9.
Oct. 25, 2009

My father served on HMS Rodney during WW2, his name was Walter Ernest Lingard and I think he was an engine room artificer.I know he served on the convoy duties to Murmansk but that is all I know (he was very reticent about his wartime experiences).

Does anyone remember him or can point me in the direction of a printed crew list. I am curious to know if he played any part in the sinking of the Bismarck. He originally came from Barrow in Furness having an apprentice in Vickers shipyard there.

Brian Lingard

8.
July 21, 2009

I believe my father, William Leatten Hurley served on the Rodney during the period between 1939-1945. My father died in 1987 and I have no details of his Navy Service record. I believe he served in the RNVR before the outbreak of WW11. I would very much appreciate any information you may have concerning my father's naval service.

Thank you,
Bill Hurley

7.
Oct. 7, 2008

My granddad, Philip King served on the Rodney as a Stoker/Mechanical Engineer from about 1940 -44.  He was awarded the DSM in the New Years Honours 1942 but to this day says he doesn't know why he got it, but that it “must have been something to do with the Bismarck business”.

If anyone remembers him, or might be able to shed any light on why he was awarded the medal I would be very grateful and would love to hear from you.

Tom Balch,
Bruton, UK

6.
Oct. 5, 2008

I was wondering where I can obtain the crew list for the Rodney. I understand that my father-in-law (now deceased) was a radio operator on one of the ships that helped to sink the Bismarck, and I believe--but am not sure--that it was the Rodney. His name was Sydney Pilkington and he was from Southampton, England.

Thanks,
Marilyn Pilkington

5.
May 26, 2008

My father George William Walter Booth served on the Rodney in 1944/45, and was on Rodney on D-day when she was shelling German positions in Caen. He told me that he was a radio operator and that he was involved in passing messages to the gunners about the accuracy of their fire. He also did one or more trips to Murmansk on the Rodney on convoy protection. He was known as "Scouse", as he came from Liverpool. He played the piano in the mess and apparently had a nice little earner on the side doing other ratings' laundry! He received a medal in 1985 from the Soviet government (along with other naval personnel who served on the convoys to Murmansk).

I also recall Dad recalling that the Rodney was once visited by an Admiral. When inspecting the crew, the Admiral asked my Dad very quietly if he could swim. When Dad said yes, the Admiral said he wanted Dad to jump overboard (they were in dock) to see how the crew reacted and what they did! Apparently my Dad was very efficiently rescued and the crew were commended for their reactions!

I don't think he progressed beyond ordinary seaman, but in later life he became the Head of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service in Liverpool, a position he held until the mid 1980's. He died in 1998. I noticed on the crew list for the Rodney that there was an Ivan Walter Booth who apparently served on the Rodney from 1940-44, and that there was a George William Brears. Given my father's full name, I am just curious to know whether there could be any mistake in the crew list? I don't suppose there might be anyone out there who knew him? His best friend on the Rodney was Harry Carpenter, who later became a well-known BBC sports broadcaster.

John Booth

4.
Feb. 2, 2008

I visited my sister in Canada last August, the last time we met was 1979.Whilst there we looked through a great many photographs of old times, amongst them was this menu card which I took a copy, how she came by it I'm not sure.

Kind regards,
Paul Latham

3.
Nov. 5, 2007

I am looking for information about my uncle, William J.B.Cook of the Royal Marines. He served on H.M.S. Rodney in the early part of W.W.2 when the ship was damaged and taken to Plymouth for repairs. He was killed during an air raid on Plymouth on the 22nd April, 1941 whilst helping members of the Civil Defence in rescue operations. His wife was called Elizabeth and he was originally buried in Plymouth.

Angela Smith

2.
May 8, 2007

My father, William Lunney of Sheffield, England, served on this ship in WWII. I have no other info about his time on board, does anyone have links to more info about the crew.

Best wishes,
Mick Lunney

1.
Mar. 21, 2007

My uncle, Arthur Tapp served on the Rodney during WWII. Looking for anyone who might have known him. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Sandie Vasquez