17.
Nov. 8, 2009

My dad, Edward Davies, served in the Fleet Air Arm towards the end of the war and talks a lot about the Japanese suicide bomb that struck the vessel in 1945. I know he would love to hear from anyone that knew him he was born 1925 and came from North Wales.

Thank you,
his daughter Rhian Sonmez

16.
Oct. 20, 2009

My Dad, George Close, served on HMS Indefatigable during the latter half of WW2, in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. He was a P.O. Engines and Airframes artificer in the Fleet Air Arm and I was wondering if there was anybody who may remember him?

Cheers,
Jack Close

15.
May 1, 2009

I do not know if this is of interest to Mr Brian Davies Young. This is a photo of some of the crew from the Indefatigable my Father is the smallest one in the middle he is Frederick Ramsbottom. I do not know any of the others. It may be of interest to somebody out there.

Thanks,
Roy Ramsbottom

 

14.
Apr. 26, 2009

Its ANZAC day in Australia and it has spurred me on and I have finally found something on HMS Indefatigable. My Dad who has sadly died was Lt. E. W. Saunders and the only 2 stories I had from him were;

-he had a Canadian friend who died as a result of the kamikaze plane crash and

-after the war whilst visiting NZ the admirals barge was caught under a wharf and to save it from being crushed as the tide came in he pulled the plug and sank it.

Apparently he decided he didn't have a great Naval career prospect after that and left the navy and migrated to Australia Sydney. I don't know whether that story contained some poetic license, but it sounds good. Years later I found out he also flew torpedo planes I think. Like a lot of fathers they didn't want to talk much about their experiences. I would particularly like it if there was a photo of the crew that could be blown up a bit more (such as the one in Ceylon) to see if I could get a copy and identify Dad . Also would like to hear of anyone knowing of him. Is there an organization in Perth Australia which caters for ex servicemen/relatives from the Royal Navy or particularly the HMS Indefatigable?

James Saunders

13.
Apr. 5, 2009

I'm the eldest son of Douglas Davies who served on the “Indefat” during its Pacific tour of duty. I'm not sure of the exact dates but I am pretty sure he worked in the galley and that he was stationed in Sydney at Woolloomooloo. I am seeking any information from any crew member or their relations who might have known my Dad during this time. My Dad passed on in the late 80's however he never talked much about his time at sea due mainly to how sensitive he was about relationships and loosing friends.

I have now lived in Sydney for nearly 30 years, Dad did make it back to Sydney a couple of times for holidays but we could never persuade him to come over and live, think he liked his English pubs too much. If anyone has a list of names of crew members who served on the carrier during this period that would be fantastic?

Brian Davies
Young, NSW, Australia

12.
Apr. 3, 2009

I'm trying to track down an Alfred Turner who may have served on the HMS Indefatigable around 1944. He would have been around 25 years old at the time. If anyone has any information or can just at least confirm whether or not there was an Alfred Turner on the Indefatigable I would greatly appreciate it.

Cheers,
Caitlyn Wilson

11.
Feb. 18, 2009

I served on Indefatigable for my six month sea training in 1954 as a boy seaman, I have tried to e-mail chalky white because he was apparently on the same commission and we both visited Casablanca if you know of him could you ask him to contact me please.  

Len Baynes (chats) P/JX 911491

10.
Dec. 30, 2008

My father served on HMS Indefatigable in 1945. He joined the ship in Sydney and served in the Pacific and Japan
as a radio operator. He was an NCO and remembers a friend who was an Artificer Engineer called Gordon
Round. As I was talking to him this evening I was wondering whether anyone remembers either or both of
these men.

Victoria Wright

9.
Nov. 14, 2008

I have just stumbled across your site. It is superb, just like Christmas, been looking at all sorts. Looking at Indefat. today and noticed a plea from "Derek Webb" re 1951. I was in her then until 53, serving in Pay Office on Upper Yardmen ledger. There was a very distinguished roll call!  Only the best for RN UY. 

I was a Writer of course and our S & S mess was just off the Flight Deck (private sponson) abaft the Island. Long way for Libertymen and for shore galley as cook of the mess in dry dock. Oh times were hard then but very pleasant, especially when we moved off the milk cans for the Home Fleet (Training Squadron) jaunts. Long way, winter nights MFV to/from Weymouth/Portland but a good run ashore. Here is some proof (see below).

Best regards,
H.A. (Tug) Wilson  

8.
Sept. 15, 2008

Hi, my name is George Hicks, former RAN Photographer and am trying to locate details of my Mother in laws partner, Leonard [Michael] Nowers. Michael, as we know him is now in a Nursing Home and we would like to fill in our knowledge of his early life in the RN and specifically while he was onboard Indefatigable. Any information would be very appreciated.

George Hicks

7.
Aug. 4, 2008

I have sent the group picture of the crew of the Indefatigable (see page 1, photo 2) and have marked the man
at the top (very top of photo between propellers). I think it was my Father his name Frederick Ramsbottom. I have also sent another photo of him (see below) with two other sailors he is the one on the right. If it is at all possible and you have a higher resolution photo you could send me the bit with my father on.

Roy Ramsbottom

6.
Dec. 6, 2007

Dear Paul, Sean and Derek,

It was great to hear from you with your information. I would be very interested in seeing some of the photographs you have.

I recently looked on Youtube and found some film footage of the Indefatigable out in the far east during the war with commentary and planes landing on flight deck. The film was of quite good quality and you may be interested to have a look yourself, or see if you find any further information/footage.

I hope you find the above of interest and I would love to hear how you get on.

Best wishes,
Trevor Silvey

5.
Nov. 30, 2007

My grandfather Raymond Jelley served on the Indefatigable from 42/3 onwards, he has recently passed away and I would be keen to know if anyone knew or had information about his time on the ship.

Regards,
Paul Morris

4.
Nov. 22, 2007

Just been reading posts about HMS Indefatigable. My dad was on it and new the official photographer of the ship and have loads of photos of the ship, planes and Kamikaze attack on it and the signing over on the ship. I think Mountbatten was on it in a photo?. Got the ships xmas menue pics of all the cakes, ships monkey and all; my dad was John Hough aka Hamper Hough. Hope that helps some one?

Sean Hough

3.
Sept. 5, 2007

I served on the Indefatigable between 1951-52 as a communications rating. It would be great if you could send me any info on any body who served at this time. The captain was called Capt. Grant         

Many thanks,
Derek Webb

2.
July 10, 2007

Just seen your mail, unfortunately I don't have any info on your father but my father was an able seaman at the time of the Japanese aircraft attack. My father, John McCaffrey, died in 1977 I was 13 at the time. He told me stories about his time on the carrier which are vague now. I have tried to get any info about the crew or any stories or pictures, you are the first connection that I have came across. Would be grateful for any info however small.

Thanks,
Paul McCaffrey

1.
Mar. 8, 2007

My name is Trevor Silvey, I am the eldest son of Frederick Silvey who joined the ship as a replacement after the ship was hit by a Japanese plane. He served in the engine room between 1946-48.

Very sadly Frederick Silvey has very recently passed away but I am very interested in hearing from people who may have known him or can give me more information of his time on the ship.

I await in anticipation of hearing from anyone who may be able to give me further information, or from fellow crew members.

With very best wishes.
Trevor Silvey