HMS Indomitable
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Messages 1 to 24

24.
Sept. 28, 2010

Doing some research on the crew of Indomitable around 1942. My dad, Ernie Carrick was wireless operator I think. He was born in Hull, 1924 so would have been 18 at that time. Have you any link to him or does anyone know of him at all?

Many thanks,
Dave Carrick


23.
Sept. 20, 2010

I am looking for information of Harry Elcock from York who served on HMS Indomitable in the 40's. he was a leading Stoker.

Heather Bygrave


22.
Aug. 30, 2010

My late father, Reginald Beames, served on HMS Indomitable during WW2. He was a leading hand and I believe was the Captain's steward. His action stations post was in the ship's magazine where I believe he was captain of the hoist responsible for loading the ammunition for the guns. He took part in the Malta convoys and I remember him telling me about the ship being in the USA for repairs. He was also on the ship in the far East when it was attacked by the Japanese kamikazes. After the war he worked in Naval armament supply depots He died in 1977 and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have known him.

Reginald Beames


21.
Aug. 28, 2010

I got into your website by accident (as usual) and started thinking about a hugh carrier I saw when I was in the USAF in Morocco. I finally remembered the name as it had a big nameplate on the flight deck. My heart jumped when I got to the picture that said "at Casablanca, March 1953". I was stationed at Nouasseur Air Base from January '53 until June '54. A few of us were in town and wondering where all the sailors were coming from, then we heard there was a British carrier in port. We had to go see it. WOW! What a magnificent piece of machinery! Needless to say, we were all quite impressed. And all the bars in Casablanca were more then quite lively that evening.

Tom Newell
Cedaredge, Clorado


20.
Aug. 27, 2010

I'm writing a book about 30 squadron and the battle over Colombo in April 1942. I'm eager to make contact with anyone who was on Indomitable in March 1942 when 30 squadron was embarked and if there are any photos from this period, that would be magnificent.

Regards,
John Barrass
Secretary 30 Squadron RAF Association


19.
Aug. 10, 2010

My father, Lewis George Hale, was a signalman aboard the 'Indom' during her second spell in the pacific. I was hoping some members of the association might remember him...one incident he often spoke of was a suicide by a Japanese prisoner who was under guard in the brig...from what I can recall (unfortunately dad died back in 1979) it was quite gruesome. He also spoke of the Kamikaze attack in May 1945, and of seeing emaciated British prisoners after they were freed...it may have been in Burma?

I hope this rings a bell with some of the lads. Just on a personal note, I have to say I have the greatest respect not just for yourself for running this site, but also the entire generation that sacrificed so much so that we can live the lives we do today.

Thanks,
Steve Hale
Ex-navy radio op D150471C


18.
Apr. 16, 2010

I am preparing a paper on 5 polar explorers who all had connections with Bedfordshire. One of these was George Percy Abbott the father of Lt. Cmdr. Donald Abbott. I have discovered that Lt. Cmdr.  Abbott was killed in a flying accident on 1 st October 1950 while based on HMS Indomitable. Unfortunately despite searching all of the national newspapers of the time I have so far been unable to find any further information about Lt. Cmdr. Abbott, the incident, or the circumstances surrounding it. The best that I have found is a one column  five line note in the Times on 3 rd October 1950. Is there anyone out there who has any information about this officer his family, the incident, the circumstances or anything that will allow me to end the section of the paper regarding this family. Many thanks in anticipation of your help.

Trevor Stewart


17.
Jan. 31, 2010

My dad Frank Albert May served on this ship as an aircraft instrument tech if ya knew him give me a hoy.

Marty May


16.
Jan. 9, 2010

My dad William [Willie] Aitken born in Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland served on the Indom as he called her, between 1942-46 he was a ships engineer. If there is anyone out there who knew my dad and has any photos, that's the one thing I don't have, I would love to get in touch.

