.
He was very proud of his time aboard ship.
If possible I would love to hear from any of his shipmates or their families especially the person who gave my father a 1 Yen note when they were in Japan. There is a message and name on the back of it but I cannot read it.
Good luck with the web site.
Maureen taylor


Name

Kate Nicholson (kate.nicholson at btconnect.com)

Date and Time

[18 december, Saturday, 2004, 13:52:32]

Brilliant website - shame about the pen

Kate


Name

harry randall

Date and Time

[25 november, Thursday, 2004, 14:59:07]

May I repeat my previous comments which were unfortunately ruined together with many others and say I think your website is a brilliant idea and I hope viewers will leave their goodwill messages which are fully deserved


Name

mum

Date and Time

[14 november, Sunday, 2004, 08:56:21]

Dear ray. your father would have been very proud of this website in memory of his ship and all who served on her. malcolm and i are also very proud too. lots of love mum.


Name

Dick Turpin (dickt at lycos.co.uk)

Date and Time

[12 november, Friday, 2004, 15:05:08]

This is a really good site, lots of info, well done crazy