REGISTERED CHARITY
REGISTRATION NO. 1066002

HMS Falmouth's Ships Bell

John Crawford, who was the last Jimmy on HMS FALMOUTH when she was de-commissioned (for the second time) in December 1984. Is interested in tracing the ship's bell, as his son was christened in it. He thought (hoped!) it would be hanging in Falmouth Branch headquarters, but no.

If anyone has any useful information please contact Falmouth Branch Seretary Ron Burdekin

Tribute to Bill by Ron Burdekin

Bill joined the Royal Navy on 1st July, 1942, two days before his 20th birthday. After basic training at HMS Royal Arthur, he trained as a Jack Dusty (Stores Assistant). On completion of his trade training, a six month drafting to a shore base near Swansea preceded his first - and only - sea-going draft. He was sent to Hebburn-on-Tyne, to Hawthorn Leslie's Shipyard, to join a new Destroyer, Job No; J4294. He was involved in provisioning with stores and supplies, prior to the ship commissioning as HMS Saumarez on 21st June, 1943.
After sea trials, Saumarez was sent to Scapa Flow, where one of her first escort duties was to Canada, escorting the liner Queen Mary, with Winston Churchill on board. In October 1943, Saumarez was detailed for convoy escort duties to and from northern Russia. Russian convoys were subject to constant attack by enemy aircraft, submarines and surface craft from occupied Norway. In addition they suffered atrocious winter weather conditions: fog, snow, icebergs, and ice forming on the upper decks. Often the severity of the weather was their only respite from enemy attack.
On Boxing Day 1943, whilst escorting convoy RA55A, news was received that the Battleship Scharnhorst was at sea. Together with several other ships, including the battleship Duke of York, Saumarez pursued Scharnhorst, firing four torpedoes and scoring hits with two of them. However, she suffered damage herself, and eleven of her ship's company were killed, and several others badly injured. Bill's personal diary for the following day reads: "At sea all day and all night in rough weather, attending to the sick and wounded. Several burials at sea, including a twin brother. I assisted the M.O. with operations and amputations."
Bill also saw action at Dunkirk with Saumarez, as Leader of the 23rd Destroyer Flotilla. Then it was back to the Russian convoys, before escorting the Carrier HMS Formidable to the Far East, where she remained until the end of the war, seeing action several times against the Japanese. Saumarez eventually returned to Devonport in September 1946, and Bill was demobbed from the Royal Navy on 10th September. His years at sea had obviously given him a taste for it, as he later joined the Merchant Navy, in which he served for more than 20 years.
In September 1982, Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association was re-formed and re-commissioned after a break of some 30 years. Bill was a Founder Member of the re-formed Branch, and served on the Branch Committee without a break. After a period as Deputy, he became our Branch Standard Bearer, a post which he filled with pride and distinction. Although well past the age at which Standard Bearers usually pass on their harness and gauntlets, he continued until April 2008, when the need for a hip replacement caused him, with great reluctance, to step down. Without doubt, he was one of the longest serving Standard Bearers in Cornwall, in Area 4 of the RNA, and probably beyond.
For his years of unstinting service to the Branch, he was awarded Life membership of the Royal Naval Association in February 2005. He could count among his friends and acquaintances all ranks and ratings, from admirals to ordinary seamen. I think one of his proudest moments was, when with other representatives of the Russian Convoy Club, he was presented to HRH the Countess of Wessex at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Somewhat belatedly, along with other survivors of "the Forgotten Fleet", he was also decorated by the Russians.
He was a fount of knowledge about the early days of the Branch. Many is the time I have picked his brains, to receive almost instantly an answer to a question about a person, a place or an event Bill was a great one for keeping records, no doubt as a result of the trade training he received at the start of his Naval career.
Bill has received his final draft chit. We shall not see him again, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were privileged to know him, love him, and respect him, whether family, friends, work colleagues or shipmates.

Falmouth Branch Remembers

Fifty years ago, on 25th February, 1961, two young Naval Airmen, stationed at RNAS Culdrose had been selected to represent the air base in a cross country race. As they travelled by car, they were involved in an accident with a lorry near Bodmin.
Trevor Garrod, the passenger, received serious head injuries, but the driver, Keith Madgwick died of his injuries. To this day, Trevor believes that his friend’s last action, taking what evasive action he could, saved his life. This was confirmed by police evidence at the inquest.

Members of Falmouth Branch pay tribute at the grave of Naval Airman Keith Madgwick

Keith Madgwick lies in the Naval section of Helston cemetery, and on many occasions, Trevor has travelled from his home in Paisley near Glasgow, to pay his respects at his friend’s grave, to the man who he says “gave me 50 years of life”.   However, on the 50th anniversary of his friend’s death, ill health prevented him from making the pilgrimage.
He rang Ron Burdekin, Secretary of Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association, who agreed to lay a wreath on his behalf on the 50th anniversary of Keith’s death.  The Falmouth Branch Standard and several members of the Branch were in attendance, and Branch Chairman Mick Stevens conducted a short service of remembrance.
When approached by the West Briton newspaper at his home in Paisley, Trevor said that Falmouth RNA had ‘done him proud’, and he was extremely grateful for all they had done.
Mick Stevens paid tribute to Trevor’s actions in perpetuating the memory of his friend.
The Thank you letter from Trevor Garrod can be viewed here

Sea Sunday
18th July 2010.

See The Photographs Here

Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association has been proud to be associated with the organisation of Sea Sunday in Falmouth for the past 27 years.  This year, 2010, is The Year of the Seafarer, and also marks the 60th year of the Royal Naval Association nationally.
In conjunction with the Town Council and the Church of King Charles the Martyr, we invite all who have a connection to, or an affiliation with, the sea and seafaring to join us.

