Guestbook – HMS Coventry D118

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2297 entries.

Ian Luff wrote on July 4, 2007 at 12:58

In conjuction with the formal launch of the Coventry Association, I would like to get all the ME Department reconnected with one another. I have a lot of the stokers e-mail details but not postal addresses. Guys please could you email me with your postal addresses for future reference and publications. An organised get together next year is the aim at the moment, check your inboxes please.

Doc savage wrote on June 28, 2007 at 20:06

This is for Ian Dawson and his parents. Steve was one of the messmates I lost that fatefull day, and I dont know anyone from the Cov that would say he was a gash hand. He like all the rest lost their lives doing their duty and supporting the rest of us. If you have read any of the things on here then you will know we are starting an association in which yourself and your parents would be more than welcome. This may help repair the damage done by this person you would not name. Doc Savage

Damien Burke wrote on June 27, 2007 at 22:48

Coventry '82 Association Further to 'Doc' Savage's earlier message about the constitution document for the proposed Association... the file can be found here. It's a PDF file so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or similar software.

Ian R Dawson wrote on June 27, 2007 at 19:31

This is part 3 of 3. I won't identify the individual concerned, but he is a disgrace to his service and his Queens Commission! He is certainly not part of the Coventry crew who showed us so much support and understanding all those years ago, nor is he part of the Senior Service with whom I have had so much contact over the years. 19 brave lads parading in heaven is the way they deserve to be remembered, and I thank you for expressing that sentiment.

Ian R Dawson wrote on June 27, 2007 at 19:27

this is part 2 of 3 I wasn't able to attend Pangbourne with my parents as having taken the Queens shilling for a second time, duty called. I was, however, appalled to hear Stephen described as 'one of the gash hands', and in response to a question, my mother being told that if she bothered to read Hart-Dykes book, she wouldn't need to ask. This conversation with 70+ year old parents who lost their eldest son 25 years ago, 8000 miles away from home, fighting for an island very few people were aware existed prior to the war. I can assure everyone, it is not lack of effort that stops the book being read, but the emotional strain involved in a parent reading how their child was killed.

Ian R Dawson wrote on June 27, 2007 at 19:22

This is part one of two. I am the brother of Stephen Dawson. I attended the service at Horse Guards on Sunday with my wife and parents. It was a very emotional and moving experience in many ways with feelings of pride and sorrow and a return of some of the grief felt 25 years ago. Stephen was my 'big brother' which now seems a strange thought because I remember him as a young 22yr old and I am now nearly twice his age. The old questions start to re-emerge too, fuelled by the high profile of the events and programmes like 'Sea of Fire'. Did he suffer? Did he fulfil his duty? Would he have survived if the location of the damage control team hadn't been changed following the hit on HMS Sheffield? Questions you ask in which to find solace and justification for what has happened in a situation over which you have no control and sometimes little understanding.

Lester May wrote on June 27, 2007 at 16:32

Email 25 June from the makers of the BBC documentary: Sea of Fire is not available commercially, we are allowed to sell a small number of DVDs to those who have sent in requests, for a short period only. This is not a commercially packaged DVD, we have transferred it from our master tape, so it will have a countdown clock at the beginning. As it is not on general release it is required that you sign a disclaimer saying that it is for personal viewing only. This will be sent out for signature, by email, as a request for payment/disclaimer which will have to be signed and posted back with payment - the cost will be £14 + 1st class recorded postage @ £1.40. On receipt of payment and disclaimer the DVD will be sent with a receipt. If you would rather receive the paperwork by letter mail please let me know. Val Prodromou Office Manager Windfall Films Ltd 1 Underwood Row London N1 7LZ 020 7251 7651 Email: val@windfallfilms.com

Jim (Rocky) Hudson wrote on June 27, 2007 at 05:47

I am trying to contact "Paddy" Ireland who was at the reunion. Paddy - if you are out there, can you give us a shout please. Email icon attached to this message, just take off the "No junk mail" bit on the end. Rocky.

Doc Savage wrote on June 25, 2007 at 12:05

Morning Gents and Ladies, Here is the latest on the association updates. Thanks to Sam Macfarlane Ive just about finished the charter for our association. Its alittle long to put on here but i will hopefully get Damien to do it for me, please send email addy to me. Then if theres any changes you would like we can look into them. Doc.