Kind regards,
Willie Aitken
Clitheroe, Lancashire, England


15.
Jan. 1, 2010

I have recently been searching the internet with the help of my great grandad (Mr. George Mills) who was on HMS Indomitable and Formidable among others, while using your website we came across some messages left by people and we believe one of the messages to be of family of my great grandad's friend, (Mr Reid) his daughter has named several people her father told her about one being Lofty, which was my great grandad's nick name during his time in the navy. I would be grateful of any information you could forward me on the above and any info about my great grandad's time on board,

Many many thanks,
Paige Russell


14.
Oct. 19, 2009

My Grandfather served throughout WW2 on HMS Indomitable and I believe he was a stoker. His name was Sam Rimen. Sadly he died in the mid 60's so I never knew him, but I am anxious to hear from anyone who can remember him. We also think his brother 'Jack' Rimen served on the Indomitable at the same time, so any information on him would be wonderful too.

Sam's widow (my Nan) recently gave me his medals and a collection of photographs, so I'd love to get a bit more of an insight into his WW2 service. With his medals were some cufflinks with A.O.F.B inscribed on them. I understand this stands for the 'Ancient Order of the Froth Blowers' or something like that, and it was a gentlemans/drinking club? Does this have any connection to his time on the Indomitable? If anyone can help me I'd be most grateful.

Kind regards,
Phil Comley

Reply 1
May 16, 2012

My Father was also a Stoker on HMS Indomitable and served on operation Pedestal in Sicily. His Name was David Henderson (Glasgow) and possibly served at the same time as your grandfather. I would be glad to see any photos you may have as I am trying to put together his war memorabilia sadly he is no longer with us.

Thanks again,
Mark Henderson


13.
Oct. 15, 2009

I am trying to make contact with anyone who served on the Indom (or other Carriers) with my late father, Peter Phillip (Phil) Schofield, Acting Petty Officer, Engineer, and who hailed from Bolton. A wonderful man, whose eyes sparkled when he spoke of his beloved Royal Navy and Aircraft Carriers. It was in his blood and his heart, indelibly. My only regret is that I did not have the chance, before his marvellous spirit passed on, to expedite a plan - a retirement gift - to take him back to reminisce, to Liverpool and Plymouth, UK., as well as Malta, Gibraltar, the Med, etc. Looking forward to hearing from any of his "mates".

David Schofield

Reply 1
Jan. 13, 2012

A bit late David Schofield but if you live in the Bolton area try Derby Ward labour (Deane Rd) club the first Saturday of each month when the R N A meet at twelve noon, not if you live any distance. I am wartime Indom at same time, but didn't know your grandad. We are as you would imagine a small group, only one Indomitable. You would be welcomed I know.

Bill Brown
ex Indomitable


12.
Sept. 22, 2009

My late father Marine Lawrence Blackshaw a.k.a. Larry or Lol served on board H.M.S. Indomitable from June 1944 till Jan. 1945. He was part of the gun crew on a 4.5" twin gun mounting. I wondered if anyone remembers him, he had many fond memories of his time on board which he recalled to me, and I would love to speak to someone who knew him.

Best wishes and thanks to you all,
Paul Lawrence Blackshaw


11.
Aug. 26, 2009

Details of the next reunion of HMS Indomitable Association will be held in Blackpool 11th. - 14th. September at the Stretton Hotel. Details can be found at  www.hmsindomitable.org.uk The secretary of the association can be contacted through the website. Many of the members attending have served on the Pedestal Operation and the BPF.

Regards,
Jim Baird
Scottish Rep HMS Indomitable Association


10.
Aug. 25, 2009

My dad, Leonard Naughalty, served on the Indomitable as a Leading Seaman. I would be very grateful if anybody had any photos of the crew which they would be happy to forward to me and my family. Dad sadly passed away in 1985 and I would love to see any old photos which he may be included on.

Donna Crowder


9.
July 13, 2009

My uncle was on this boat Fred Evans of Brighton, I think he was a radio or radar operator. He is still alive.

