14.
Apr. 13, 2012

I served on R12 during period 78  79 as member of the Royal Marine Band under direction of the late Bob Baker. I recall a trip to the West Indies and whilst in Trinidad the band was asked to make up a cricket team as the real ship's sportsmen were double booked with a soccer match. Several West Indians from the then national side at that time turned out. I drew the short straw and opened bat that day first ball four runs leg bye. It was our only moment as we were all out for four. They declared after ten runs. Anyway just wondered if there is anywhere which might hold memorabilia from the ship Eg the score book from that day? So I can prove to my grandchildren. Any leads, long shot I guess but found the sight and enjoyed the recollections.

Thanks Clem Cocker
X RMB  4K2 mess

13.
Apr. 11, 2012

I was aboard USS AMERICA (CV 66) on 24 September 1977 when HMS HERMES pulled along side of Pier 7, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.  I enjoyed several days of getting to know some of her sailors. AMERICA departed for the Mediterranean on 29 September 1977. The night before we sailed, however, I remember closing the enlisted club at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk when the British sailors began singing, "I Am Sailing". We stood shoulder to shoulder with arms around one another singing together with glasses raised. I don't believe I've ever felt such camaraderie with any group of men before or since. I appreciated being with our "older brothers" and the long and proud history and traditions of the British Navy.  We walked back to the pier together. I really admired HERMES's sailors and their good natures.  

Many thanks,
Rick Cooley
Hagerstown, Maryland, USA

12.
Dec. 31, 2011

Much like many people posting on this message board, I would like to find out any information about my christening! I was born on 24th February 1973 and christened on the Hermes, presumably in the same year, as my dad, John Havlin, was serving on her. I have vague memories as a child of a christening candle in a blue cardboard holder that my mum had, but haven't seen in years. Is there any kind of register? Unlike the other people, I was told my name was engraved on the hull, is this the case, or was there a very large bell?! Any information would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,
Julie Havlin

11.
Oct. 23, 2011

Was so good to find this site, and hope to find a few old friends from 2N2 messdeck.  Was on The Hermes from ‘74 to ‘76 and loved every minute of it.  Long shot, but hope to hear from anyone.

Best wishes,
Paddy... Dirk Nelson
Steward

10.
Oct. 2, 2011

My name is Michael Anthony George Fenn and I was christened on HMS Hermes in July 1975. My father was at the time PO Fenn nickname Benn. I would love any information and pictures if any and I believe there is a bell and would love information on that please.

Thank you very much,
Michael Fenn

9.
Sept. 28, 2011

I'm looking for my father who served on HMS Hermes and HMS Victorious between 1954 and 1965 we think. He was a l.r.e.m (A) in the Fleet Air Arms on both these ships. We have his service number which is L/F 941366. I would like for you to either be able to trace him or for you to send me some contact numbers or sites on the net so we can trace him. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,
Miss Beverley Willner

8.
Aug. 19, 2011

Nice to some of the pictures of my old ship. I was also on the old girl in Montreal in 1974, and after our trip to Halifax the following year returned to Canada in 1976 to live. I was sorry to see her laid up and then transferred to the Indian Navy just 10 years after I left her.

I was also on the ship in the Cyprus evacuation, and remember the several births that took place while assisting refugees. I spent most of the trip looking after kids who were on their own, until we off-loaded them to Akrotiri. The horror some of the kids had endured gave me nightmares for many years. However what the ship was able to do that occasion made all the previous training etc., make sense and seem worthwhile.

If you want any more pictures of the ship, I have some around here in some old albums and would be willing to donate and send them to you.

All the best to my former shipmates, and any of the many people who traveled with us on our short trip off Cyprus that year.

Sandy Kent
Windsor, NS, Canada

7.
Aug. 12, 2011

In loving memory of my father CPO Michael Edward Lawrenson, who served on the HMS Hermes during the Falklands War. Until I can be your wee girl again – I'm sorry I never got the chance to say goodbye.

With love your daughter,
Michelle

Chief Petty Officer Michael Edward Lawrenson.

6.
Apr. 13, 2011

We are looking for people that worked at HMS HERMES during the evacuation of British Citizens from Kerynia-Cyprus during the 23 July 1974 to tell us the story. That day, a Cypriot lady was helped on the HMS HERMES and gave birth to a boy that she immidietly named Hermes.

Best Regards,
Christodoulos Chambi

5.
July 12, 2009

I have recently heard that if you were christened on a ship your name is on the ships bell. I was christened on HMS Hermes in probably about 1970 (Suzanne Clare Martin). My father was in the Fleet Air Arm and served on HMS Hermes (David Martin). I don't have much info as he died not long after I was born. Could you let me know if it is the case that my name is on a ships bell, and if so where it might be now?

I only found it out as a friend of mine that I have just met since moving to New Zealand, her husband was also christened on a ship and they discovered that the bell from his ship is in a museum in Auckland and when they went to see it - low and behold his name was indeed on it!

I got very excited and started looking into it on the internet, which is when I came across your message site. I have noticed that the Canadian Naval Museum have a website to research 'christening bells'. I don't hold out too much hope - I see from looking that the HMS Hermes was sold and recommissioned as the INS Viraat, so I don't know what that means for the bell! It is amazing what you can find out on the internet!  Fingers crossed that someone responds to my message. Many thanks for any information you have.

Suzanne Hails

4.
Aug. 27, 2008

I would like to contact AB Geoff Barker, who was on HMS Hermes around 1967 when she paid a visit to
Mombasa, Kenya. Can you help?

Thanks,
Sandi Consadine

3.
Nov. 4, 2007

I was just scanning the web for info on the HMS Hermes, when your site popped up, the shot of the HMS Hermes sailing into Montreal in 1975, bought back some wonderful memories, I was there. I was serving with the Royal Marine Ships Detachment as a crewman on the H1 LCVP, 1975-1976 (4K4 Mess deck).

That deployment was very memorable because of all the ‘great runs ashore’ and the great bunch of guys that were in the detachment at the time. Prince Charles was onboard throughout the 4 month deployment and I had the opportunity to go on a diving banyan with him and others whilst the ship was in Curacao. Wonderful days…I still miss them.

Best regards,
Stephen Leaney
Former RM PO30244X – now working in Angola

2.
Oct. 15, 2007

I would like to know if you have any information on HMS Hermes as I was christened on it.
I have been told that the names appeared on the ships bell. If this is so was the bell kept and put into a museum, before the ship was sold?

Many thanks,
Lee Message

1.
Apr. 12, 2007

I would like to know if you have any more information on HMS Hermes as I was christened on board this ship in Portsmouth in 1982 and I would love to see a log or pictures from then. I am also looking for
people/crew who could have been there. I would be grateful for any info I was christened Kerry Louise Pritchard

Kerry