5.
Mar. 18, 2008

I found your web site while searching for some information on the Aircraft Carrier Argus and thought you might be a "starting point". I have a photo of my late father - Ronald Wagstaff (died 22nd April 1975) playing cricket and Mum (died 4th Sept 2004) has written on the back - Ronald Wagstaff 1943, Arbroath Scotland, opening bat 43 runs not out against HMS Ambrose.

He was on aircraft carrier Argus. He was a leading aircraftsman at the time (as far as I know) and I do have his service number if that is any help. I was wondering if you have any photos of the crew or personnel aboard the Argus around that time as I know very little about Dad's military service and would dearly love to find out "something" ?? My parents, plus myself and a younger sister, arrived in Australia in July 1948, so I have found it hard to find out where to search for information.  You may be able to steer me the right direction. Hope to hear from you soon, thanks for listening.

Judy Taylor
Melbourne, Australia

4.
Nov. 9, 2007

Hello, my name is Kevin Brickwood, I live in Quesnel British Columbia Canada and my father served on the Argus during the Second World War. My fathers name was Alexander W Brickwood. My father was a Band Sgt and has quite a collection of medals from the war of which he never discussed with me. My father died in 1987 Do you have a crew list from the Argus or have you any information on the ship or its duties during the war. I do know that he served on other ships during the war but not sure which ones. He was with the first wave of marines on Hiroshima and told me of stories associated with it. If you have any information on him please let me know.


Kevin Brickwood
School District 28
Manager--Site Development Cottonwood House Historic Site
Quesnel, British Columbia

3.
July 26, 2007

I have been speaking to an uncle of mine who tells me that my father Tom O'Donoghue was posted to HMS Argus as a signalman. He served on the Russian convoys as well as the Med. Do either of the two gentlemen shown on the Argus message board remember him. Unfortunately my father died in 2003 and he never recounted any of his was time stories to anybody.

Regards,
Dave O'Donoghue

(Sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I don't recall my Dad mentioning any particular names.
regards
Stan Holroyd)

2.
July 10, 2007

My dad Arthur Holroyd served on HMS Argus as an Able Seaman. He said its nickname was the Ditty Box cos without any superstructure apart from the little deck house it looked like a sailor's tin hat box. He too was in the Mediterranean, was it Force H (?) flying off planes to Malta, and at least one of the Russian convoys. He used to tell me about the time the Ark Royal was torpedoed and described seeing the planes on the deck sliding off as it heeled over. He described one other occasion when the cruiser Sheffield (?) shadowing them in the Med saved their bacon by shooting a Stuka out of the sky as it was about to dive bomb them.

I believe his action station was on one of the Oerlikon's. I also remember he said his best mate on board was killed whilst manning his gun at action stations. I know he was always upset if any film showed a burial at sea.
On the Russian convoy he said they went far enough north to see the lights of Spitzbergen. He also said it was so cold they spent loads of time on watches chipping off the thick ice that coated everything. I believe he said they flew off Spitfires to Russia.

I think after that it was used as training ship and for towing gunnery targets in the Clyde. After that he was sent out to Sri Lanka (Ceylon as was) on guard duty. I've often wondered, why waste an Able Seaman that way but I recently discovered that part of the Far East GCHQ outfit decoding enigma messages etc was based in Ceylon - so perhaps that was why? The only shipmate he contacted after the war was a chap (sorry I don't remember the name) I believe lived on the Yorkshire coast near either Hornsea or Withernsea.

Regards,
Stan Holroyd

1.
June 6, 2007

My Dad Reginald Arthur Dickinson served upon this ship 1940-43 as the ships butcher and his nickname was Butch. He was a Royal Marine and later joined the military police. He was a machine gunner at action stations and served in Malta and Russian convoys. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

Regards,
Lloyd Dickinson