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2291 entries.
Tony (Woody) Woodruff wrote on November 30, 2023 at 13:56
Just had a look at the website after many years and a read through the guest book. Good to see so many familiar names of friends and shipmates. Thinking of you all and those still on patrol. Woody
Mick Braid wrote on August 16, 2023 at 18:53
Hi Andrew hope you are well. I remember the bike ride to Coventry well for the wrong reasons. I had just completed the inter service marathon with PTI john Haynes. I thought it would be a piece of cake after that. WRONG it was a nightmare my backside felt like it had been stung by a thousand wasps. Happy days. Get my old pension next year seems only yesterday we were in 2Q Stbd.
Martin Kirkbride wrote on July 20, 2023 at 13:30
During the next couple of months I am doing some presentations on 'The Coventry Story' for the RNA. The presentations are about Coventry Cathedral, Coventry Reconiclliation Ministry, and the Cross of Nails. There is reference to D118, but this is in the context of the relationship with Coventry and the Cross of Nails. As one who wasn't with you in May 82 I wouldn't presume to tell the ships story - that is your story to tell not mine. See you in the Still & West next May, Martin
Andrew Thomas wrote on July 15, 2023 at 06:09
Mick Braid ,,, I remember the bike ride from Pompey to Coventry. I think it was around April, 1979 and was to raise money to buy a canal boat for a group who ran holidays for disadvantaged kids
Chris Howe MBE wrote on May 29, 2023 at 15:37
Shipmates et al, following the service of remembrance on Sat 27 May, at the Holy Trinity Church in Coventry, many asked me on Sat evening at the reunion (and since) for a copy of my poem which was read during the service. Having been humbled once again by so much positive feedback and by so many emotional comments, I have decided to create a small memorial booklet with all 5 of the poems I have written since 2019 in memory of our shipmates left on patrol. After a few wets and dits on Sat I cannot remember all those who asked for a copy, so if anyone would like a soft copy of this new booklet, which includes this years, you are most welcome, just email me requesting a copy, dont PM as I dont always see it for days! I hope you get the same comfort from my words as I have in the writing of them, take care everyone and hope to see many of you next year in Portsmouth on Saturday 25th May 2024, we will follow the usual routine for Pompey. Yours aye - Chairman
Glenda wrote on May 25, 2023 at 22:49
Remembering a dear son and brother, Stephen Dawson.Thinking of you and all of your shipmates .
John Sharman wrote on May 25, 2023 at 14:06
Shipmates all. Will be conducting โ€œup spiritsโ€ across Valletta Harbour this evening, whilst remembering with deepest sorrow, those still on patrol. Yours Aye.
Trev Trevarthen wrote on May 24, 2023 at 00:48
Well as the 25 May approaches I would just like to say that my thoughts are with the lads still on watch. Its funny this year, I find myself currently working onboard Cunards Queen Elizabeth for this years anniversary. It is an honour to be here but my thoughts go back to the QE2 all those years ago. I will raise a glass or 2 for them all tomorrow night.
Martin Cook wrote on April 30, 2023 at 10:46
Hi All The photograph (Ian Luff) Stokers on QE2, back row second from left is Martin Cook, I joined HMS Coventry just before Springtrain 17 year old at the time. First ship apart from a loan draft to HMS Beachampton (Hong Kong). Best Regards Martin
Chris Howe MBE wrote on April 3, 2023 at 09:18
Dear shipmates, families and friends of D118, as many of you will now have seen the agenda and details for this year's annual Service of Rememberance and Reunion (if not its been here since Nov 2022 - https://www.hmscoventry.co.uk/d118/reunion/) I now need to ask you to confirm to me, by email only please, (cahowe500@gmail.com) that you will be attending and details of any guests you may have with you. I do need this information for catering purposes and logistics of service sheet printing etc all a cost for the D118 Association. Hopefully, the generous raffle prizes we all donate and anything raised in the auction will cover our costs as usual. As you will have seen we will once again be using the Holy Trinity Church in Coventry Citry centre but the Reunion after will be held at a new location, namely, the Albany Club, just a short taxi ride from the Church. Finally, should anyone have any questions about this years gathering then please do not hesitate to contact me direct 07786 156763. Take care and hope to see many of my old shipmates and families on Saturday May 27 2023, muster at the usual location for parade to Church. Yours aye - Chris Howe MBE - Chairman
Mick Braid wrote on March 13, 2023 at 13:35
Still clearing out the loft amazing what you accumulate. I found a light blue scarf with bikes on and about 25 names on it of the mad gits who cycled from Pompey to Coventry. Can't remember the date of the ride though.
Mick Braid wrote on March 10, 2023 at 16:28
I thought I had better clear out my loft before I cross the bar to save my kids ditching it all? I came across a commemorative Coventry evening telegraph extra of about 8 pages detailing the commissioning of Coventry. Youngest rating who cut the cake with Mrs Burne was JMEM Graham Daniels. I also come across an brass ashtray of a 4.5 shell from HMS Coventry first firings 18th July 1978 donated to me by Captain Burne's widow.
