2297 entries.
30 years ago today amongst the celebrations of my first child Stuart Ian McArthur being born we found out the very sad news that HMS Coventry had been hit and sunk. Here in Beduth near Coventry we took time out to think about the Service men who lost their lives on that day and there family’s, in fact all of those involved in the Falklands War. We still do this to this day so tonight I will raise glass to all of the Armed Services and there family and friends who were on or had family and friends on board HMS Coventry and sing Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life by (Monty Python) as the survivor’s did on that day waiting to be picked up.
We will also raise a glass to all of the Armed Services and their families who were on or had friends and families on Atlantic Conveyer on that Day 30 years ago and to all those involved in the Falklands War and all the conflict’s before, since and still on going. God Bless you All. And THANK YOU for all you did and still do
Will be raising a small glass of something tonight in rememberance of all the lads that did not make it back.
Yours aye
Jock
Stephen Dawson.
Not a day goes by without we think of you. You are remembered today with love and pride.xxxx
Wish we could be at the services this weekend but have booked a few days in Portsmouth in July when we come over to England for the summer so will go to the Sally Port then.
Thinking of you all and
I will raise a glass tonight in honour and
remembrance.
Just leaving for Pompey after weeks of anticipation. We have all been used to our private thoughts on this day over the last 30 years and like most, I don't talk to anybody who wasn't there. When I raise a lone glass to those left behind and those we have since lost, It's never the same as when I join with you all at these gatherings. May it long continue as I hope the D118 HMS Coventry Association attracts more members over the coming years. Many thanks to Chris and the Committee. See you all at the Sea Wall. Yours Aye.
Thinking of my Dad today, David Ozbirn. I will be raising a large glass tonight for all those that didn't come back, and also for all those that did. My family and I went to the arboretum last Sunday. It was a great day. Should have made myself known to the guys who were there from Coventry, but just didn't think.
30 years ago on the 25th May was a very sad day for the RN and the Merchant navy (Atlantic conveyor) Remembering all those who didnt return.
RIP Guys.
ex Hermes stoker
just wanted to say hi to all who may remember me,hms coventry was my first ship back in 1980.i was a skinny stoker a long way from home.... we went off round the far east for 9 months,not long after i joined..........i remember my first encounter with gib,pome callis taught me to drink pernod...............great memmories..i often think about those days,and the trip.....so many good times .......was a sad day when he was lost ,along with so many others.........i hope those who survived have gone on to have a great life,either in or out of the navy.. stay safe.
It's hard to believe 30 years has passed since the day we left our mates on patrol. I will raising a glass in with Codz in Perth, Western Australia tomorrow to remember those who are still at sea.
Shipmates though I will not be at the reunion,I will honour our shipmates still on watch this the 30th anniversary of their passing, with a moment of silence ,prayer and a toast we will always remember them and the Ship. God Bless.
Make that 111. Heading down from Lincs Friday lunchtime. Apologies for the short notice.
Simon (R) called me last night to discuss the weekend. I then heard of Bob Curd, I was so so sadend to hear this news. As others have said what a lovely lovely guy, such a gentleman. I guy that as a young eighteen year old back in 1982 that I looked up to so much. Last year in the Royal Warwick club Gill, Dinger, Toby & I had a great evening with Bob and Jackie.
Bob was the cheeky smiling chap that I always looked out for at our reunions, I loved his company I am really sad to feel he won't be there any more. God bless you Bob. My thoughts to Jackie and his family. Good bye Bob rest in peace mate.
.....pictures from Sunday at the Dedication of the new Falklands Islands Conflict Memorial at the National Arboretum now up under Photo Albums tab...
Chairman
Shipmates and families
Likely a final update prior to Friday's Service of Remembrance and Reunion. As you will see from recent posts here (myself, Derek and Eli) our organisation for this weekend is about complete. As your Chairman I anticipate a great turnout of over 110 shipmates and family members and therefore extrememly pleased that so many of us still care and must continue to do so.
FYI - this last weekend I attended the SAMA 82 AGM and Gala Dinner followed by the Dedication of the FI Conflict Memorial at the National Arboretum, Staffs. It was a well run weekend and the Service of Dedication on Sunday was a very moving experience. I was joined by 7 other ex Coventry on Sunday morning where we also laid a wreath at the FI Memorial o/c of the official ceremony. This was a most humbling experience and fitting that we were able to do it on behalf of all of us. Pictures will be up on this website soon for you all to see.
