39.
May 10, 2012

My brother, Alexander Bowman, was an Able Seaman on HMS Illustrious from, as far as I know, 1940 till 1945. Sadly he died in 1960 and I don't know what his duties were on HMS Illustrious.

Regards,
Jim Bowman

38.
Apr. 13, 2012

I have a great b/w photo of this carrier I've dragged around for 60 years. I'm 66 and emigrated to Australia in 1970. My father was Chief ERA, Edwin Jeffrey Jones and on duty during the Battle of Taranto surviving but hospitalised because of severe diesel fuel ingestion and associated complications. He was a member of the HMSI Association and attended the reunion in Malta some years back aboard the newer
replacement HMS Illustrious. He died in Colwyn Bay, North Wales on 23rd October 1991.

I have my Dad's copy of Kenneth Poolman's "Illustrious" published by William Kimber, London 1955. I'll pick up some further memorabilia from the HMSI Association for my collection of material from this and other ships my
father served on - HMS Worthing, Forth, Suprise, Adventure, & Repulse, plus others I'm still tracking down.

Cheers,
David Jones
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

37.
Jan. 21, 2012

My great uncle, Harry Fitzpatrick, was killed on the HMS Illustrious and I am trying to contact Paul Hoggins (Message #34) who said Harry was his Grandfather - which means we are relatives. I would really like to make contact with him if he is interested. Harry's sister, Ellen, was my grandmother. It would be excellent to share any info we have - and to say hello!

Maggie Mackenzie

36.
Dec. 24, 2011

My late father, Raymond John Smith, known as “John” served on HMS Illustrious from Nov 1943 – Oct 1945. He passed away in 2009, having never really spoken of his time in service to country and I am trying to locate as much information as I can to build a picture of him to keep for his grandchildren. I have managed to obtain his rudimentary service record and am aware the ships squadron was 810 during his time onboard. His rank was “Acting Petty Officer Radio Mechanic”.  

I would love to know if anyone has information/stories and/or photos which may show my dad. He was moved (lent) around to many ships (probably due to his skill set) - including HMS Pioneer, from which I have some photos with him in, but any new ones would be great. My mum never got much info out of him in their 60 years together, so anything anyone can provide would make her very happy also.

Kind regards,
Tim Smith
Thetford, U.K.

35.
Nov. 1, 2011

Delighted to have just discovered your website. My Dad served on the Illustrious during World War Two. His name was Terence Finnegan and he was born on 4th November 1920 in Liverpool. We have some photos which he treasured. He passed away just two years ago. He often spoke of his crew mates and sadly of those who were killed in action. Is it possible to find a crew list or any information on those who served in the Royal Navy on this ship at the time?

Yours sincerely,
Veronica McDonnell

34.
Oct. 18, 2011

I discovered your website and found some fantastic pictures. My particular interest is HMS Illustrious. My grandfather, Harry Fitzpatrick, was killed when the carrier was bombed near Malta on January 10th 1941 but I know little of his role. What particularly excited me was the picture of 806 Squadron that pops up on the message board because that was Fitz's squadron when he was killed. I've seen enough pictures of him to be fairly sure that he is not in that line-up (it doesn't specify when it was taken) but I would love to ask the provider of the picture (Ern Ringwood) if Harry Fitzpatrick is a name he has come across. My grandfather was a Telegraphist Air Gunner who was an Acting Leading Airman at the time of his death. He is named on the Fleet Air Arm Memorial at Lee on Solent in Hampshire. Thanks for your time and thanks for the website.

All the best,
Paul Hoggins

33.
July 14, 2011

Would you show the photo and if those who are alive contact me.

Thanks,
Ern Ringwood

806 "B Flight" Squadron HMS Illustrious, Ern Ringwood is seen middle row, 3rd from right.

32.
Feb. 22, 2011

Please does anyone know of my late father, Able Seaman Harry Binns, he was in the navy during the war and later served on the Kingston Line, Hull as a stoker. I believe he might have been involved in rescuing another crew member when his ship was hit but I don't know the name of the ship.

Kind Regards,
Vivienne O'Shea

31.
Feb. 20, 2011

I am doing some research for my husband whose father was Harold Knight Stoddard-Howell. He was on the Illustrious when it was bombed on 10/1/1941.  His rank was Air Artificer, Petty Officer.  He was attached to the 815 Swordfish Squadron.  We know he was injured and spent time in Malta convalescing,  His Navy Records show that he was on the Illustrious from 24/11/1940 until 13/2/1941 when he went to Grebe in Alexandria.  Has anyone any other information on when he rejoined the Illustrious after he was injured??  Do you know of any other places we can research on the Illustrious.

Thanks,
Diane & Richard Stoddard-Howell
New Zealand

30.
Jan. 16, 2011

After reading Richard Griffin's account of life in 815 Squadron in the 40's on the HMS Illustrious aircraft carrier on this web site how can I find out any more info about the men etc of this squadron? My father was in the 815 Squadron on the HMS Illustrious in the 1940's and is mentioned in Richard's account, how can I find out the other pilots or crew members names and records on this aircraft carrier, also records of the  navy cadet school HMS Ganges, Shotley, Suffolk for 1938 onwards. Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards
M. J. Gissing

29.
Nov. 21, 2010

My father Carson Gray was Ship's Writer on Illustrious I have a piece of the Kamikaze plane which he brought back. He was from Belfast and died several years ago. I recently found his Burma Star medal with his Pacific clasp. He received 7 medals during the war.

Kind Regards,
William Gray

28.
Oct. 24, 2010

My father Roy Evans was a sailor on the HMS Illustrious After the war I have a few pics some are a plane crashing into the deck. Thanks for your website.

Simon Evans

27.
Oct. 12, 2010

How do I find a list of crew members and photos for HMS Illustrious 1939. looking for information on Edward Cooke (now sadly passed away) who served on this ship. Not sure which year.

Regards,
Ray Worth

26.
Sept. 17, 2010

We are HMS ILLUSTRIOUS ASSOCIATION and were unaware of your website until our National Chairman found it yesterday. We were originally the Old Illustrians, founded just after the Vth ILLUSTRIOUS was commissioned. We changed our name so that members of the Ship's Company of the Vth ILLUSTRIOUS could join. We still have 44 members who served on IVth ILLUSTRIOUS in WWII. We have a total of 262 members, full and associate. I will put your website address in our September 2010 newsletter. Maybe some of our members knew the people who are mentioned in your entries. Do please give my details to anyone who mentions the Old Illustrians on the Message Board. Thank you.

Regards,
Diane Coleman
National Secretary
HMS ILLUSTRIOUS ASSOCIATION

25.
Aug. 20, 2010

My father, William Foot, was on the Illustrious during WW2. Around 1942, he visited some relatives in Washington on a days leave. He had dinner with them and even had his photo taken for the local newspaper - a copy of which I have. Recently, they sent me a leather cigarette case which he gave them. It is engraved with 'H.M.S. Illustrious' - a very special memento! It was great to look at the photos on the website. Is there any way I can find out exactly when he was on the ship?

Margaret Finch