Programme of events:

10:20 am    Parade forms up on The Moor.
Parade will be led by
THE BAND OF HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL MARINES, PLYMOUTH
And will consist of: Royal Navy contingent (t.b.c.); Royal Naval Association
and other ex-service organisations; Civic dignitaries;
Sea Army and Air Cadets; Scouts and other youth organisations

10:40 am    Parade will march from The Moor to Church of King Charles the Martyr.

11:00 am    Sea Sunday Church Service.

12:00 noon Parade re-forms, march to Events Square.
           (approx)     (The Salute will be taken by Lady Mary Holborow JP, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall)

12:30 pm    Reception for invited guests.

Falmouth Branch,  Royal Naval Association
Hon. Secretary:   S/M  Ron Burdekin
TEL: 01326 221851   
e-mail: ronburdekin@yahoo.com

Naval Aviation Lunch

Ninety members and friends of Falmouth Branch gathered at the Falmouth Beach Hotel for a lunch to mark the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation.  Guest of Honour was Cdr Ian Fitter, recently appointed Commander (Air) at RNAS Culdrose.   In an entertaining and informative after-lunch speech, Cdr Fitter gave some interesting historical detail, including the fact that the Royal Flying Corps was first formed in Sheerness.   By coincidence, our Branch Vice President, Ted Turvey, now aged 92, was born in Sheerness that same year!
Following his speech, Branch Chairman Mike Stevens gave a resume of Ted's naval career, including the fact that he was present off the River Plate when the German battleship Graf Spee was scuttled.   Mike then invited Cdr Fitter to present Ted with his Certificate of Life Membership of the Royal Naval Association, for services to Falmouth Branch since it was re-formed in 1982.

Photographs can be seen Here

For several years, members of the Branch have assisted Penryn RBL during their annual Poppy Collection week.    Our picture shows Shipmate Les Blackett (left), Vice Chairman of Penryn RBL presenting Shipmate Peter Giles ( a former Chairman of the Branch) with a Certificate and pin to mark 15 years of collecting for the Poppy Appeal.

100 years of Naval Aviation.

To mark this important milestone, Falmouth Branch will be hosting a lunch on Sunday, 21st June, at the Falmouth Beach Hotel, Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, 1230 for 1300 hrs.
An invitation is extended to interested personnel, particularly ex-FAA to join us for the occasion.    Our Guest of Honour and Speaker will be Cdr Ian Fitter, recently appointed Commander (Air) at RNAS Culdrose.
Cost: £14.00 per head, (cash with order)
To reserve your place(s) please contact Branch Secretary Ron Burdekin, on 01326 221851 (mobile: 07810 404418) or e-mail ronburdekin@yahoo.com
Numbers are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Monthly meetings:
4th Wednesday of each month
at
The Boslowick Inn
Prislow Lane
FALMOUTH
TR11 4PZ

Falmouth Branch, 25th Anniversary

Shipmates and friends of Falmouth Branch of the Royal Naval Association celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the re-commissioning of the Branch with a lunch at the Falmouth Hotel on Friday, 21st September. Branch Secretary Ron Burdekin welcomed those present, and read out a number of apologies for absence and messages of congratulation. Among those unable to be present were several Branch Members, either on holiday, working, or indisposed. Branch President Commodore Tony Hogg was unable to attend, due to two previous engagements, and Cdr Paddy McClurg, General Secretary of the Royal Naval Association, was unable to attend at the last minute, due to a family bereavement.
Messages of congratulations included several RNA Branches, RFA Mounts Bay, RFA Lyme Bay, Falmouth Merchant Navy Association, and Falmouth and Penryn Sea Cadets.

The Branch Chaplain, Rev Stephen Tudgey said Grace, and those present proceeded to enjoy an excellent three course lunch. Following the lunch, Shipmate Richard Hart, Chairman of Area 4 (South West Flotilla) of the Royal Naval Association, deputising for General Secretary Paddy McClurg, presented Branch Chairman Mick Stevens with a framed Certificate, marking the occasion. In his remarks, Richard made reference to other important events that had occurred 25 years ago, in particular the Falklands Conflict.
In his response, Shipmate Stevens continued the theme of important or memorable events of 1982, including the raising of the Mary Rose - thus disproving the submariners theory that it was only submarines that went to the bottom and came up again! He also paid tribute to the work of his predecessors as Chairman of the Branch, in particular to Harold (Thommo) Thompson, who had held the post for some seventeen years, and to whom the Branch owed a great deal.
Shipmates Ted Turvey, Bill Marshall and Don Herbert, three of the four members of the Branch who were present at the first meeting of the re-commissioned Branch at the Headquarters of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 23rd September, 1982 were presented with commemorative tankards to mark the occasion, and the Secretary and Treasurer later visited Shipmate John Kipling, to present him with his tankard.
After the toast ''The Queen'', Shipmate Hart invited guests to join him in the toast to ''The Royal Naval Association, Falmouth Branch'', and Shipmate Alan Polley proposed the toast to ''Absent Friends'', remembering those past members of the Branch who have Crossed the Bar, and those who, for whatever reason, were unable to be with us to celebrate the occasion.
The proceedings concluded with the auction of a bottle of Pussers' Rum, purchased in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and kindly donated for the occasion by C.P.O. Mark Thompson of RNAS Culdrose.

Shipmate Ron Burdekin
Branch Secretray

We extend an open invitation to members of all RNA Branches, who may be in the Falmouth area on meeting nights, to join us.

For further information please contact the Secretary of
Falmouth Royal Naval Association
Ron Burdekin who can be contacted
at
23, Glebe Close, Mawgan, Helston, Cornwall. TR12 6AA
Tel: 01326 221851 (Mobile: 07810 404418)
or e-mail ronburdekin@yahoo.com