Derek Evans

Reply 1
Nov. 1, 2011

I am Bill Brown Ex Telegraphist HMS Indomitable, East Indies and Pacific. Frank Easton, fellow telegraphist and messmate would like to contact Donna Evans. He gave me permission to include his telephone number and is a stone throw away on Peacehaven. Frank is of the best, a really nice guy. May you get the news and meeting you seek. We knew three Evans's.

Good luck,
Bill Brown

Reply 2
May 19, 2013

I have just seem your message. Sorry to say that Fred Evans pass away thanks for leaving a message and that you may have known him. I hope you are both well.

Derek Evans


8.
June 6, 2009

My Dad, and my son's Grandad, was on the ship in 1946. We have some lovely photos from 1946 when he arrived on board and sailed on 21st Jan arriving in Malta on 26th Jan and then reached Ceylon on 9th Feb 1946. There is a photo of him with a dog called "Spot" and with friends "Lofty" and Jock and Arthur and St Lt Robson at "Diyat?"  His name was Peter William Reid, birth date 22 March. Sadly he died ten years ago, but my son, Edward William, is really keen to find out any more information, or to find any friends.

Best wishes,
Fiona Reid


7.
Apr. 30, 2009

My uncle Frederick Clark served on HMS Indomitable and he gave me the ship's bell from the French sloop Dentercastraux that was attacked by the Hurricanes onboard and hung in the hanger for a while. He also gave me the Indoms pendant, a bronze gauntlet on a shield. If anyone can add any information on these matters please do, Fred is well and living in Essex.

Steven Roberts


6.
Dec. 25, 2008

My dad Alf Garland served on HMS Indomitable for a large part of the war. He talked about going up to Barrow to commission her and was on her for the Pedestal convoy. He also went to the USA for the repairs as I have his Norfolk Navy Yard pass. I also think he somehow came to Montreal on her as he told me the beer was terrible (his biggest memory), when I came here. He must have left by 1944 as I know he was on the Minesweeper Llandudno on D-Day. He finished as a CPO Stoker although I am uncertain of his rank on the Indom.

Peter Garland
Montreal Canada
(formerly Bridport, Dorset, UK)


5.
Dec. 13, 2008

My brother, Ken Abdale from Darlington served on HMS Indomitable BPF and HMS Vanguard to finish. Seaman I think, he died three weeks after he's wedding in 1946. I was to young to know what was going on. We had lots of photographs but all destroyed by our father. Does anybody remember Ken Abdale?

Thanks,
Len Abdale


4.
Dec. 3, 2008

My Granddad, Frank Stockwell, served on this boat, I'm not entirely sure of his position, but I know it involved being on the planes, whether he was a Pilot or Gunner I'm not sure. I have a photo album, full of pictures of the crew, suicide bombers that crashed into the boat, and more. I hope to scan them onto my computer soon.

Emma Stockwell

(Frank Arthur Stockwel R.N. Collection)


3.
June 25, 2008

My dad, Clarence Rawson, served on HMS Indomitable, he was on the pom pom guns in the Pacific. Could anyone out there who knew my dad contact me, I can travail to meet up thanks.

Stephen Rawson


2.
Feb. 13, 2008

My wife's father Major John Turner served aboard HMS Indomitable in the BPF possibly as a army liaison officer. We have some photos of him seated with the ships company and with some Royal Marine pilots. We wonder if anyone still remembers him...... to fill gaps in our wartime knowledge of him. Thank you for all your interesting items re Indomitable.

Thanks,
Dennis & Jane Ginger


1.
Aug. 18, 2007

SAILORS;

BEING A NEPHEW OF GERRY CORMIER (FIREMAN) OF STEPHENVILLE, NL., I WOULD LIKE TO PASS ON MY THANKS TO THOSE WHO SERVED BRAVELY ON THE "HMS INDOMITABLE"! YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE "RESPECT" THAT YOU SO DESERVE FOR YOUR BRAVE EFFORT!

Thank you,
Stephen Cormier





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Page published Feb. 18, 2008