Len served on HMS Activity and by coincidence I had already planned to call on Janette Gilbert while I was in Nelson. John Gilbert had also served on that ship. My visit to Janette was quick but very pleasant. I was sorry not to have seen Matt Clapham on this occasion. Then, a few days later, I received the news that one of our Canterbury members, Bill Thompson had passed away (5th August). Bill lived for some years in Woodend, North Canterbury, an area I know well so our communications usually covered some of the local happenings. I was pleased to meet Bill personally, with his good friend and companion Mary Kelly, when visiting the ‘lads’ in Christchurch last October. Bill’s funeral notice proudly pronounced him to be “a member of the Russian Convoy Club” - he served on HMS Diadem. Bill had an extensive family with even one great, great grandson, Oliver. I spoke with Mary but unfortunately could not attend the funeral in Rangiora.

On Tuesday, 13th September I had a phone call from Freda Brokenshaw to tell me that Bill had passed quietly away at midnight. Again, both Bill and Freda had been staunch Convoy Club supporters and came down from Whangarei whenever possible. Bill liked to lay his individual wreath at our plaque site on the Wellington waterfront in May each year. His story of life on HMS Chiltern (part one) appears on our website. Sadly the second part, in Bill’s own words, will not now be told.

Finally I have to also record that sadly the Reverend Canon Jim Pether who has officiated at several of our functions and also with the Merchant Navy Association, Wellington Branch, passed away (13th September) leaving a loving family including six grandchildren. Jim had been a personal friend and, at his retirement function, told me how much he enjoyed being present at our waterfront commemorations and meeting our veteran members and families. He was not able to attend our November meeting last year and I had intended inviting him to share this year’s pre-Christmas function with us. I believe Jim was Wellington Port Chaplain at one time and also worked with Missions to Seamen. His funeral was at Wellington St Paul’s Cathedral on 19 September.

To all those friends we have lost, and those others now gone, I am sure we are the better for having known them and their families and, as we so often repeat: We will remember them.

MEETING RUSSIA'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ALEXANDER ZHUKOV
PLUS A TRIBUTE TO ANDREY TATARINOV

Our last Levin meeting, on 25 August, was very slightly down on numbers, but the quality in the number present (28) was not diminished. Ambassador Andrey Tatarinov and his Counsellor, Andrey Kornyukhin both attended and once more kindly made sure our Rum Bosun was gainfully employed. Syd was just as careful in pouring out the vodka as he was when dishing out the Magpie’s rum ration. Ron Hancock also provided ‘support’. Thank you both.

The Ambassador referred to the fact that Andrey Kornyukhin’s extended seven year posting to New Zealand was coming to an end and sometime in October and Andrey would be returning home.

Andrey has been much more to our Club than just an Embassy representative. His part in arranging the Russian campaign medals presentations in 2005, and also last year’s special 65th anniversary arrangements, was carried out with meticulous care and consideration. He has also cooperated fully in our now annual waterfront commemoration ceremony at the convoy plaque site. During the recent visit of the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov I was asked to take part with Andrey and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the programme planning for the visit. Part of the programme provided for Mr Zhukov to lay a wreath at our plaque site, on Tuesday 13 September, with four of us veterans also present. But the violent hail storm in Wellington on that day put paid to this occasion. However, thanks again to Andrey’s quick thinking (I had told him of our lunch venue at Queen’s Wharf) we were able to go next door to the ASB Centre and meet the Deputy Prime Minister who greeted us warmly and spoke of his country’s gratitude for the efforts of all those involved in the Convoy Campaign of 1941-45.

We presented him with our lapel badge (thankfully we had one spare) and at an evening reception at the Russian Embassy I was also able to present him with a copy of the 65th anniversary occasion DVD recorded in Wellington.

In fact the Embassy evening reception seemed to be really for Diplomats and Rugby Union people, including the Russians, and although it was an honour to be invited I felt somewhat of a curiosity and had to spend most of the evening explaining the Convoy Club and our members involvement in the convoy campaign – and my own presence at the Embassy ! But everyone was most friendly, even if they couldn’t quite make the connection between the Rugby World Cup and Russian convoys.

Of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand there has been a euphoria not experienced since we brought the America’s Cup to New Zealand in 2003. The country and all the visitors, well those keen on rugby, have certainly been treated to some good games and hopefully the final result will be as we all wish. The references by the TVNZ Close Up commentators (prior to Russia’s first game) to the past ‘Cold War’ between the USA and Russia and the pictures of weapons trundling passed in a Moscow Day Parade, were I thought pitiful in the extreme. Maybe TVNZ had not heard of the strange, but true, American, British and Russian alliance in World War II? I can even recall a very friendly game of ice hockey we played in Archangel with Russian sailors. The only ‘Cold War” then came from the freezing conditions we had to suffer. I rest my case.

BACK TO LEVIN AND OUR FUNCTIONS

Going back to reporting on our 25 August meeting in Levin, we had Part 1 of a very interesting talk by Pen Moore about his time as a Compass Swinging Officer in the UK and how he had to cope with the Normandy invasion craft and the regulatory necessities of compass checking. Pen will deliver Part 2 of his talk at our November meeting on Thursday 24 November – our pre-Christmas occasion.