On a final note re last Sunday's event at the Arboretum, as we finished laying our wreath at the FI Memorial site we were approached from the crowd by our lost shipmate Geoffrey Stockwell's sister, needless to say it was an emotional moment and I would like to repeat to her that Geoff will be once agan be remembered by his fellow shipmates this Friday 25th May at 30 years on and he always will be.
I will debrief some of the issues raised at the SAMA 82 AGM at our own meeting on Saturday lunchtime in the Maritime Club as stated on the reunion tab adjacent, hopefully many of you will be there to join us.
Also FYI - Very kindly and thoughtfully a member of Broadsword 1982, Bill Skileter, has informed me that in his position as current Sec of the RNGB he and his colleagues will ring out a Quarter Peel of bells at 1100 on Friday 25th May in memory of HMS Coventry D118. This will done at St Faith's Church, Havant. Many thanks to Bill.
Finally, please contact myself or Eli should you have any further questions about this Friday's arrangements, it is never too late to join us. My number is 07786 156763.
Take care and please travel safely on Friday, I look forward to seeing you all at the 1715 muster.
Yrs Aye - Chris Howe
Chairman
just to let you know myself and my family will be remembering on friday 25th.my late husband john adcock was serving on HMS Coventry in the Falklands 1982.He was an aircraft handler and died in March 2009.We will be raising a tot to you all.
The Borough of Gosport looks forward to welcoming veterans of the Falkland war at our service of reunion on Sunday 27th May at 1100. Vets are asked to muster in the bus station at the ferry at 1015 for march on at 1030. There will be a fly past of seaking at 1100 and of course a march past and reception for ticket holders afterwards. Parking is plentiful in the town with additional temporary free parking being provided as required. If you come to the Friday do I will provide tickets if required. We have four ships reunions on parade and many more men from all three services. We as Coventrys will march behind our standard for only the second time and I urge you all to join us.
On Saturday afternoon from 4.30 pm the Senior Rates mess at HMS Sultan will be open to veterans with a small charge for entry, entertainment will be provided. YOU will need to get your names to the gate by Thursday evening to allow entry, if you want me to do this for you just SHOUT! on 02392 552151 or my E mail.
Look forward to meeting up again at Hot Wall on Friday evening.Yours Aye
Derek
Don't forget the ferry will stop from 1015 on Sunday if you are staying in Pompey
I'm still hopefull of coming down to Pompy for the reunion. It'll be 5 years since I was last down there, so would really like to make it.
I'm have a minor opperation during that week so don't know if I'll be able to make it. I have no tickets, or info at moment, just due to being uncertain.
I wont realy know untill late that week. Is there a contact number I can ring if I can make it??
Also what info is there on the 'BBC One Show' on the 25 May ?? They seam to be advertising on Facebook??
Eli,
Book Starsky and myself in for Friday evening at the GI`s School.
Selwyn
Ahoy.
An update for the reunion at Whale Island.
Names in alphabetical order will be placed on the main gate, the gate staff will hand you temporay car passes on entry. Please park in NO 1 Car pack which is 40yds from the Main gate opposit the GIs Club.
The Club will be open from 3:30pm to allow people to drop off Raffle prizes etc if you need to.
Entry into the GIs association will be blocked by 2 Coventry Association members who will remove £5:00 off each adult and have there name ticked off (This for Fire regulations). Please have the correct money on entry please to allow swift entry.
Peopole that are not on the list due to any reason will still be allowed entry merely state that you are going to the GIs association. They will be Briefed.
Its going to be a great day and evening, looking forward to catching with you all.
Keep your powder Dry.
Eli.
FOR CHRIS HOWE. FOLLOWING BURGLARY i HAVE LOST YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS CAN YOU FORWARD. WE WILL BE DOING OUR USUAL IN HOLY TRINITY ON 25TH
Just to let you guys know the shipmates of Coventry RNA WILL BE CARRING OUT OUR USUAL DATE ON 25TH AT hOLY TRINITY CHURCH COVENTRY AT 1100 HRS. IF ANYONE PASSING CALL IN THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF RUM