HMS Formidable - Bulletin Board
Many "Shipmates" or their friends/relatives have tried to ask me for help over the last year and we are
often unable to give much information to the enquirers. I am throwing the emails open to you all to help, if possible.
If any of you "shipmates" out there can give any assistance or advice to any enquirers on this page,
please contact them direct, if possible, (where name/email is given) or email alan@hmsformidable.fsnet.co.uk
with any assistance available.
To ask a question or add a request to the Mesageboard - email me at alan@hmsformidable.fsnet.co.uk
FOR Current News etc. See - NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE BOARD - Messages posted by Visitors to the site.
Dear Mr. Brown: I thought that you might be interested in this photo of my uncle Ron Mitchell who served on the
Formidable during the war. Unfortunately I know little about him, as he died shortly after the war of tuberculosis.
I do know however, that he served in the Mediterranean and the Pacific towards the end of the war. This picture
is one of the few that my mother has of him. I was told once that the Formidable had a problem with tuberculosis,
would you know if that's true?
Please feel free to use this photo in any way you see fit. Perhaps somebody might recognize him. Kudos on a great
site.
David Lacey 32 Taylor, Cr., St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, N5R 5J4
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Obituary - Phillip Derrick Evans & George Hinkins
With regret i wish to inform you of the passing of my father, on 17/1/2003, whilst on
holidays with me in Australia. His body was returned to Wales where the funeral took place three weeks later. My
father always looked back fondly on his time aboard the Formidable. The memories of his service and the time with
his shipmates in Gibralter, Australia and Celyon were amongst his fondest. The death of his petty officer, George
Hinkins, was a memory and a ghost that never left his side. The meeting with his widow 40 years later a very moving
experience. - my father is sadly missed by his wife, three sons and 7 grandchildren.
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OK Guys ... I know this was the previous HMS Formidable ... But there's just a hope ???
My name is David Russell.
I have just come across your impressive web site.
My granddad's brother Henry James Russell. was on HMS Formidable when it was sunk in 1915.
He was just 19 when it happened. He was a private in the Royal Marine Light infantry.
I am wondering if anyone has information on him and maybe even a photo?.
Any information regarding him would be appreciated.
Thanking you all in advance. - David Russell.
I can be contacted via e mail drusel@globalnet.co.uk or d_r_electrical@btinternet.com
Or mobile phone 07956-186411
Does Anybody remember Bert Cashell he was a Radar Operator on the Formidable from 1944-45. Please contact if you
do. I am also looking for some photos from around that time of the ship and it's crew, so if anybody can help please
contact Bert on
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Obituary -
Reginald Sidney Ellard deceased - HMS Formidable Association
I am dealing with the administration of the estate of Reginald Sidney Ellard who, I very much regret to inform
you, died on 1 March 2003. Under the terms of Mr Ellard's Will a legacy of £100 is payable to HMS Formidable
Association. and this has been forwarde to Ron Tovey, following contact with the website admin, Alan Brown.
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I am trying to find any one who may remember serving with my father, Kenneth John Frost he served
on the Formidable in WW2 as a telegraphist. He was born in Stoke On Trent and joined the ship in Belfast. He is
currently living in Australia.
Please contact Ken Frost Jr,
I came across your web-site by accident.
My father Ron Seaman was a Petty Officer on HMS Formidable immediately following WW2.
Are there any fellows out here who will remember him?
Sadly he is no longer with us but I would be interested in hearing or knowing of any others who were with him in
the 'Singapore days'. Best regards, Nigel Seaman
I am researching my family history. My grandfather was (according to the records I have) Captain of HMS Formidable
between 1940 and 1942. He later became a Rear Admiral on the Illustrious before suffering a stroke in 1944. I would
be very interested to hear from anybody who can tell me more about him. - Thank you. - Simon Lough
My Uncle Sam Wrout has sadly passed away today 14th May 2003 He served on the
Formidable during the 2nd World War in the Pacific. He never married but
leaves behind very grateful Nephew and Nieces for His time spent with us.
God Bless and Rest in Peace,
This is a photo of three stokers from the H.M.S Formidable,my Grandfather Owen Traynor is the man on the right.I,m
interested in finding out whom the other two men are,if you can help please contact me at
I am trying to find any one who may remember serving with my father, Kenneth John Frost he served on the Formidable
in WW2 as a telegraphist. He was born in Stoke On Trent and joined the ship in Belfast. He is currently living
in Australia.
Please contact Ken Frost Jr,
My grandfather, Lewis James Block JX212127, served aboard the Formidable in 1944, possible up until his release
in 1946. I was wondering if you had any information regarding the ship's history during that period, and also whether
you could put a message upon your message board for anybody who knew my grandfather to contact me at stephen.block@virgin.net.
He may well have been acting petty officer on board this ship. He passed away in 1979, but the family would love
to hear about anything anyone could tell us.