After lunch on 25 August we were invited to visit the Otaki home and garden of David Ledson and Barbara Devery. Barbara seems to do all the hard work in the garden, including lopping off large tree branches from a great height, while David rides round on his mower ! (Just joking). One of the Otaki features is all the roses and once again my judgment is becoming suspect when I decreed that our visit should be in August. Roses? Wot roses? But it was all very enjoyable with wonderful hospitality from Barbara and David, supplemented by Bill Gallie’s liqueur tasting. And thank you for the birthday card Bill and Anne. I will bring it out again next year when I really will be 90!

I think we have always enjoyed our Levin meetings but now that there are so few members residing in or around that area, we have decided, with approval of all the ‘locals’, to experiment with our March meeting next year and hold it in Petone at the RSA clubrooms above the Petone Workingmen’s Club in Udy Street. There are excellent facilities available - thanks to Derek for sorting out any misunderstandings there – and this will not mean the travelling that some of us have got used to over the past sixteen years. So to outline our future programme, please note:
 

For our March meeting I am hoping to get Captain John Brown, former Interisland Ferry Master to come along and talk to us about his experiences during hundreds of Cook Strait crossings.

I have optimistically included our programme up to November next year, knowing that, like myself, several of us will by then be over 90, but hopefully still able to get along !

At the same time my own tenure as President has even now well exceeded the norm and whilst I could throw myself on your mercy for an even longer term, it might be good if someone else would “light the boilers”, hoist the signals and watch the ship’s head – no not that one Syd.

But, with your approval I will try not to give up unless we have someone dedicated to the welfare and interests of the Club. From the time of John Middleton’s original idea we have built our Club into an organisation very much recognised by the New Zealand Navy, Politicians, Embassies and similar organisations world-wide. Our website has thousands of ‘hits’. I am proud but very humble for the part I have played, with help and cooperation from other members. I am more than ready to step aside, in fact feel I should do so, but if we haven’t got a person or persons prepared and dedicated to maintain the standard we have achieved, then I would try and continue unless we decide to ring on “Finished with engines” and break out the decommissioning pennant. I think this should be given some thought but there is no need for immediate “panic stations”.

So, to other more nautical matters.

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

Firstly I must report on a most successful and humbling experience taking part in Merchant Navy Day 2011 on 3rd September at the National War Memorial in the Hall of Memories, Buckle Street, Wellington.

The Minister of Defence, Hon. Wayne Mapp, attended along with the Opposition’s representative, Navy, Army and Air Force representatives and Ambassadors. The prologue was given by David Ledson followed by an Address by Wayne Mapp. Ian Dymock and Rear Admiral Parr shared in the reading of the Ode to the Fallen and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government and various organisations. I laid a wreath on behalf of our Convoy Club. The whole ceremony was managed without a single hiccup, thanks to Paul Riley, Curator of the War Memorial, David Ledson as Chair of the War Memorial Council and representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. I think there is no doubt that our 9 May commemoration should be held both at the Hall of Memories and at the waterfront plaque site as happened this year.

During September/October there were a number of special Naval events while the complete fleet of New Zealand’s Navy Ships – minus one – were in Wellington. Unfortunately, due to a rather ‘short-sighted’ fall (I was wearing my driving glasses) across a concrete pad in the garden, I put myself out of action for attending any of the occasions for which invitations had been accepted. However, Pen Moore, as one of the original members of the NZ Division of the Royal Navy to go to the UK in WW II, was able to attend the wreath-laying and Cathedral Church Service. Ron Sanderson also attended.

I much appreciated the ‘Get Well’ messages and birthday cards and am pleased to say that, thanks to my good Doctor and the Wellington Emergency Clinic’s very delightful young student nurse – Megan Harris – I am walking upright once more, with only the odd scar on my knee. I guess it is perhaps a warning to all us oldies – Watch Your Step. Amazingly my Russian watch which had the glass smashed and came out of its mounting has continued to tick away still keeping perfect time and is now fully restored to my wrist once more The Ambassador told me, back in August, that Russia is now producing watches of a very high standard and design to compete with world watchmakers. The earlier model suits me!

RECOGNITION

At our 24 August Levin meeting it was unanimously approved to make Ian Dymock (Secretary/President of the Merchant Navy Assn (Wellington Branch) an Honorary member of our Russian Convoy Club in New Zealand. Ian has been a loyal supporter of our Club and regularly attends our meetings. He was also the prime mover in getting 3 September officially recognised at Merchant Navy Day. Ian has strengthened and confirmed the mutual respect and friendship between our two organisations. I personally appreciate Ian’s interest in our own activities.

We do have a number of widows (I think the number is twenty), still regular supporters. But I am conscious of the fact that some cannot now get to meetings and the newsletter has been a means of keeping contact. It may also be that even this contact is not so relevant any more. Therefore, to those concerned I am asking for completion of the yes/no slip included in their latest newsletter (this one), so that we are not troubling them unnecessarily. I think it is understood that the subscription of $15 a year will apply, partly to offset newsletter costs and other expenses.

ANNIVERSARY MEDALS

The 65th anniversary campaign medal awarded by the Russian Government last year could only be received by present convoy veterans and not by next of kin or other family members. I did raise the question with the Ambassador but it was a ruling by the Russian Government and – I think from Russia’s population perspective – perhaps understandable. The ruling was readily accepted by all those I contacted at the time without any demur.

We are also trying to make sure that our address list is one hundred per cent correct and up to date. I appreciate the change of address notifications received from time to time and try to make sure that Derek has them for our website and that Pen’s staff has them for the envelope addresses.

