11.
Nov. 15, 2009

My father Archibald McInally served on HMS formidable from 7th January 1942 till 7th December 1947. Sadly my father passed away on the 13th of November 1982, I am hoping someone can tell me what medals stars etc that my father would have received in his time in the navy. He also served on HMS Renown from 23rd August 1939 till 19th July 1941. I would also be grateful for any photos or information concerning his time in the Navy as we are putting together our family history.

Rachel Edgar (nee McInally)

10.
July 21, 2009

My father, Bob Hines, Dental Surgeon RNVR, served on Formidable and I have a very detailed handwritten log of events on board, while in the Pacific, with many photos - especially of crew and of Japanese planes.  Does anyone remember him?

Allan Selway

9.
June 3, 2009

I am a former Royal Marine who served aboard HMS Formidable in the Pacific Fleet during the end of the war with Japan. I am now 84 years of age and fumbling around on my computer found your page. Wonderful to see the old ship again as I was on board when we where hit twice in one week off Okinawa. And returned to Sydney for repairs, this was way back in 1945.

We left a number of shipmates in Australia who had married over there and there must have been a lot who returned later to live there. I most certainly enjoyed my visits on shore leave. No doubt the changes to Sydney has left it unrecognizable to when I was there in Wooloomooloo docks. (If that is how it was spelt). Goodbye for now I hope this gets to you.

Joe
Birmingham, West Midlands, England

8.
May 31, 2009

It is my sad duty to report the passing of James "Jim" R. Steel on May 22, 2009. Jim served in
Formidable, Colossus and Glasgow during World War 2. He died peacefully at age 88, and was privately cremated. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Jim to the Lyell McEwin Health Service Palliative Care Unit, would be appreciated.

7.
Jan. 24, 2009

My father, Harry Coopey (think he was nicknamed 'Chick') also served on the Formid, as he called her. He rarely
talked of the trauma of the war, always focusing on the comradeship and the japes that he and his buddies got up to. I'm not sure when he joined the ship but was told by a friend of his that he was on the flight deck during one of the kamikaze attacks (probably 4th May 1945) and that sailors either side of him were killed by the blast. 

It puts his reluctance to talk into perspective. Sadly Harry, who otherwise lived in Gloucester all his life, died suddenly in 1996 aged 74. He was a wonderful dad and I have a son who bears his name. Dad underwent training in the United States where he had a whale of a time - he and the other British sailors seemed to be as popular over there (Portland, Maine?) as the Yanks were over here. 

On board ship he was (I believe) an engineer, specializing in aircraft engines. He certainly talked about the Corsairs, Avengers and Hellcats and I treasure taking him to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton a few years before he died. They had a picture sequence and a sound recording of the kamikaze attack. I'm sure it was very emotional for him to see those pictures and stand in front of a genuine Corsair there, in all its glory.

I've attached a picture of Dad together with a scan of Neptune's warrant which was awarded to the first timers crossing the equator on 25th February 1945, as the ship steamed to join the Pacific Fleet ahead of the final months of the war.

My sincere best wishes go to all surviving crew members, please pass them on if you are able. 

Chris Coopey

Harry Coppey

 

Crossing the line certificate

6.
Jan. 23, 2009

I believe my father, Bob (or Robert ) Relf, served on the Formidable after the war. I would love to find out if anyone out there knows him. He was 82 yesterday and I would love to surprise him with a few names!!

Many thanks,
Ray Relf

5.
Nov. 10, 2008

My late father, John A Candy, was on HMS Formidable. We had a couple of photos of the time she was hit by a Kamikaze. He never had much to say about the time of war, I never pressed him to talk. He did say that he boxed for the ship I don't know how true that was I never questioned him. He was in the brig more than on the deck apparently, I believe he was a anti-aircraft gunner. We still miss him.

John Candy Jr.

4.
July 7, 2008

My father Sgt Eric Buss RM served on HMS Formidable during the Pacific Campaign. He also went to Manila to pick up Australian POWs, the sight of which must have affected him deeply as it was not spoken about until he was dying of lung cancer and so painfully thin that he mentioned at one time that "I look just like those poor devils we brought back from Manila". I would very much like to know if anyone remembers him. I am in contact with Andrew Ramsey and Joseph Jones RM if anyone remembers them also.

All Dad's memorabilia has been put into Museums now. His medals etc. have gone to the Royal Marines museum, his photo albums sent to the Naval museum in Portsmouth, his prewar photos to HMS St Vincent in Gosport and HMS Malabar in Bermuda. Before doing so I put all the photos on the web. His copy of The Formidable Commission is now in Alberta Museum Canada, I have enclosed a copy of the wonderful letter that I received. Dad joined the police force on demob, but he always said his happiest days were while he was in the Marines and my dearest wish was granted when I had a Royal Marine bugler at his funeral.

Best wishes,
Sandra Meacock

Sgt. Eric Buss RM

Sgt. Eric Buss RM (top right)

3.
May 8, 2008

My brother, Percy Stanley Williams, served on HMS Formidable and was killed in action by the Japanese Kamikaze off Okinawa in May'45, aged 19.............does any of the "crew" have any recollections or memories
of him? I believe his nickname was Brummie Williams. I would be most grateful to hear if you have.

Pauline Wilkinson.

2.
Mar. 17, 2008

My Dad was on the Formidable in the Pacific at the end of WW2 also taking POWs to Sydney after the war. His
name was Arthur Higgins, it would be nice to know if anyone knew of him.

Kind Regards,
Brenda Wells

1.
Feb. 18, 2008

My dad was on the HMS Formidable in WW2 can any one remember him, his name is Jimmy Miller or he may have had nickname it would nice to hear from any one who knew him.

Janet Bond