From Ron Mitchel's nephew ??
I thought that you might be interested in this photo of my uncle Ron Mitchell who served on the Formidable during
the war. Unfortunately I know little about him, as he died shortly after the war of tuberculosis. I do know however,
that he served in the Mediterranean and the Pacific towards the end of the war. This picture is one of the few
that my mother has of him.
I was told once that the Formidable had a problem with tuberculosis, would you know if that's true?
My Uncle Samuel Wrout served aboard the Formidable during the 2nd world war,
He has just given me many photos showing the damage received, and the planes
that took off from Her decks, He is now in His late 70s and not had good
Health lately, If anybody knows Him I am sure it would be a great surprise to
be contacted, I will pass on any names for Him to get back to you,
Many Thanks, Jim Castle
I have in my position a old original photo of the formidable on fire of Japan it shows the formidable in the distance
on the horizon whith smoke billowing from her, this is a authentic picture ,and was after a kamikaee attack, as
my Father was on board at the time of the attack. HE WAS A GUNNER ABLE SEAMAN WILLIAM HUMPHRIES
My uncle and I are attempting to find out more about his fathers ( my Grandfathers) service career. His name was
Horace Little. We understand that he was a Flight Sargent in the RAF but was tranfered to the Fleet Air Arm for
a time. He was in charge of the "ground crew" and was a powerplant mechanic. We beleive he was with #829
Squadron ( Albacores) (we have a photo of him infront of one) at the time the Formidable received damage from the
Luftwaffe on May 26 '41 in the Med. Any info would be greatful. Even more about the battle and others at that time.
Thank you- Neil Medcalf
Are there any models of the ship that i can get hold of please
please let me know many thanks s collins
I wonder if you or any of your members could help me with this question:
Did 888, 885, 893, and 820 squadrons carry the US star insignia rather than the roundel in Apr '43. The star was
carried earlier for the Torch landings but when did aircraft revert to their roundels again?
I am researching Formidable for a diorama I am building depicting her and members of Force H in Algiers harbour.
H.M.S Formidable Stoker Thomas Trump looking for his shipmates:
George Hagard and John Silitoe who served with me on H.M.S Formidable in 1946-1947, if you are still in the land
of living please contact me. Tom Trump - Home tel: 01962 882698
My Grandpa Owen Traynor served aboard the Formidable as a Chief Stoker from 1940-1945,If anyone has any photographs
or new Owen Traynor then please contact me at herman@elderave69.fsnet.co.uk Thankyou very much.
A very impressive web page indeed.
You might want to check out and link to my small contribution to World War II history at
My name is Gary Freeman and I am trying to get some information about my
father who was on HMS Formidable during the second world war.
My father past away in 1971 when I was 12. Being so you I didn't get the
chance to learn about things he did during his life.
I have very good photos of him during that time on the ship including an
occasion when the Formidable was hit by a Japanese plane.
I guess I'm hoping that I may be able to get in contact with someone that
may have known him and be able to tell me about him.
I would appreciate any help you can provide me.
Yours Sincerely, Gary Freeman
My Father in Law Alfred Allan Dees (Known as Allan) served on the Formidable
during WWII as a Royal Marine. During this time whilst at shore in Sydney he
met his future Wife Phyllis. After our local ANZAC day dawn service yesterday whilst having Breakfast
Allan & Phyllis spoke of a party that was held in the Formid's Hanger before
it returned to England (I Think). They recalled how the room had been decorated with plants and a pond or the
like in the room. They said they would love to have had a photo of the room
as it was a night they both remember with great affection. They were only
newly weds If any one out their could help, it would be much appreciated.
I have only just found your site and briefly shown Allen its contents. '
Would you believe that in one of the photos A FEW OF FORMID"S ROYALS Allen
recognised his Best Man. I will keep Allan involved in the site as it surely gave him great pleasure
yesterday and I am sure he could contribute at some Time in the future.
Keep up the good work - Paul Barton
32 Pitt St
Springwood
Blue Mountains
New South Wales
Australia 2777
Emails; kassavidasi@bigpond.com <mailto:kassavidasi@bigpond.com>
pbarton@cordukes.com.au
I was wondering if anyone had a picture of Formidables' ships crest. I have seen 2 different copies of what was
named as HMS Formidable... difference being the colours - cyan/yellow and red/black. Can anyone help??
I currently do not have ANY copies of this and would be interested in gettng a copy.
BILL COOPER, DERBY, "OLD BLACKY" 1946 onwards.....Blacksmith, seeks any old mates that may
want to get in touch, lot,s of stories to revisit if your up for it!!!
Trying to get mini-reunion going locally ,probably one-off for mates only...anyone remember me.....
(Big Derby County Fan at the time....1946 final, against Charlton and all those days....)