Frank Jones has recently sent in some Wikipedia information via Google about Arctic Convoys. You will find a wealth of info and interesting wartime facts and figures available, details of the Combatants, casualties, ships lost, 85 merchant ships, 16 Navy ships, also, for the Germans, one battleship, three Destroyers and at least thirty u-boats, plus many aircraft.

DOCUMENTARIES, BOOKS AND OTHER INFORMATION

It is interesting that there are still more documentaries being made and more information now available on the Arctic Campaign of 1941-45. In a recently read book, published in 1958, titled ’73 degrees North, by Dudley Pope, the comment is made by Admiral of the Fleet, the late Lord Tovey, GCB, KBE, DSO, that the Battle of the Barents Sea was one of the finest examples in either of two world wars of how to handle destroyers and cruisers in action with heavier forces. Captain Sherbrooke saved convoy JW 51B by going straight into the attack of far heavier enemy units. Sherbrooke received the VC and Lewis King, father of historian and writer, the later Michael King, received the DSC for their part in that action. The battle took place on 31 December 1942. Winston Churchill wrote: "This brilliant action fought by the Royal Navy to protect an Allied convoy to Russia at the end of the year (1942) led directly to a crisis in the enemy’s naval policy and ended the dream of another German High Seas Fleet".

Over 54,000 tons of equipment was delivered. No merchant ships were lost. One destroyer (HMS Achates) and one minesweeper (HMS Bramble) as well as a German destroyer were sunk. Grand Admiral Raedar resigned after Hitler described the German capital ships as “useless”.

The author, Dudley Pope, was himself a Merchant Navy member. In one ironic comment he says: "The author’s pay, for instance, stopped the day his ship was torpedoed. Any sojourn in a life boat or a raft was an unpaid holiday!". And of the convoy escorts Dudley Pope wrote: "The corvettes and trawlers, for days on end, in heavy weather, would be more like half-tide rocks than ships of war, heavy seas sluicing over them and making the upper deck impassable". And "With the great winter storms came heavy mountainous seas which could force a 22 knot cruiser with 75,000 hp engines to a struggling pounding 8 knot crawl and flinging about its 600 ft length and 10,000 ton bulk as if it were a water-logged tree trunk…seas which could scatter a convoy across hundreds of square miles like chaff before the wind".

PROPER AND DESERVED RECOGNITION

Perhaps it is appropriate at this point to refer to a newspaper article from the UK. The News, on 15th June 2011, reported that although Prime Minister David Cameron and some senior Tories, support the award of a medal for Arctic Convoy veterans, the MoD civil servants are stubbornly trying to stop a new medal from being created, saying “It is not considered there is any case for revisiting this issue”. MoD say that there has been enough recognition already and suggests that 190,000 medals would need to be made at a cost up to 12 million pounds Sterling. Cdr Eddie Grenfell says that the figures are widely inaccurate, historical figures show that just under 70,000 British sailors fought in the Russian convoys. The MoD was unable to explain how it arrived at the figure of 190,000. David Cameron had ordered the MoD’s draft document be sent by the MoD to all medal campaigners for consultation.

Eddie Grenfell was one of the campaigners who eventually got us the Arctic lapel badge.

Contrast all this with the actions of the Russian Government which has awarded campaign commemoration medals regularly in anniversary years since 1985, the last occasion being last years for the 65th anniversary. At the same time, as I have contended before, we know where we went and what we did and a medal is not necessary, although we have felt honoured that our services have been recognised by the Russians.

Our website, which has worldwide interest, is still looking for your own stories of life in the Navy days. Send stories to Derek Whitwam who will edit them for the website and censor any ‘naughty bits’. But please make the writing as clear and legible as possible !

I was told recently by someone who shall be nameless that he was born a pessimist. His blood group was B negative ! And that is the only joke for this issue unless you want to hear about the person who got so depressed with life she finally called the Samaritans. They diverted her call to a call centre in Pakistan. She told them she was suicidal. They got all excited and asked if she could drive a truck!

At the request of Internal Affairs and with approval from the Russian Embassy, I issued a media release regarding the Russian Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to Wellington. The response was complete silence except that as I wended my way back along the waterfront on 13 September, hailstorm Tuesday, and bitterly cold, there huddled against the wall by our plaque, was a sorry looking figure with camera etc. When I questioned him it turned out he was a reporter from the DomPost. He accepted my apologies, realising the weather was out of our control, and hurried off for a warm drink. Well tried the DomPost. A wreath was laid by the Ambassador on behalf of Mr Zuhkov, a few days later.

Now let us all tread carefully and I look forward to a good turnout for our pre-Christmas lunch meeting – Thursday 24 November, which incidentally is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Meeting commences 11 am.

The World Cup Rugby in New Zealand has been been exciting. The next sporting event is the General Election.

Yours aye,

Chris King PS. But hooray. We won !

Newsletter : June 2011

Dear Shipmates, Friends and families,

‘First things first’ as the WRNS Plotter said when she removed the Admiral’s arm from around her waist before sticking a flag pin into the map for Convoy SC 14.

I had planned this little bit of humour some weeks ago thinking that we might need a bit of cheering up, what with the cold weather and several health complaints received from members. I also read what Ella Wheeler Cox had once said:

Tis easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows along like a song;
But the person worth while is the one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong!