Jack Russell wrote on March 5, 2023 at 23:15
โ€œCov Weekend Shenanigansโ€ Dear Shipmates, Families, Friends, Due to the Main event taking place in the City of Coventry this year it gives me great pleasure to announce that the next "Portsmouth "HMS COVENTRY D118 Locals-Reunion/Remembrance weekend will take place Friday 26th May 2023 till Mon 29th May 2023, late May Bank Holiday. Friday 26th May 2023 - Commencement with a "Meet & Greet" from 1200Hrs in Ruby's (Royal Standard) which in turn will lead to the usual late nite Curry & Cobra beer extravaganza. Saturday 27th May 2023 - Starts with a Dinner-Time Sesh starting at the Park Tavern/Ruby's (Type 42 Club-house) All to be Fell-in by 1230hrs Divisions, Ladies may/will Slip and proceed to Commercial Road for their usual Shopping extravaganza, or they may wish to partake in the Libations. EVENING:- This is a make it your own thing night, with Ship's Company able to do whatever they wish. Sunday 28th May 2023 - The Service of Remembrance will take place at the Falklands Memorial at the "Hot Walls" at Old Portsmouth. Dress Code - Smart and/or Casual, "Come as you are/Feel" 1055 - Muster 1100 - Service of Remembrance Sequence of Events - Address, Roll of Honour, Wreath Laying-up, Parting Address. This will be followed by our usual return to the Ponderosa (Home Club/Royal Maritime Club) for a few Libations and Dits. Ship's Company will then be able to Slip & Proceed to their destinations. There is nothing of note planned for the Monday 29th May 2023.. THE ABOVE ITENARY IS PLANNED, TO WHICH, AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN JOIN IN AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU WOULD LIKE. If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to contact me 07907-822-024. Thanks in advance. Yours Aye Jack Russell "Fortis Fert Securitatum". Strength Guarantees Safety.
Chris Howe MBE wrote on November 23, 2022 at 08:29
Shipmates, families and friends of D118, I have now finalised our plans for the 2023 service of remembrance/reunion which will take place on the evening of Sat 27 May 2023 in Coventry. The full itinerary will be placed under the reunion tab shortly but has already been updloaded to both FB pages. Please take time to read it and consider joining us. At some stage in good time prior to the event I will need an indication of attendance for catering purposes, so any time from April to early May please send me an email, not PM, to let me know if joining us. Meanwhile, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, stay safe shipmates and see you in 2023. Yours aye - Chairman
Craig Phillips wrote on October 24, 2022 at 20:10
Can anyone local help at these services: Dear Craig, I undertake the wreath marshalling at Harrowโ€™s Civic Remembrance Service each year. I would like to offer the opportunity for Op Corporate Veterans to lay the first wreath this year. Can you please ask anyone within your catchment area if they can contact me. On a separate note the Harrow Branch of the RBL are sponsoring a wreath to be laid in memory of CPO David Strickland. Is the HMS Coventry crest available as a wreath centre? It would be fabulous if an Assn member could lay it in his memory. Regards, Terry Hissey terryhissey@talk21.com
Terry Hissey wrote on October 11, 2022 at 23:05
I presently researching CPO David Strickland as he is to be featured on the back cover of the Remembrance Sunday Order of Service at Harrow's Civic service. An excellent site doing justice to its subject
jerry hardy wrote on September 19, 2022 at 07:29
R.I.P. Queen Elizabeth II, we will never forget your contribution to the world and your leadership of the armed forces.
Chris Howe MBE wrote on September 9, 2022 at 18:41
Dear shipmates, families and friends of D118, I sincerely believe it goes without saying for all of us, but I just wanted to say on behalf of all my HMS Coventry D118 shipmates, that we feel a deep sadness at the sudden loss of the nations dearest and longest servign Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace after what has been a lifetime of dedicated service to our nation and the Commomwealth. Thank you Ma'am most sincerely for all you have done and the personal sacrifices you have no doubt made over the 7 decades of your wonderous rule. Finally, Long live the King! Chairman D118 Ass - Chris Howe MBE
Ray Sinclair wrote on August 21, 2022 at 06:54
Operation Blackleg and Dive 003. Over four decades ago I served as part of Fleet Clearance Diving Team (2) our team wasnโ€™t at the sharp end of the Falklands War but we played our part unquestionably. Flown back a few days after the Argentine surrender with Major-General Jeremy Moore I suspected our team was required for a special operation. Indeed, after a brief period of leave and underwater cutting training the team joined Naval Party 2200 onboard the Dive Support Vessel Stena Seaspread. The team was tasked with using deep diving saturation techniques to recovery or destroy NATO sensitive cryptographic equipment and Top Secret documents. Dive 003 was the second dive on the ship after the dive site had been set up by Dive 002, this team had surveyed the Operations room which was totally destroyed by one of the bombs. Dive 003 cut a larger hole in the starboard side to gain access to the Computer Room to recover the crypto tapes still in the consoles. This Dive saw two divers suffer underwater explosions , one had to be medivaccd back to the UK. A diver trapped deep within the wreck having to be freed. The cutting into Captain Hart-Dykeโ€™s safe and recovery of Top Secret documents and his family silver. The recovery of the โ€œ Cross of Nailsโ€ and the destruction of the armed Sea Dart on the launcher. Over four decades on the dive experience has never been far from my thoughts. What I witnessed and emotions I still felt have intensified with the passing of time. Those who lost their lives were young. So much life sacrificed doing their duty. No one goes to war thinking they may not return home. Fate, destiny sadly doesnโ€™t discriminate. I have read Captain Hart-Dykes book โ€œ Four Weeks in Mayโ€ recently and having seen the death and destruction as Coventry lay 300 ft down in the South Atlantic, the book gave me a greater appreciation for ships company and the impotent and brave role all the crew undertook. Lest We Forget. [url href=https://https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1623612/falklands-war-royal-navy-shipwreck-dice-hms-coventry-operation-blackleg]
Simon Rouse wrote on July 14, 2022 at 15:58
It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Pete "Ritchie" Richardson has crossed the bar today at 1520 hrs following a massive heart attack last Saturday Evening. I will post again with Funeral details. RIP Pete " your duty is done"