2297 entries.
Hello Bill,
I have strong recollections of a substance called “ Moose Milk” which was introduced to us on various HMCS ships the names fade with age, no doubt also the effects of your drink which was great!!!. We had a great time in your company, so much so I even contemplated transferring over to Halifax N.S, then our war came up and it all changed, we did a good job and are all proud, we have our reunions every year but unfortunately there are still many who cannot attend as is too painful for them that is why your comments Bill are appreciated, all helps the healing process.
Cheers Mate,
Kind regards to your family
Yours aye
Simon Rouse
HMS Coventry 1982
It may be 27 years ago but it seem like yeaterday to me. I was a member of Support Company 2 Para and we were dug in on Sussex Mountains, and not a day goes bye when I do not think about all your men lost in action. The one night when I was sat on stag and watching a ship going up in flames I cringed because I was unable to do anything about helping those men on that ship. All I want to say is I think about all those men all the time. And I salute everyone of you. Thank you for letting me say this.
I had the pleasure of meeting some of the crew of Coventry while serving in HMCS Nipigon during a NATO trip.
I still find it hard to believe that young men that partied with me and my friends died in a millitary action. Most of us saw ourselves as doing a job, while also serving our country.
The crew of Coventry did their job!
I don't remember their names but I do remember that they were good people and they did their job.
On this day 27 years ago the guns fell silent as liberation came to the Falklanders. Remembering those who gave their lives in the name of freedom.
Rest In Peace
Here at the Three Queens Hotel,Burton upon Trent, www.threequeenshotel.co.uk, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on any room rates for members of the SAMA (82) who may wish to visit the National Memorial Arboretum.
The Arboretum itself is rightly becoming more and more the focal point for remembrance, commemoration and contemplation of those of our comrades, families and friends who have over the years paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for their country.
This privately owned 3* Hotel with rosette restaurant is situated in the centre of Burton upon Trent, just 9 miles from the Arboretum. It is easily accessible and has ample parking for either coaches or private vehicles.
My current position at the Three Queens gives me confidence to offer you and fellow comrades the hospitality, comfort and peaceful surroundings conducive to a memorable stay for any time that you may wish to visit the newly-dedicated Armed Forces Memorial.
At time of booking please mention you are a member of SAMA (82) and have your membership card available upon check in to qualify for your 10% discount.
Yours aye
Nigel Fielding
Operations Manager
(HMS Glamorgan 1982)
Thinking of Stephen Dawson
who is always in our
thoughts but especially
today on what would have
been his 50th birthday .
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them
nor the years condemn.
Hi, Just a message to say how much I appreciated the Memorial service at Portsmouth last weekend. It was great to see everyone there. I agree with Simon, the buglers were excellent.
I’m trying to get in touch with “Tommo” Thomas a fellow “Pinky”, who was also a Coventry survivor. I lost touch with him after 1984. He may have immigrated to Australia? Anyone have his email?
If you read this Tommo drop me an email to paulray22@hotmail.com, let me know how your doing?
Ian,
Drop me an email sometime, sorry I didn’t recognise you on Sunday, next drinks on me!
Thanks
Paul Ray
Hi there,
I found the Cov's website by accident, It brought back memories.
1982 South Atlantic
I was serving with 2 Para when I was injured. I was flown out and ended up on QE2.
When the medics let me out of the sick bay/ward I found that I was 1 of only 2 Paras and 6 SAS soldiers on board.
One Morning when hobbling around the balconey of the Double Down Room I saw a ships company parading below,
it turned out to be Ships company HMS Coventry.
How did I find out, I was called down by some dishevelled looking Ships Officer or Senior Rank (I can't remember that now),
and he said, "do you have nothing to do ?" my reply was "Not really mate, on me own here see".
The Sailor then asked me if I'd like to form up with the crew, I was well nervous (all those sailors).
I did form up and as it turned out, they were being issued with new No.8 dress (I think it was 8 like army barrak dress) - they issued me with it too haha.
Next parade I was stunned to be informed I had been taken on as part of the ships company, (Shocked is not the word).