Reply to Bill Cooper (formally of Duffield,Derby) via Son...
I would like to add details of your association to my new website
Vic Simmons No 340. Has anyone any information concerning Stanley Francis Lodge,
Petty Officer, Torpedo Gunners Mate. Served in Formy from 44 until 47 He was my run ashore
oppo and I would like to know whether he is still around, any info good or
bad will be welcome. Please post answer to email address
AA gun crew during kamikaze attack
Hello! My name is John Kennedy jr. , and my father John Kennedy Sr. served aboard the Formidable in both the Atlantic
and Pacific theaters. He was an American assigned to the Admiralty and held the rank of Lt. Cmdr. He was a technical
rep on the Corsair fighter, and worked with many of the pilots and mechanics who flew Corsairs from the Formidable.
Dad is now 82 yrs old, and still tells of stories of the ship. He was wounded while at battle station in a AA gun
crew, of which all but he were killed, during a kamikaze attack. Any one who remembers him could contact thru me
at Email: DETJBKJR@AOL.COM.
"Old Formidable" 1915 ???
I have a picture of the twin brothers who died 1 Jan 1915 aboard the Formidable. It is a very good clear picture
of the Villiers Russell Brothers. I have been after a picture of the wreck of the Formidable (1915) .. Can you
help me, if so I will get you a good copy done for the site. Thanks, Mark
I wonder if you might be able to somewho publicise the follwoing within your association.
I am trying to contat anyone that served with my Grandfather Alan William Tatham (Leading Seaman) onbaord HMS FORMIDABLE
in the latter part of the war in the far east. He joined the ship in Sydney, I think, in 1944/5 - having travelled
there on the Dominian Monarch troop ssihp.
I would be very pleased to hear from anyone that might have known him - he passed way 2 years ago and is a big
gap in my life . I would love to write a book all about him so if there is anyone that remembers him I would so
like ot hear form you.
Many Thanks, Steve Tatham
(Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy !)
I am sending this on behalf of my father, Norman Fletcher, who served on HMS Formidable from April 1944 to February
1946. He does not have a PC himself, but his address is: 47 St Nicolas Park Drive, St Nicolas Park, Nuneaton, tel.
02476-328579. He would be interested in hearing from you about the association, which I discovered via your website.
He ended his service as an Air Artificer (L), and tells me that he would be remembered because he ran the ship's
cinema!
Many Thanks
Tony Fletcher
ANYONE REMEMBER WATCHING THE SHIP'S CINEMA IN 1944 ????
Raggy Page if you can recall him,he spent a lot of his time on board
in the Marine office as i recall he is now on a Messenger Download
If you wish to contact him he reads
sydneypage@optusnet.com.au
He is living on his own now so he may be may be glad of a natter.
I believe that my grandfather was a cpo
aboard this ship,I still have the pennant that he brought home with him.
I am interested to search for any possible photos of him,his name Robert
Wilks Campbell Thompson from Ashington
Northumberland.he was away from home for
4 years during the war. Please respond if you can help.
I was just browsing and came across your site. My father Albert Snaith, PMX773370 was his number I believe he was
a ships cook and served during 1945-46. I know he would be very interested in the association so could you send
him some details please. His address is Mr. Albert Snaith 10, Torcross Close Glenfield Leicester LE67 4TH. He is
not well,
It would be good for Dad to get in touch with past shipmates.
Many thanks, Ken Snaith
ANYONE WHO KNEW Albert Snaith ... Ship's Cook !
ANYONE KNOWS C. R. CARTLEDGE ????
See his story
I am currently researching the sinking of the HMS FORMIDABLE in 1915. Four members of my town died during the sinking
and I have tried without vain to get a decent book on the subject. Anything to do with the WW1 battleship would
be appreciated. Can you please let me know if I can buy such a book. Thank you very much, Mark Potts
PS Any photos would also be appreciated.
Can you please e-mail me pictures of HMS Formidable because my great uncle was on the ship when it blew up
My grandfather, George Edward Moore, has attended, I think, at least one of
the Formidable reunions. I really would like to get him one of the books
you mention on the website as a Christmas present, but I have been unable to
track down Seeley Service. Do you know how I can get hold of them, or where
else I might get the book "A Formidable Commission".
Hello ... Shipmates !!!
I was just wondering if you could help me, during past conversations with my father in law Mr David Romain, i remember
him talking about his time on HMS Formidable, at the back end of WW2, .... I am trying to put together some information
on his time on the Formidable, as he is due to enter a nursing home shortly and they require back ground information.
He has spoken about Kamikaze Hits and being on board when the Atom Bomb exploded, though I don't think he actually
saw it, he did mention that the Capitan's was Ruck something.
If you have any further information, or copy of records of his time on board it would be much appreciated.
Many Thanks, Martin Perkins, Son in Law
Shall appreciate your reply to a sincere request for info. Thanx in advance.