Paul Inman wrote on June 24, 2007 at 20:34

Knocker, Hope all is well east of Suez. Sorry you could not have made Pompey before your return to Aus shippers, but very much understand the time constraints with selling your drum back in dear old blighty before your transit east. If I venture out to Aus I’ll expect a call round as the last time you got me a drink was when you were on the Cardiff and later returned by me on the Yacht – must be your round again by now? Good luck shippers. Paulus

simon cutts wrote on June 24, 2007 at 16:55

knocker, i am indeed here, how's it going, tasmania, damn, that ain't leicester. Missed you not being at the reunion, i assume you've seen the photos i sent in though.

Steve Bell wrote on June 24, 2007 at 16:49

Hi Shipmates, Sorry about where I'm from, but the uk didn't show up! Well, last weekend! did you know that WE!, WE were the biggest turn out of any other vessel! What a weekend! (to quote Simon Rouse!) Very emotional, very humbling, but very proud to be part of a ship that now has a history, Thanks to the Skipper. The service pulled at my heart strings in memory of those we left behind.... But we'll remember them for years to come. Alway thinking of you all Yours Aye Steve (Dinger) Bell Rob Hamilton's MEOW '82

Mick Daniels wrote on June 24, 2007 at 12:27

Ginge, thanks for the pics.Thanks also to Damien for putting the horseguards pics on. Webmaster - further to Luffs last e-mail about drawing up a list - is it possible to have a shipmates list on the website? Looking at Broadswords new site they have this facility -they have a very simple alphabetical list (with 200+ names on) -Name/Rank/Nickname/served from - to/ then clicking any individuals name sends you to the individuals e-mail - it is then down to the individual to add/amend/delete their details - so eliminating work for yourself. Not sure if it means a lot of work to set up - but think it would be good for keeping in touch?? regards to all, Mick (Jack)Daniels

Admin Reply:

Exactly such a facility is already being worked on - it's a busy time of year for me though, so I won't make any estimates on a completion date! - Damien

Luffers wrote on June 23, 2007 at 16:50

25 years of total inactivity has made me feel a tad on the guilty side, therefore I would like to try to compile a list of contact details of the entire ME Department and organise a smell get together next year or the year after. I have some contacts but nowhere as many as we need. If anyone would like to be added to the contacts list for the future or has contact details for others, please email me at work (ian@wightbyte.co.uk)many thanks guys, look forward to hearing from you.

Gary 'Knocker' Knock wrote on June 23, 2007 at 13:53

Yo shipmates, just a quick line to see if Simon Cutts is out there? Hiya shippers, Knocker here in Tasmania, how are things? Also to any of the lads really Knocker

Garry Potter wrote on June 21, 2007 at 19:29

Just had an email back ref Sea of Fire: Hi Garry, Thank you for your email, at present we are waiting to hear back from the BBC as to whether or not we are able to sell it to the public. We are keeping a list of everyone who has requested one and my office manager will get back to you as soon as we know more. kind regards Tish Stevens Receptionist Windfall Films 0207 251 7676 enquiries@windfallfilms.com I don't known if this is any help.......Garry

Luffers wrote on June 21, 2007 at 13:26

I do apologise Brum, guys its Brian Houlders and not not Brum Lelkes.

Carole Hodgkins for - R. wrote on June 20, 2007 at 09:19

Does anyone know wherabouts of a certain Steven Kelly (LRO (G)1. He served on Coventry in Falklands and later on H.M.S. Glamorgan.

Damien Burke wrote on June 19, 2007 at 09:55

Guys, please click here to read about the case of a Gurkha and Falklands Veteran who has had a visa application to come to the UK rejected because the weasels in the Foreign Office say a man who had his back ripped open by Argentine shrapnel at Bluff Cove has 'no strong ties to the UK'. He receives no pension or medical assistance from the British government.

Ginge Crook wrote on June 19, 2007 at 09:40

To all ex Covs, It was an honour to be there with everyone to remember those still on patrol. It will neve leave my thoughts. Paul I think I can copy the recording from my Sky + to video if you e-mail your address I will be more than happy to copy it for you. Mick hope you got our photo all right although it is not as good as the web site one. Sid thanks from Louise for the ticket it made it more special being sat with someone else and we will see you in Weymouth sometime soon hopefully. regards to all Ginge and Louise.