As it turned out Coventries crew were being kind, they treated me like I was a Sailor and shipmate, something for which I have remained grateful for for all these years. I had mates around me again, it made the painful trip home much easier.
I would like to thank all from HMS Coventry (South Atlantic 1982) for their hospitality and friendship.
Some of the details have gone, but the memory is still alive and it's good one.
I don't know if anyone will remember a medium height well under weight (read skin and bone) Para wearing a Parachute silk running suit (all I had left),
with 2 sticks and grimace on his face, I hope so.
Please at your next get together pass on my good wishes and heartfelt thanks for the comradeship shown to me on board QE2.
I was then Craftsman Tim Evans - HQ Coy 2 Para (Armourer)
Best regards
Tim
It was a great weekend ... but after missing so many reunions, i felt a little "out of the loop", but it was fantastic to catch up with everyone ... I'll try and send my photos tomorrow, when I've lightened them up
I totally agree with your view Toby, it was a brilliant show of hands in tough times, i will try and organise two Royal Marine buglars next time aswell, it was so hauntingly beautiful, Damien i will email the Photo's of the evening shortly, the camera survived Toby's football try out!!!!
Simon
Thanks to all who attended the Re-union and Memorial this past weekend.
My heads still a little fragile, but the memories are great.
Even with the recession, the turn out was pretty good. Hero's remembering Hero's that's the way I see it and always will.
They will never be forgotten, so long as we continue to be united.
Hopefully see you all again very soon.
Shipmates,
sorry i could not join you this year - i have only just returned from a family holiday - however at 11.00 today and at 18:00 on the 25th i was thinking of you all and especially our shipmates far away but never forgotten.
A glass raised in their memory.
regards to all ex-Cov's and i hope the re-union weekend went well - thanks again to Rocky & committe for organising!
Mick (Jack)Daniels
Dear Sirs,
My name is Peter Johnston and I am a doctoral History student at the University of Kent, Canterbury. I am currently carrying out research into the Falklands War and am looking to compile a study based on the experiences of British servicemen. In order to do this, I'm looking to interview as many veterans as possible. So far, I have enjoyed some success in interviewing members of the Army, particularly the Parachute Regiment, but am looking to compare their experiences with those men who served in the Navy. I am looking to personnally interview any veterans of the Falklands War who would be willing to discuss their experiences with me, particularly aspects of why they joined the Navy, and their experience of combat. I fully understand the difficulties many have with discussing their memories and experiences, and I assure you that I have no desire to upset or anger anyone, I will only speak with those who are completely comfortable answering my questions.
To that end, I writing to you in order to request your assistance. Having spoken with Jim Hudson, he recommended I post here on the website, to give any veterans from the Falklands War to contact me directly.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your deeds and comrades will never be forgotten, my sympathies for those lost 27 years ago.
Yours Sincerely,
Peter Johnston
9 Glenside Avenue
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 1DB
07763 609092
Hi All friends & Shipmates
Thinking of you all, toasted the Ship and all fallen comrades last night.
I will never forget and remember them all.
The gent who told me about the Memorial Day event in Arcadia, Neil Hennessey, was in the Royal Artillery down South, and his brother-in-law is Ginge Inwood (killick golly) if anyone remembers him
25th may god bless the Coventry,and the brave men that stayed ,never to return.
27 years! I remember like it was yesterday. Remembering all those still on patrol, especially Stephen Tonkin, a great mate.
RO2(T) Mark Whitney now living in Lincolnshire.
Thinking of you all and also those still down south. Will have a wee whisky tonight.
Yours Aye
Graeme
Laid a wreath at the Chatham Naval Memorial this afternoon, in the Falklands quadrant, very windy and raining for those 20 minutes of quiet reflection and sadness.
For anyone that wasn't aware, Sea of Fire is on National Geographic at 2300 today.
All the best and will raise a glass at 1810. Yours Aye, Sam
Thinking of those still on patrol,their memory and deeds will always be remembered. I will raise a glass in salute to them today. Looking forward to the weekend.