HMS Indefatigable
Message Board

9.
Nov. 14, 2008

I have just stumbled across your site. It is superb, just like Christmas, been looking at all sorts. Looking at Indefat. today and noticed a plea from "Derek Webb" re 1951. I was in her then until 53, serving in Pay Office on Upper Yardmen ledger. There was a very distinguished roll call!  Only the best for RN UY. 

I was a Writer of course and our S & S mess was just off the Flight Deck (private sponson) abaft the Island. Long way for Libertymen and for shore galley as cook of the mess in dry dock. Oh times were hard then but very pleasant, especially when we moved off the milk cans for the Home Fleet (Training Squadron) jaunts. Long way, winter nights MFV to/from Weymouth/Portland but a good run ashore. Here is some proof (see below).

Best regards,
H.A. (Tug) Wilson  

8.
Sept. 15, 2008

Hi, my name is George Hicks, former RAN Photographer and am trying to locate details of my Mother in laws partner, Leonard [Michael] Nowers. Michael, as we know him is now in a Nursing Home and we would like to fill in our knowledge of his early life in the RN and specifically while he was onboard Indefatigable. Any information would be very appreciated.

George Hicks


7.
Aug. 4, 2008

I have sent the group picture of the crew of the Indefatigable (see page 1, photo 2) and have marked the man
at the top (very top of photo between propellers). I think it was my Father his name Frederick Ramsbottom. I have also sent another photo of him (see below) with two other sailors he is the one on the right. If it is at all possible and you have a higher resolution photo you could send me the bit with my father on.

Roy Ramsbottom




6.
Dec. 6, 2007

Dear Paul, Sean and Derek,

It was great to hear from you with your information. I would be very interested in seeing some of the photographs you have.

I recently looked on Youtube and found some film footage of the Indefatigable out in the far east during the war with commentary and planes landing on flight deck. The film was of quite good quality and you may be interested to have a look yourself, or see if you find any further information/footage.

I hope you find the above of interest and I would love to hear how you get on.

Best wishes,
Trevor Silvey


5.
Nov. 30, 2007

My grandfather Raymond Jelley served on the Indefatigable from 42/3 onwards, he has recently passed away and I would be keen to know if anyone knew or had information about his time on the ship.

Regards,
Paul Morris


4.
Nov. 22, 2007

Just been reading posts about HMS Indefatigable. My dad was on it and new the official photographer of the ship and have loads of photos of the ship, planes and Kamikaze attack on it and the signing over on the ship. I think Mountbatten was on it in a photo?. Got the ships xmas menue pics of all the cakes, ships monkey and all; my dad was John Hough aka Hamper Hough. Hope that helps some one?

Sean Hough


3.
Sept. 5, 2007

I served on the Indefatigable between 1951-52 as a communications rating. It would be great if you could send me any info on any body who served at this time. The captain was called Capt. Grant         

Many thanks,
Derek Webb


2.
July 10, 2007

Just seen your mail, unfortunately I don't have any info on your father but my father was an able seaman at the time of the Japanese aircraft attack. My father, John McCaffrey, died in 1977 I was 13 at the time. He told me stories about his time on the carrier which are vague now. I have tried to get any info about the crew or any stories or pictures, you are the first connection that I have came across. Would be grateful for any info however small.

Thanks,
Paul McCaffrey

July 29, 2007
Reply 1

Hi Paul, it was great to hear from you. I must apologize for taking some time to reply but I have recently moved but now my e-mail is back up and running.

I have seen some of the photos of the ship going through the Suez Canal and on to Singapore and it all ties in with what my father said about his story of the ship running aground and also the ferrying of troops to Singapore. As I said before my dad was a replacement for members of the crew that were killed by the Japanese plane attack. That's basically all the stories that I can think of at this time.

I do remember my father telling me about his visit to Sydney Australia. Unfortunately I too have very little information to pass to you but I hope the above helps. Dad seemed to speak more about the times he was off the ship, than on it!! It was clear however that he just loved the life and times he had.

Please keep in touch. Best wishes.
Trevor

Oct. 28, 2007
Reply 2

Re AB John McCaffrey....Hello Paul, I was on the ship during the Far East time as a seaman in 8 Mess amongst others. I am almost certain that your dad was in the same mess for I believe his name to be familiar but cannot remember him.

Get in touch...
Les Wills,
Chairman HMS Indefatigable Association.
Nov. 4, 2007
Reply 3

Hello Les,
Thanks for e-mail. I was 13 when my dad died so don't have any info to help me. I remember him saying he had to have his appendix out while on the ship, does that help. He also said he had his finger trapped or cut on a machine gun on deck. Also a Japanese plane crashed into side of the ship. Does any of that sound familiar. Have you any photos of the ship or ships company.

Thanks,
Paul McCaffrey


1.
Mar. 8, 2007

My name is Trevor Silvey, I am the eldest son of Frederick Silvey who joined the ship as a replacement after the ship was hit by a Japanese plane. He served in the engine room between 1946-48.

Very sadly Frederick Silvey has very recently passed away but I am very interested in hearing from people who may have known him or can give me more information of his time on the ship.

I await in anticipation of hearing from anyone who may be able to give me further information, or from fellow crew members.

With very best wishes.
Trevor Silvey



To post a message, comment or reply please email the webmaster.
All replies will be forwarded to the original sender.