Well now of course everything has gone wrong, once more, in Christchurch with the recently occurring ‘shakes’. It has become almost more than human nature can stand and I worry for those of my own family living in Christchurch and all those who once more have to come to terms with all the mess and the troubles associated with living in an earthquake wrecked zone. When we flick the switch and on comes the light or we turn the tap and out comes the water, it is hard to imagine how difficult life would be without these things. I guess many of us can turn our thoughts back to our wartime years and remember how difficult life could be then, but this isn’t much help to all those living with the Christchurch problems now. I think most people in New Zealand, and many around the world, have the people of Christchurch very much in their thoughts and I hope and pray that the resilience shown will continue and that enjoyment of life will once more be the norm.

Just remember the old saying by someone in 1855 – “Is life worth living? That depends on the liver!!

COMMEMORATION : 9 MAY 2011 : NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL

Our 9th May Commemoration at the Hall of Memories, the National War Memorial in Wellington, was I believe a very good occasion and very much a time for remembering the Convoy Campaign and those who served in whatever capacity. For the Russians the 9th of May means “Victory in the Great Patriotic War” and Ambassador Andrey Tatarinov spoke well of his nation’s struggle during those war years and the tremendous loss of life. But he also remembered and honoured all the allied sailors who contributed to the overall victory by delivering the shipments needed and all those Merchant and Royal Navy men who made the supreme sacrifice. Andrey, like his predecessors, has been a very good friend of our Club and I am grateful to him for his collaboration in the remembrance day. Likewise Admiral David Ledson, who spoke as Chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council and also the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Hon Judith Collins. Both paid tribute to the veterans and David reminded us that this year is the 70th anniversary of Operation DERVISH, the first convoy to sail to North Russia on 21st August 1941. Judith had suffered a very sad bereavement but nevertheless gave her time to share the morning with us.

In my own opening remarks I referred to a number of apologies received from Convoy Club members who, I knew, would have wished to be present but health problems prevented them from attending. But I emphasised that they were in our thoughts just as much as those our shipmates so sadly missed who made the supreme sacrifice during the convoy campaign – and that the commemoration service gave us time for a gentle reflection of those war years, of our shipmates lost and of all those who knew the horrors of war at sea.

One of our ‘newer’ members, 91 years old Ron Colman, had his picture in the Wellington Dominion Post, leaving the Commemoration ceremony. Ron recalled that his crew was unintentionally joined by a civilian worker in northern Scotland. The man was asleep on the cruiser, HMS Sheffield, when the call went out for all civilians to return to shore. “He did not hear the call” said Ron and had to stay with the ship. Later the man said “I would not do this job (crewing the Sheffield) for five hundred pounds an hour !”

Thanks to George and Marilyn Billing, and their choirmaster, we were able to have a musical accompaniment for the singing of “Eternal Father’. Paul Riley, curator at the National War Memorial, also arranged the services of a Bugler for The Last Post and Reveille and every note was ‘spot on’. Paul Riley really did a tremendous job in helping me with the arrangements and even reprinted my black and white Order of Service into a coloured and improved version. I will enclose my black and white copies for some of you who couldn’t attend. So with the interest and help of Paul, and of course David Ledson, we do have access to an appropriate venue at the National War Memorial when the occasion warrants it.

The Service also included the laying of wreaths by the Hon Judith Collins, Ian Dymock on behalf of the Merchant Navy, Peter Atwood on behalf of the Master Mariners Association, Rear Admiral Ian Hunter on behalf of the RSA, the Russian Ambassador on behalf of the Russian Government and our own wreath was laid by Pen Moore. After the Service the Ambassador and I took bunches of flowers down to the Wellington waterfront plaque site and then I joined some of the ‘lads and lassies’ for lunch at Petone.

I know the Ambassador was very pleased with the whole proceedings and although considerable planning is always needed I am satisfied we did the day justice and my thanks go to all involved, in whatever capacity.

Unfortunately I had intended that we should all adjourn, after the Service, for ‘nibbles and a glass, somewhere close, but maybe I became too pessimistic when things wouldn’t work out and had to cancel the idea. The late Thomas Hardy wrote an Epitaph on a Pessimist –

I’m Smith of Stoke,
And sixty odd,
I lived without a dame
From youth-time on,
and would to God,
My Dad had done the same.

Praise be, my life has not been like Mr Smith’s !

NEXT MEETING

Our next meeting is on Thursday 25th August, at Levin RSA, starting at 11 am with lunch as usual, and after lunch we are all invited to go down to Otaki and enjoy the hospitality of David Ledson and Barbara and see their beautiful house and garden, number 60 County Road, Otaki. Either David or myself will refresh you memories of the way to go when we meet at Levin.

Before lunch Pen will trawl through his memories and speak to us on “The Compass Observatory and its Swingers”. How important that piece of equipment is to sailors and it needs to be correct. It reminds me that the Bluebell’s Skipper was relaxing in his bunk when he felt the ship moving round. So he called up to the Sub on the bridge (one prone to sea sickness) and said “How’s your head”? And the Sub replied – “Oh much better now Sir, Thank you”

MEDALS AND MEMBERSHIP

There are several convoy veterans, not necessarily Convoy Club members, for whom we have been able to arrange the awards of the Russian campaign medals. One was Louis McCleary of Wanganui. I recently heard from his son Chris McCleary that his father had died in July last year. Chris has asked to come along to our Levin meeting in August and I hope members will make him welcome.

