Naval Historians, Crew & Family
Noticeboard
W & Z Class destroyers, Message Board for
naval enthusiasts and crew descendents of W & Z Class Destroyers. This
website is not part of any governmental body or official websites of W
& Z Class Destroyers.
MESSAGES
HMS WRANGLER
KEN
"BERTIE" DRIVER
I
served on Wrangler, sailed with her to the Med after the 1953
Spithead Review, spent time in the Bitter Lakes and on Suez patrols,
earthquake relief at Poros in Keffalonia and searched for the wreckage of
the ill fated Comet airliner "Yoke Peter" off Elba.
She
was a fine ship with a wonderful ship's company.
She
was sold to South Africa in 1956 who, to their everlasting shame accorded
to her the undignified end of being sunk in gunnery practice.
HMS WIZARD
FRANK LEECH... My
Great Uncle Frank Leech born in 1914 and originally from Liverpool
joined the Royal Navy in 1932 and followed his brother (George William
Leech) into the submarine service in 1935. He served on a variety of
submarines including HMS Olympus and HMS Starfish. In 1944 he rejoined the
surface fleet serving for a short time on the destroyer HMS Wizard prior
to his demobilisation. Mr Leech said: "Every time I wear this medal I
shall think of all those submariners who went down, particularly those
onboard HMS Olympus, which was carrying survivors from three other
submarines when she hit a mine."
DENNIS KENNEDY.. My father, Dennis, served
on HMS Wizard during WW2. He was at the invasion of Normandy and at Tokyo
Bay for the Japanese surrender. He is still alive an we have photos. Any
who know my father
WILLIAM CRAIG.. My
grandfather, William, served on HMS Wizard in WW2 and I have been unable
to find a print or picture of the ship. I would be delighted if anyone can
help.
HMS ZENITH..
My dad served on Zenith
and then
HMS Aisne.
I am looking for pictures of both.
HMS MYNGS
GEORGE DENNIS PRITCHATT.... My father George Dennis Pritchatt served on HMS Myngs
between 1947-1948 and HMS Nelson between 1947-1950. I would like to make
contact with anyone who may have served with my father.
NORMAN SPENCER.. My father was a signalman
on HMS Fleetwood and HMS Myngs. Still signalling and would like to hear
from any old shipmates. I would also appreciate any pictures of Myngs.
My father was signalman on HMS Myngs during
WW2 and over the past years have become involved with the Z Class
Destroyers Association. There is a website dedicated to Z Class destroyers
My brother served on HMS Myngs
and
I am looking for any information on the ship and any photos of the crew or
ship. If you can help please contact Mr M Jones at
HMS
ZODIAC
I am looking for photos and
details of Zodiac
as my father served on the ship. If anyone can help
contact J Metcalf at
JAMES EDWARD YOUNG..
My father served on HMS
Zodiac
during WW2. I am looking for anyone who may have known my father
and would like to see any photos of HMS Zodiac
and her crew.
HMS Whelp.. ARTY NEWTON.. I was a member of
the Whelp's ships company from April 1944 when the ship was commissioned
at Heburn on the Tyne until 2nd December 1945 when I left the ship in
Sydney as I intended to stay in Australia having met my beloved in
Melbourne in May 1945 whilst we had a 7week refit. My mate Jesse James
from Staffordshire had also made plans to stay in Australia with me but he
backed out unfortunately. I was stationed at Flanders Naval Depot in
Melbourne until I was finally discharged on 24th September 1946. I was
married on 13th July 1946 and eventually joined the Victoria Police Force
until retiring in July 1985. I would love to hear from anyone who served
on the Whelp or our sister ships HMS Wager, HMS Wakeful, HMS Wessex, HMS
Whirlwind, HMS Wizard, HMS Wrangler..
HMS WHIRLWIND.
DAVE (JOCK) MacDONALD..
I served on HMS Whirlwind "boys mess" in 1948, and would very
much like to hear from any old oppos.
Can you help. I am a cadet at T S Whirlwind
a
sea cadet unit in Orpington. HMS Whirlwind
is our affiliated ship. I would
be grateful for any photos or information on HMS Whirlwind
as I am
compiling a portfolio about the ship.