Eden Chan wrote:
Hi. Alan
I'm an oldster aged 71 living in Singapore, even when theJapanese were
here during period 1941-1945. From 1944, S'pore experienced air raid by
American B-29s. There was one raid in 1944 when I was brave enough to
stand in the open and counted the raiders which, in this instance,
numbered 93. The aircraft were flying very high, well above the
anti-aircraft bursts. These couldn't be the US superforts becoz they
never came in that great a number.
I believe they could be British carrier-borne planes becoz history
recorded the presence of one carrier operating in the Indian Ocean at
the time. This could either be the HMS Indomitable or Formidable that
flew off aircraft to bomb Sumatra. Some were shot down over S'pore and
their crews executed by the Japs. Some years ago, veterans from the
carrier visited S'pore to conduct a memorial service for these heroes.
I'll appreciate it if you could enlighten me if the carrier involved was
the Indomitable or the Formidable.
Thanx & regards.
Eden Chan
A number of the Radar Division (A.D.R) attend the annual reunion and are seeking information
on A.B. Woodbine (Willy) and A.B. Porritt (Bill).
Dear Sir/Madam,
You don't know me but I help out at Kegworth Museum, which your association
has visited over the past couple of years during your annual reunion. I am
trying to put together a little display about HMS Formidable and the link
with the village.
I have contacted Graham Faulkner Drucker about the details on the Fleet Air
Arm Archive website to see if I could use some or all of them in the
display. I visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum recently with a couple of
friends and had access to the archives and I have a few photographs in mind.
I wondered if you would like to add anything to the display.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind Regards, Ian
I wonder if you can help me. My dad was on the Formidable
for a while, and I would like to find out a bit more if you can help. His
name was William James Barry Spence, and I think his service number was
684774. Not sure on that though. He was an armourer. Unfortunately he passed
away last year, but I would like to know more about the ship and the
aircraft etc. I have a substantial interest in aviation history.
Coincidentally, I live at Sileby, which is just over the hill from you.
HI
my father, Arthur John Flint from Dagenham\ Essex served on Formidable
during WW2 - he was a steward in the officers mess, I should be most happy
to hear from any who knew him,
Val Crowdy(nee Flint).
Dear Betty
My Uncle "John Forward service No K17082" served on the above ship, I
have found his Navy Record and am now trying to find out about his medals,As
I understand there are Four of them.
As you know The Formidable was lost in January 1915 off Portland Bill.My
uncle was a Stoker on her.And was only just 20 years old when it was sunk.
I am doing my family history and he most certainly plays a big part in it as
he gave his life for his country.(Like so many others )
If you can help in any way as to where I can get any information on his
Medals I would be very grateful.
Kind Regards
Ray Forward
Hello,
I'm really pleased to see a site about the Formidable. My late father
John Deegan served as a stoker on board the formidable during the second
world war. He once told me a story about the Ship being bombed while he was
working down in the engine room. When his shift was over they found that
stokers in the previous shift had died as a result of the attack.
He never really spoke much about the war although he did tell me about the invasion of Scicily.
Are there any photos of the crew taken during the war at any time
or of the stokers, it would be nice to know there was as I have only three
photos of him during that time, two when he was at the training establishment
H.M.S. Royal Arthur, and one on board the Formidable.
Yours faithfully
John Melvin
My dad in law served on the formidable late 1940 until he left in june 1941 His name was Roy Batt started as an
air mechanic, leading air mechanic , petty officer air mechanic and ended up as a chief petty officer air mechanic
in 1948 Do you have any idea where we could get more information? I have a wonderful picture of him in dress whites
taken in Austrailia around this time with a little poppy or rose badge above his medal ribbon any suggestions Thanks
for any help
Jacki Batt
Wonderful site- great photos.
I'm also in the process of creating a multimedia/computer animated piece on the battle of Cape Matapan and was
wondering if there were any good orthographic or line drawings of the ship from that time period? Thanks for any
help.
Dave Higgins
An Uncle of mine, Cyril Grantham; served with 806 on the Formidable as a TAG Observor from 14.1.1941 to 16.8.1941
joining them with the disbandment of 819 after the attack on the Illustrious. I should mention that he was one
of the detatchment of 806 that was shore based on Malta for a few weeks prior to joining the Formidable. I know
he had a bad time after the Formidable was damaged and spent most of the remainder of the war as an instructor
in the West Indies.
I have very luckily managed to contact one ex-aircrew member of the Illustrious who remembers him and an aircraft
fitter of 819 who has provided much invaluable information.
Can you help me contact any surviving comrades of Cyril's 806 Squadron service from this period of 1941.
Regards Rob.
If you know anything about the 893 squad my father was in it the fleet air arm, Eddie Wood from Eccles Manchester.
I would like to find out if anyone remembers him?
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