We are always updating and correcting our membership list and it is important to know of any changes in status or addresses. or if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter. It does seem worthwhile putting out a newsletter because it keeps in touch with those who cannot get to our meetings or special occasions in Wellington. It has been necessary to increase the sub to $15 in this current year, on account of increased postage costs, stationery and costs of wreaths etc. But hopefully the extra $5 will not be too much of an extra burden. It just means cutting down on the smokes and booze, mostly the latter because I don’t think we have a single smoker in our Club now.

AT SEA TODAY

According to an article by John Vidal of The Observer, published in The Guardian Weekly last year, the world’s largest cargo ships are travelling at slower speeds than the Clipper ships did more than 130 years ago. A combination of the economic recession and emission awareness has encouraged many ship owners to adopt ‘super-slow steaming’ at speeds of 12 knots, down from ‘slow steaming’ of 20 to 25 knots. Clipper ships reached 14 to 17 knots in the 1850s with the fastest recorded speeds of 22 knots or more. Maersk, the world’s largest shipping line with more than 600 ships, has adapted its giant marine diesel engines to travel at super-slow speeds without damage. This reduces fuel consumption and gas emission by 30% and saved the Company more than $100m on fuel during its go slow.

Ships engines are polluting. Designed to run at high speeds, they burn the cheapest ‘bunker’ oil and are not subject to the same air-quality rules as cars. Before 2007 the Emma Maersk, one of the largest container ships, burned 300 tonnes of fuel a day, emitting up to 1,000 tonnes of CO2 – as much as the 30 lowest emitting countries in the world. Environmentalists say that reducing speeds makes sense but warn that there is no guarantee that ships would not revert back to full throttle once economic conditions improve. Thanks to The Guardian Weekly, John Vidal and The Observer.

ANZAC DAY

Derek Whitwam, and Rita, were in Hong Kong staying with son David on Anzac Day and David laid a wreath at the Dawn Service. The Australian Consul General in Hong Kong also used a quote by the famous Greek statesman and orator, Pericles (495-429 BC):

“Each has won a glorious grave…not that sepulchre of earth wherein they lie, but in the living tomb of everlasting remembrance wherein their glory is enshrined. For the whole earth is the sepulchre of heroes. Monuments may rise and tablets be set up to them in their own land, but on far off shores there is an abiding memorial that no pen or chisel has traced; it is graven not on stone or brass, but on the living hearts of humanity. Take these men for your example. Like them, remember that prosperity can be only for the free, that freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it”.

Very significant words and most appropriate for the Anzac Day Service. In Hong Kong, the annual ANZAC Day dawn service is held at the Cenotaph, in front of the Legislative Council Building in Central.  The Hong Kong Cenotaph, constructed in 1923, is a near exact replica of the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London with the exception that the Hong Kong monument contains additional Chinese script.

New Zealand’s Anzac Day Services were again well attended by the young and the not so young. It is important that such historic events should be remembered with reverence and humility.

DERVISH ANNIVERSARY

There was an invitation from the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum Project for David and Derek Whitwam and myself to attend the 70th anniversary service, commemorating Operation Dervish, the first convoy to sail to North Russia, to be held on 20th August at The Cliff Cove, Loch Ewe.
In lieu of attending I sent the following message on behalf of our Club:

"Members of the Russian Convoy Club of New Zealand send greetings to their shipmates, families and friends gathered at The Cliff Cove, Loch Ewe, to commemorate the 70th anniversary in this year of 2011 of ‘Operation Dervish’ the first Russian convoy to sail to North Russia on 21st August 1941.

In New Zealand we recently held a commemoration service, at our National War Memorial, marking, for the Russians, ‘Victory in the Great Patriotic War’ and we remembered then all those who took part in the Convoy Campaign of 1941-45 and those who perished in the Arctic waters.

Our thoughts are with you all today as you remember again and honour our lost shipmates and the sacrifice they made. We, with all of you, will never forget them. Chris King. Club President"

RUSSIAN FEDERATION DAY AND HMS BELFAST

Russia’s Federation Day (12th June) was celebrated on 14th June with a gathering hosted by Ambassador Andrey Tatarinov and Natasha in Wellington. A representative number of our Convoy veterans attended. The Ambassador spoke and acknowledged Convoy veterans. He also announced that the Russian Government had authorised a donation of Five hundred thousand US dollars to the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Fund. The New Zealand Attorney General, The Hon Chris Finlayson also spoke and paid tribute to those involved in the Convoy Campaign of 1941-1945 and said these men helped create the start of trading relations between Russia and New Zealand.

The Russian Government’s generous donation mentioned above reminds me that the Russians have also contributed greatly to the “Last Witness Project” on board HMS Belfast moored alongside the Thames embankment in London and the only warship still afloat to have witnessed conditions in the Arctic during World War II. Club member Frank Jones, who served on HMS Belfast has kindly provided me, and Ambassador Tatarinov, with copies of the HMS Belfast Association’s newsletter – Seahorse – which deals with the unveiling of a plaque by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a ceremony on board HMS Belfast to celebrate the completion of The Last Witness project, the replacement of both masts of the ship by generous gift of the Russian Federation. The plaque states that the project is dedicated to the enduring memory of all those Russian and allied men and women, civilian and military, who served in the epic campaign to maintain the Arctic supply route against attack by submarines, aircraft, surface raiders and the greatest enemy of all, the sea. HMS Belfast is the last witness to this heroic struggle to preserve the civilised world.

