Interesting Rocky, I read a report recently about the RN being eyeball to eyeball with the Iranians. They appear to be testing the boundaries with the ships out there trying to provoke a reaction.

Philip, your message is very kind and much appreciated by us all I am sure. I will read your paper, by the way, you may be a distant civilian, but you obviously recognise the spirit of a wonderful ship and her minders, and we will never forget her. Take care and kindest regards, Sam MacFarlane, the Radio Supervisor at the time and damn proud to have been with such a tremendous bunch of people.

Hello again, Last year, I was pleased to read Capt. Hart-Dyke's book which I found most interesting and revealing. Although from Australia and a 'landlubber' I've long been impressed by the efforts of the British during the Falklands conflict and tried as best I can to understand the issues, lessons and hard work involved by all concerned. The best I can do as a distant civilian is to express support and thanks as I try and understand your efforts, even though I feel I'm inadequate to the task. Still,I was pleased when a few former HMS Coventry crew kindly replied, which was most kind indeed. My own area is mountaineering research, specifically on the saga of British climbers Mallory and Irvine on Everest in 1924. I publish research papers on the subject and the efforts and generous crew of HMS Coventry so impressed me that I made a brief reference to you, your ship and efforts in my last research paper. http://www.everest1953.co.uk/SummersPaper.html Its in the final conclusions as a subheading that simply reads to the like; 'With all the pluck of HMS Coventry off the Falklands' As I think the spirit your ship and crew demonstrated, is similar to Mallory and Irvine on Everest in 1924; committment, effort, overcoming difficulties and teamwork transcending the elements and success.... As I say, I'm just a distant civilian but I'm impressed by your efforts and just wanted you all to know that you're appreciated still, not forgotten and indeed you and your ship has transcended its naval adventures where its spirit has impressed people like me and entered the lexicon of other endeavours who see similarities in other fields such as Everest climbing and historical study. Its a small way of saying thanks and to acknowledge your ship's efforts. Thank you plucky HMS Coventry and crew, I wish you all well and good health. Philip

HiSam just getting involved with computers only second time on line!I served on coventry from 1980 until that fateful day always remeber going into shangai with banner saying conventry still got news paper clippings!Saw message from someone called (rocky hudson)dont remember him.Went to 25th anniversary really good to see old mates steve potts chris eames johnny sharman+many more.Got hardback copy of book my name wasnt included informed the skipper it is now there in paperback.Have a good 2009!U may remember me i was lunatic chef who did 1lf somersaults of bridge wings in straits of hormuz!take care Mac

Hi All Hope everyone has jumped into 2009 with a happy spirit and a good heart. I have had some brilliant contacts from my last entry in the guestbook and I thank everyone for their support. Jan and I have been looking over the last few entries notice a bit of friction regarding the Association and marching as a Platoon on Remembrance Day. The Association is a wonderful idea and all ex-shipmates should get involved because we are a family and we all went through that experience together which we know wasn't very nice. You don't get many experiences in life like this and I hope we never have another in our lifetime. But we did and we should make the most of that experience together. If the Association is going to work it needs all of our support. The marching as a Platoon is a great idea I don't know how SAMA will take to this but the Coventry boys are a strong bunch of men now and if we want to march as HMS COVENTRY D118 Ships Company why shouldnt we? Once abain thanks for all your support. Keep supporting HMS COVENTRY and each other.

Guys. Regarding setting up of the association. This is what is happening now and what has happened so far. Before the last reunion the idea of a “Formal” association was rejected. It was made quite clear that many baulked at all the pomp and ceremony such organisations attract. It was however decided at the Saturday meeting to form a looser and far more informal form of association that we can then take to the Royal British Legion and hopefully gain permission to march as a separate identifiable unit at the November ceremonies in London. The name “HMS Coventry D118 Association” was chosen – and it was decided to be for anyone who ever served on our ship as full members or friends and family as associate members. A committee was elected: Doc Savage – Chair. Jack Russell – Vice Chair Steve Hunt – Secretary Rocky Hudson – Treasurer Toby Owen – Committee member Simon Rouse – Committee member Tony Reece – Committee member Since then I must admit not a lot happened for a few months. However that has now changed somewhat. We are in the process of setting up a bank account in our name, application forms for membership have been prepared and are ready to go, membership cards are being organised and November Ceremony contacts at the RBL have been identified. With our own account up and running and a membership base, a letter can then be sent to the RBL formally asking permission to march. Can I just ask out of a matter of interest – is this still what we all want?! How many of us would march in London in November as an HMS Coventry Platoon? Can I ask that you either send me an Email or reply here if you want to be represented, or represent the ship in this way. Yours Aye Rocky. PS … If you want to send me an Email, you will need to remove the “No Junk Mail” at the end of my address, or it won’t get to me.

I concur with Joe Erskine's comment. We fought together as one task force, and SAMA82 has been marching as a joint forces unit for many years. The addition of our shipmates to the SAMA unit, maybe some have marched with them before, would show continuing unity.

Doc, despite the hiccups of last year I provided all of the detail of the individual in the RBL to arrange an Association to parade at the Cenotaph. If we are no further with this can I ask for some info on what is the current standing of the Association? Who are the committee members and exactly how many signed up and paid up members are there? Sorry but someone has to ask the question. Stay safe, Sam

Yes Chris, we did form a very lose knit association last year, which was voted on by those there.As to the things you want to know, I have had a telephone conversation with Rocky and he is sorting out the bank account and the appication forms for the association. We are also trying to track down thought several routes the actual name and address for the Gent we need to talk to about getting tickects to enable us to march this year. I hope that either Rocky or myself will be able to tell everyone exactly where we are in the coming weeks. So all being well I will see everyone during the weekend of the 29th. If you have any questions or concern please get in touch with me or Rocky. Until then calm seas and safe journy's. Doc.

Happy New Year to all ex-Cov's in particular Taff Thomas - great to hear from you and i'm pleased that you are getting back to being the Taff Thomas we all know and love.Proud to have served under you on your TAS watch along with Si Rouse,Paul Inman and Harry Harrison.I was standing between you and George Foster when the 'lights came on and the gust blew us over'. We all have different coping mechanisms - i found writing it down helped me - is that any good for you Taff?it may also help others who have suffered like yourself? Would like to do the pilgrimage myself sometime - to see what it was all about,i think that will be in a few years thought. Take care,get out and start living -hopefully see you at one of the re-unions. regards, Mick(Jack) Daniels ex AB(S)