Guestbook – HMS Coventry D118

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2297 entries.

Richard Lloyd-Jones (Taff wrote on September 17, 2011 at 20:18

Hi Everybody. Just recently visited this website for the first time. I didn't serve on the Coventry at sea but on 20 December 1974 as an MEA(P)1 I was drafted to HMS Coventry during construction at Cammell Lairds Shipyard. Myself and Dave Smith MEA(H)1 were the first two RN personnel to be drafted to the Coventry. Good Days in RN terms. I stayed with Coventry until 25 July 1976 when I was drafted to HMS Sheffield. My reason for posting this is only to add another tit bit to the history of the ship should anybody be keeping a record. I can be contacted on richardlloydjones@yahoo.co.uk or 01743860543. Cheers Guys Should anyone wish to contact

Chris Howe MBE wrote on September 7, 2011 at 08:03

Shipmates - FYI - I am going to speak off line with Paul re his very generous and interesting offer for next year. I will then include all arrangements etc once I am ready to put up next years reunion itinerary onto website. I trust you are all making plans to attend! Calm seas Yrs Aye - Chris Howe MBE Chairman

Paul Fenn (Crazy) wrote on September 5, 2011 at 17:44

I was on Exeter in 82 and also when we took your cross down for erection. I run Herne Bay Sea Cadets and also their band master. What is the link you may ask?? Geoff Stockwell came from HB and I knew the family prior to 82. One of our boats is actually named after him. My band who are as of 2 weeks ago National Sea Cadet champions and its possible that we maybe performing for Exeter bods the night after your do, we will proberly stay on good ship Bristol. IF you would like us to come to yours it could be easily arranged and would be willing to do this in memory of Geoff. But need an early heads up to book Bristol. Regards Crazy

Lee Thorne wrote on August 4, 2011 at 12:50

Just to let you all know my son Jonathan is serving in HMS Edinburgh and was one of the two crew members who laid the wreath over the position of HMS Coventry. Mike (Taff) Bowen, I'm ok! Had a serious head injury that required some surgery. Should be back to work at the end of August. Still serving (FTRS). Regards to all.

Sam MacFarlane wrote on August 2, 2011 at 20:45

Hats off to the Edinburgh, the type 42 club lives!! Thankyou and calm seas on your deployment. Sam

Andy Ginge Crook wrote on August 2, 2011 at 00:27

I thought I would let you know, HMS Edinburgh held a short wreath laying service over the Cov today. In a special link. The wreath was laid by the sons of two ex crew members.

Chris Howe MBE wrote on August 1, 2011 at 10:03

Morning Shipmates et al If anyone who attended at this years reunion in Coventry has any photos that they would like to see up on the website please forward to our WebMaster, Damien Burke. However, please be selective... Damien is now ready to put our pictures up. Many thanks Yrs Aye - Chris Howe MBE Chairman

mike Bowen wrote on July 25, 2011 at 11:05

Can anyone tell me how Lee Thorne is doing. He took a tumble not so long back, and gone of the radar on facebook (no pun intended). If any one knows I'd like to know if he's ok. Many thanks Mike (Taff) Bowen

Alan Pickthorne wrote on July 19, 2011 at 09:10

If there are any EW rates on here, we have an EW page on facebook, please feel free to have a look and join us on https://www.facebook.com/groups/RNEWRates?ap=1

Chris Howe wrote on July 11, 2011 at 13:13

Afternoon shipmates It has come to my notice over recent days that there are a number of our shipmates that are already asking questions about next years event in 2012. In fact some are concerned that the information has dried up on the website. So, whilst I have already placed a short note re next year on the site immediately after this years reunion, I thought an update now would also be good timing. Next year we will meet at some stage on the morning of Friday 25th May, the day will be split into a few phases, as yet to be determined, but will certainly consist of an informal meet in the Home Club around lunch time for the comittee meeting and general AGM type session followed by an 1800 muster and march to the FI memorial site on the sea wall in Old Portsmouth. After this we will then make our way to the GI's Association Club over on Whale Island for our annual D118 reunion. The Saturday will be an optional offer for all of us to take part in the Falklands Dinner in Gosport on Sat 26th May (evening) and then a Falklands Veterans march through Gosport (in our own Cov D118 Platoon with Standard) on the Sunday. Derek Kimber is my liaison for the Sat and Sun events and he has already put up a post last week as an initial heads up, more will follow as he gets the info. The message at the moment from me is to book out the entire weekend from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon for the Portsmouth/Gosport area. I will not be arranging hotels etc as it is easier for all (and me) if we book ourselves according to our own budgets and tastes etc. Just be mindful that Gosport ferries will stop at some stage on the Sunday morning for the ceremony, just get over in plenty of time if you stay in the Portsmouth Hard area. Rest assured that more detailed info will appear here in the months to come, but for now it is early days and therefore not much more to say; however, please contact me directly should you feel the need to do so, I am only too pleased to chat with any of my shipmates, or indeed relatives. Photos from this year will appear on the site soon, all in hand. Take care one and all Yrs Aye - Chris Howe MBE Chairman

RJ Empson wrote on July 6, 2011 at 15:26

Just read "4 weeks in May" and just wanted to say thanks to the whole ships company I'm English and my wife is from the Falklands what everyone did in 1982 is very much appreciated.

Derek Kimber wrote on July 6, 2011 at 06:49

This is to confirm that all Falkland Vets are invited to attend a freedom parade at Gosport on Sunday 27th May 2012 as briefed at the reunion this year. There will be a function for the Falkland vets in Gosport on Saturday 26th organised by FVF in one form or another it is likely to be a social evening with entertainment and more details will be available shortly. The service and march past on Sunday will complete with a get together on Walpole Park. VIP liststill to be completed but Baroness Thatcher ha sit in her diary and will attend subject to good health. More info when known Best regards to all Derek

Dougie Douglas wrote on June 14, 2011 at 03:06

29 years ago the guns fell silent over the Falkland Islands. Democracy was restored, but at a cost. On this day we remember our brothers in arms who died in the name of freedom, those who have crossed the bar since, and those who still carry the wounds, both mental and physical. You are NOT forgotten. R.I.P

Ian Dawson wrote on June 5, 2011 at 18:58

Birthday memeories of Stephen, still on patrol. Will raise a glass to you tonight.

Pat Kimber wrote on June 2, 2011 at 16:26

Dear Chris Thankyou for a good re union and a lovely service, it was really moving. See you next year and the wives too.

Rocky wrote on June 1, 2011 at 11:26

Eli mellowed? He threatened to melt me down, just because I am small!!!

chris pollard wrote on May 31, 2011 at 18:15

Had a great weekend with you all in coventry,has'n't Eli mellowed when marching is involved. Will try and get more officers to come next year,you have to see your boys.Getting beaten up in coventry was a bit of a shock, the two bottles of rum came at me from both sides and I could not defend my self. MG.

Andy Crook wrote on May 29, 2011 at 21:44

Anne I too remember Frank very well. I was new to the ship and we both worked as messmen.He helped me settle in quickly.Also had Endless football chats. always remembered.

Andy Rowland wrote on May 28, 2011 at 00:27

Anne Frank will never be forgot, to this very day I remember vividly our meetings, instant burst into song usually UB40. I tell my children and grand child about Frank and all the others we left on patrol, God Bless Them!

Ann Armes wrote on May 27, 2011 at 16:09

Have been thinking of all the Coventry crew and their families, especially over the last few days. It is very gratifying to know that my brother, Frank Armes, has not been forgotten. We still miss him so much. Best wishes to all.