A key figure in the initiation and development of the project was Tim Lewin, son of the late Admiral of the Fleet, Lord Lewin who had served on HMS Belfast and taking part in twelve Arctic Convoys. Admiral Lewin was also the first patron of the Russian Convoy Club in the UK. Tim Lewin learnt that a survey showed that both of HMS Belfast’s masts were badly corroded and beyond economical repair. He persuaded his Russian friends to become involved and as a result sufficient money was raised through the generosity and sponsorship of Russian industrial and commercial companies to manufacture two new masts in St Petersburg and to have the masts transported to London and fitted onboard by a team of Russian steel workers. The newsletter states that the project could not have been successfully completed without the approval and encouragement of the Government, as representatives of the Russian people. Convoy veterans and other guests later attended a buffet lunch and reception to round off what was a very memorable day and “an example of what was achieved through international cooperation and the continuing friendship between the peoples of Russia and Great Britain”.

Thank you Frank for letting us share what was an historic occasion. We must get you to talk to us about your more recent visit to the ship and what she is like now.

SPEAKER'S CORNER

I have given four talks in the last month or so to Probus and U3A groups as well as to 12 young Chinese military men studying at Massey University. One of the students wanted to know if piracy had been a problem on our Russian runs ! But they were very attentive and interested in a subject they knew nothing about. Some of the groups have had over a hundred members present and it does seem that there is a great deal of interest in our wartime activities. On 27th and 28th July I have been invited to speak at Porirua and Tawa. Perhaps like Joseph Conrad people feel There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting and enslaving, than the life of the sea - and they like to hear about it !

We still have a few DVDs of the 65th anniversary occasion recorded at the Russian Embassy and at the Waterfront last year. It makes a very good record of the event and one the family may like. I will bring copies up with me in August. Sale price $10.

There are also a number of pictures of more recent events available for viewing on our website and, for those interested and with the right facilities, you can Google just about any subject connected with ships and the sea and get an amazing response. But there is nothing so good as a good book and believe it or not, at the moment I am reading Tolstoy’s War and Peace, in three volumes. Wonderful writing, if only I could pronounce all the names !

Don’t forget – Thursday, 25th August. 11 am start. Talk by Pen and lunch as usual. Levin RSA Clubrooms, Devon Street, parking at rear. And after
Lunch, a visit to 60 County Road, Otaki, courtesy of David Ledson And Barbara. Make a day of it !

To all those not feeling as well as usual practice ‘resilience’ like the Christchurch people. The latest Cancer Society newsletter says it’s a mixture of individual traits, such as ‘hardiness’, a tendency to view life with optimism and hopefulness, regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough rest and reflecting on the spiritual aspects of life can all be beneficial. Take care.

Yours Aye,
Chris King

Newsletter : January/February 2011

Dear Shipmates, families and friends,

It seems only a few months since the 2010 newsletter was in print but in fact another whole year has gone by. My sister-in-law wrote from the UK recently and said “Do you think, now we are so very much older, the time seems to pass much more quickly?” I have to agree. It’s now more a question of how much longer. But as the New Year confronts us lets look forward to whatever joys and blessings come our way and enjoy precious moments with family and friends and the good memories we all have. And to those who have lost loved ones in this past year, our special thoughts. Our Roll of Honour now numbers forty veterans – over the past sixteen years – but our Club membership is still up in the eighties, both in numbers and in ages !

Meeting dates for 2011 – all commencing at 11 am – will be:

Ø Thursday, 24th March, at Levin RSA Club Rooms, with lunch as usual.
Ø Thursday, 25th August, at Levin RSA including lunch.
Ø Thursday, 24th November, at Levin (our pre-Christmas meeting, with lunch)

When Derek Whitwam and I attended the Merchant Navy Christmas lunch meeting at Petone we thought it would be a good idea, as an experiment, to hold our August meeting at the Petone RSA. I appreciate that for some the journey whether from Wellington or from North of Levin to the capital is quite an undertaking. Also that the Wellingtonians or ‘Southerners’ have regularly made the journey up to Levin with little objection. Personally I quite enjoy the drive despite the road works and red cones which seem to have been a part of the journey for so long. However after time and effort by Derek to organise the venue the conditions were not favourable as far as we were concerned and so the idea has been transferred to the ‘back burner’ and the Levin venue stands for 25th August. David Ledson and Barbara have extended an open invitation for us to visit their lovely home and garden at Otaki this year and we should give this thought at our March meeting. Maybe the August meeting may be suitable.

I took an English visitor, over here for my granddaughter’s wedding, up to Otaki recently and with David Ledson’s acquiescence (now there’s a big word!) showed my visitor round the grounds of the Otaki house. My visitor was very impressed with the abundance of roses and all the fruit in the orchard. It was an especially sunny and warm day, the next day it poured with rain ! Otaki is only just down the road from Levin and County House, on County Road, is easy to find.

The fact that we regularly get thirty-five to forty attendees at our meetings is, I am sure, a reflection on the work done by our several volunteers which helps to keep the ‘propeller shaft turning’ – a technicality which all seafarers (unless you sailed under Capt. Cook) and interisland ferry passengers will know is necessary to keep the ship moving. Galley Slaves?? (More commonly known as those who had to help the cook out).

