2297 entries.
Just to let everyone know that an ex royal who was on Broadsword went out to the ship to lay a wreath on the 25th. It was his 50th birthday
BZ curly
Just a little dit to let you all know that the city of Coventry has not forgoten you. Ever since the memorial to the men and ship was raised in Holy Trinity church Coventry the shipmates of RNA Coventry have held a memorial service at 1100 hrs on the 25th May. This takes the form of our members and any guests forming up infront of the memorial. The names of all the men on the memorial are read out. One mins silence follows then all in attendance are issued with a tripple tot of rum and glasses are duely raised. This could be unique as it happens in a high church with the blessing of the vicar. The only exception to this was the 25th anniversary when we organised a large event. It was expected to atract around 100 people we had over 500 including the lord leiutenant of Warwickshire, The lord mayor of Coventry most of the council and the bishop of Coventry. The bish was a bit miffed as we did not invite him to preach(that we left to an old naval chaplin as we wanted someone on our side). The lord mayor provided a reception after. We would be pleased if one year you could have your reunion in the City. I know that the city council would like to be involved should it be a possibility. Good luck to you all. please keep in contact. Mick Kieran
Great Memories from the Coventry.
Sailing from Pompey on 19 May 1980.
2QS Mess having as good as bar as the wardroom and a better spirit selection.
Winning the Tug of War in Hong Kong.
Visiting Karachi after a lengthy spell on Gulf duty. Someone at the MOD obviously had a sense of humour.
The Welcome HMS Conventry sign in Shanghai. There weren't many nuns on our ship.
280 drunk men doing divisions on the first morning in Singapore.
Having fun with the Russians in the South China Sea.
Some dodgy pub in Newport with a boxing club in the lounge and a bit of a show on the last night!!!! What stays on the trip stays on the trip.
well that's the day over again.
great to see rod heaths family posting.
i was just a junior rating in 82 and to be honest do not remember to many of the officers but he stood out as an absolute gentleman for me. he was well repsected across all branches. he still will be now.
Just back in the country, but raised a glass yesterday in Malta to the best ships company I ever had the privilege to serve with.
Calm Seas to all
Last morning in Brixham - Does anyone remember the two lads who missed the last liberty boat, woke up a local shopkeeper and bought a rubber ring with a Turtles head. Swam with it half the way until they were picked up by a local fishing boat. Brought to the quarterdeck, where the OOW punctured it with his sword, resulting in them trying to put an expense claim in? You couldn't make it up!!!
Happy thoughts on this sad, sad day.
Have spoken to Mac McGowan today. Thinking of all those lost and their families in their time of sorrow, especially Dicky Dawson, my inspiration to change trade and finish as a killick caterer five years on, and George Turnbull, a short but, very sweet period of knowing that admirable young man. The best S+S in the fleet. Fitting that my youngest set off from Portland today on his first detachment. God bless you all.
Thinking about all, hope to get down to pompey soon. Will definitely be there in 2012.
Take care Mac McGowan ex killick chef
I raise my glass to all...
Thinking of everybody tonight, those who are still here and the lads still on patrol. Will raise a glass of Glenlivet tonight. Hopefully will make it to Pompey next year. Stay safe everyone.
Yours Aye
Graeme
laid flowers in memory of stephen (dicky dawson) at the memorial stone at the village church also remembering all his shipmates who were lost with him on this day 25 may 1982
God Bless
heart broken Mum,Dad
and family
Just got home from work, so I will now make my toast to those on patrol. Also and all ex Covs wherever they are.
Great to see everyone at the weekend.
Wholeheardly agree Molly, Fort Austin were brilliant, so were Stromness (dodgy transfer!) and the crew of the QEII, all amazing in the way they treated us, and the Broadsword,well, at least I left with two steaming boots, one size 9 and one size 10, but they did their best, and gave us their dinner too, they all deserve a big thanks.
Sam
For some reason this year things have been on the mind more than usual. Spoke to Craig Phillips who said he felt the same, he puts it down to age. May be he's right.
Thinking of the 'old girl' and all who served on her. Especially our shipmates still on watch.
A special thanks also to the crew of the Fort Austin who did a sound job of looking after their unexpected visitors this night 28 years ago.
Best wishes to you all
Molly
We're all feeling very low today just thinking about that terrible day. Have laid our flowers at Collingwood today in memory of Rod and everyone lost that day.
We salute you all.
Where has the time gone. God Bless those still on watch and to those who have joined them during these last 28 years. All the best shipmates.
Remembering those who died 28 years ago today and those who suffered as a result.
Kevin O'Kane
Canteen Manager
HMS Broadsword 1982
Was great to be back with ex-Cov's at the weekend. Service on Sunday special and thanks to those involved.
Aye, will have my space and time with a glass at 18.00 for D118 and those still on watch....always remembered and embedded in my soul.
Calm seas everyone wherever you are..
Mel
28 years ago today - sometimes it seems such along time ago, other times it is as if it was only yesterday. My thoughts are with all my shipmates, those still on patrol, those still present and those who have since crossed the line.
I will be thinking of you all; and raising my glass to HMS Coventry and all her ships company at 1800.
Sorry I couldn't make it for the weekend guys, tried everything but fell at the last hurdle. Thinking of you all on this the 28th anniversary of a very sad day. A wee tot will be had at 1800 remembering a great bunch of shipmates and the most amazing ship I ever served on, always in my thoughts.
Sam