Anyway – Our thanks to Moira Blair who, since good shipmate Johnnie McLaughlan passed away, has made sure our Levin venue is always available and the caterers notified. To Bob Powell in Christchurch who has so willingly taken over the tasks which the late Doug Gooday undertook in keeping our South Island shipmates informed. To Derek Whitwam who took over running the last November meeting when I was very much indisposed, and who is a continual help to me with the many day to day enquiries we receive on our website. This also includes David who, with his father, ensures the successful running of the site and keeping all information up to date. I should mention that there were over 9,000 visits to the website last year, worldwide, including many “hits” from Moscow, Vladivostoc ... ! We have increased the mega byteage (if that’s the right expression!) to cope with extra information, pictures, etc, which all make for very interesting viewing. I’m not sure what the cost is but Derek assures me that he and David are happy to take care of this.

Recently Andrey Kornyukhin, the Russian Embassy Counsellor, told me that some film makers who have been out here to assess coverage for the World Cup and their Russian Rugby team, also wanted to include some coverage of New Zealand’s help to Russia in WWII and to interview some veterans. They told Andrey that there was a Russian Convoy Club website and offered to give Andrey the address! Andrey told them that the Russian Embassy already enjoyed excellent relations with the Club and knew the website well. Incidentally the Film Makers have been over here and organised interviews, at the Russian Embassy, with me, as Club President, Pen Moore, as the ‘real Kiwi’ and Derek, as the website editor. The Documentary on smaller countries help to Russia will probably be available later in the year. I also notice that the Russian Rugby team over here won both their warm up games!

Back to the thank-you notes. And Pen Moore has continued to keep our finances in order and provide printing and distribution facilities for the newsletter and membership list. I value his friendship and often needed advice. Thanks too to Len Burton who, through his Palmerston North connections has made sure we have a celebratory cake for our pre-Christmas luncheon. This was formerly organised by good friend Pam Griffiths. To Bill Gallie, and those who have provided our Raffle prizes, thank you indeed.

Ambassador Andrey Tatarinov has ensured our close relationship continues to prosper – I understand he personally cut all the slices of the Christmas cake for members in November while Natasha handed round plates, cake and napkins. A true friendship service.

The cooperation of the Royal New Zealand Navy also continues and I am grateful to those Captains, Commodores and Admirals, who take the time to attend our Levin meetings. Also of course we always enjoy the company of Ian Hunter and David Ledson and their ‘speaking’ contributions. Finally to Ian Dymock and his Merchant Navy Association (Wellington Branch) we do respect the MN Assn and value the connection.

So to everyone, volunteers, donors, and all those of you who continue to loyally support the Club – you make my job a pleasure and worthwhile, the number of Christmas and Greeting cards and messages were all much appreciated. Lets continue to enjoy the days ahead and, as the Skipper said when we came into Glasgow for a boiler clean – “You have done well lads you can all have fourteen days leave and a double rum issue” - You must be joking !

Attorney – Can you describe the individual ?
Witness – He was about medium height and had a beard.
Attorney – Was this male or female ?
Witness – Unless a circus was in town I’m going with male!

Apart from the three Levin meeting dates we shall also observe our now traditional Waterfront commemoration day on 9th May, in cooperation with the Russian Ambassador. There will no doubt also be an observance of Russia’s National Day in June and the Russian Community Festival, probably in October. Details of these three special occasions will be advised to members as soon as final arrangements are known. I would really like to make a journey North this year to meet up with our Tauranga and Northern members, the problem is the year racing by with much to do, including a visit to family in Christchurch and Nelson, but a Northern visit will be made, if possible, sometime this year. I have been invited to speak to the Wellington U3A Group in March and to Probus, Upper Hutt, in May. Commitments I will fulfil.

I missed Stan Douglas from the ‘thank you’ list but Stan has been a great help with his written contributions, his poem read at our last Waterfront Ceremony was very well received. There may be others who I should have mentioned but take a big ‘THANK YOU’ everyone.

And so on to NO SWEARING IN THE NAVY by Sir Walter Raleigh, 1617. From, Orders to the Ships’ Commanders.

"You shall take special care that God be not blasphemed in your ship, but that after admonition given, if the offenders do not reform themselves, you shall cause them of the meaner sort to be ducked at yard-arm; and the better sort to be fined out of their adventure. By which course if no amendment be found, you shall acquaint me withal, delivering me the names of the offenders. For if it be threatened in the Scriptures that the curse shall not depart from the house of the swearer, much less shall it depart from the ship of the swearer";  Sir Walter Raleigh 1617. Cor Blimey !

That’s enough of that.

I’ve just heard from Ron Sanderson that the Taita RSA President has said we would be very welcome to use their Club and a meal could be arranged. I suggest this is another matter which can be discussed when we meet in March. Maybe an extra meeting for those who could make the journey down and perhaps combine with our Merchant Navy Asscn colleagues ?

It is always good to keep in contact with former Russian Embassy friends and I have recently heard, by email from Yuri Sokolov who was Ambassador here in the 1980s. Yuri was the first Ambassador I met in 1985, when the 40th anniversary campaign medal was awarded by the Russian Government. His daughter Maria was on the staff at the Russian Information Office in Wellington in 1990. Maria married a New Zealander and now lives with her husband and children with Yuri and Natasha in their Moscow apartment. Yuri was also the Ambassador who had a great liking for Marmite and arranged, when he left to return to Moscow, to have a large box of Marmite in jars accompany his luggage. Unfortunately the box never arrived, or was mislaid in Russia, and a Wellington shopkeeper arranged for contributions of marmite to be collected and sent to the Sokolovs.

A conductor was having a lot of trouble with one drummer. He talked and talked with the drummer but performance did not improve. Finally, before the whole orchestra, he said, “When a musician just can’t handle his instrument and doesn’t improve when given help, they take away the instrument, and give him two sticks and make him a drummer.” A stage whisper was heard from the percussion section – “And if he can’t handle even that, they take away one of his sticks and make him a conductor”.

It is seventy-one years since Britain’s worst ever maritime disaster. On 17th June 1940, the 16,000 ton Cunard liner Lancastria was bombed and sunk while embarking troops, RAF personnel and refugees, including women and children, five miles off St Nazaire. France was at that time on the point of collapse. The number on board may never be known, but almost certainly exceeded 6,000. Some estimates were as high as 9,000. The ship sank rapidly and according to the estimate of the Captain, only around 2,500 of those on board were saved. Owing to the scale of the tragedy, Winston Churchill forbade publication of the news, in the interests of public morale, and so the story has never been generally known although it is Britain’s worst maritime disaster.

The Lancastria Survivors Association was set up after the war but on the 70th anniversary of the sinking it was agreed by members that the Association should cease to exist as a formal association. However, the Merchant Navy Association has welcomed all former Lancastria Asscn members in a new understanding that will ensure members will continue to have a voice in the way ahead. (My grateful thanks to Capt John Sail MNA National Chairman (UK) for this information contained in a special Commemorative Brochure produced for Britain’s Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service and Reunion of Sunday 5th September 2010. The Brochure contains several eye-witness accounts of the sinking including an account by Capt Harry Grattidge, Chief Officer of the Lancastria, later to become Sir Harry Grattidge, Captain of the Queen Elizabeth and Commodore of the Cunard Fleet. I will bring the Brochure with me to our next meeting but more information can be found on the websites www.mna.org.uk and www.red-duster.co.uk.

This newsletter is a bit of a hotch-potch but I am trying to think of several things at once including arrangements for more English visitors, due to arrive in February. This time they are farmers and will be visiting previously made farming friends throughout New Zealand. They are also old family friends and I’m looking forward to seeing them again.

However, I must share with you a message which Stan Douglas prepared and a copy of which has been sent to the Russian Ambassador. Stan (ex HMS Javelin) writes –

It has been my great pleasure to receive through the Russian Embassy, a medal commemorating my service on Arctic convoys in World War II. The medal celebrating the 65th anniversary of Victory 1945 joins those already in my proud possession commemorating the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of our struggle through these northern waters.

I find it very gratifying that Russia has continued to recognize, over these many years, the individual contributions we made towards mutual victory, even though virtually no one now in office would have been alive at that time.

My regret is that, so few of us are around to receive these generous and thoughtful gestures from our wartime ally.

Thanks for that Stan and I’m sure we all echo your sentiments. I have heard, but cannot confirm this that the British Government is considering the issue of a commemorative medal for those involved in the wartime Russian campaign. It will be too late for many.

Derek Whitwam has copies of the website statistics, several pages, which he will bring to our next meeting. For those really interested, please speak to Derek or contact him by mail, phone or email, for copies. Contact Derek, not me.

And, perhaps finally, for now at any rate, from the Lowry Bay Yacht Club newsletter :

A yachtie was in court claiming $2 million dollars for injuries in an accident while towing his trailer yacht (on land). The judge said: “But you weren’t hurt – at the accident scene you said to the policeman – I never felt better in my life? – The yachtie replied “Well your honour, my dog was badly injured in the accident and I saw the policeman take out his gun and shoot him. Then he shot the other guy’s injured dog as well. When the policeman came up to me and asked me how I felt, I said, I’ve never felt better in my life!”

Enjoy the rest of the Summer and I look forward to seeing all of you who can attend our next meeting in Levin on Thursday 24th March, starting at 11 am. So take care and don’t forget what the Bosun used to say…Well I can’t remember but perhaps you can !

Yours Aye,
Chris King

NEWSLETTER : October 2010

Dear Shipmates, families and friends – Newsletter for October 2010.

So often when we were involved in actions at sea, during the war, we had to watch the horrendous devastation caused to a ship and the crew by enemy attack. Some of us were caught up in the devastation but came through. Others were lost or severely injured. Ultimately what we were called upon to do achieved the goal – of the right to freedom and a peaceful life.

With the recent Canterbury earthquake, and a shocking experience for all involved, we again saw the results of devastation to property and the resultant impact on people, families and children, but so thankfully no real loss of life. My own thoughts were very much with my eldest son and his family in Christchurch who although safe and sound had to endure the scary days and nights with sudden aftershocks and lack of sleep. It seemed to me so very unfair that they should have to go through all this when we, in earlier years, had taken the burden of trauma on ourselves to give the next generation the right to a peaceful and fruitful life.

The Canterbury people have shown remarkable resilience under the most trying conditions andtheir strong attitude should be an example to the rest of us. So our thoughts, I know, are very much with those people now having to pick up their interrupted lives and in many cases start all over again. It was good to see the schoolchildren happy and keen to get back to school and their classmates.

To our Convoy Club shipmates in Canterbury my hope is that the ‘rattling’ has ceased and that you can get back to a near normal life style again. The Red Cross earthquake appeal for Christchurch is important and even our small individual donations will make a difference. One significant factor in Canterbury has been the disruption and possible isolation caused by the massive slip on the Kaikoura coast, knocking out the main highway and railway. This has
necessitated the route through the Lewis Pass being used by trucks and also the use of ports other than Lyttleton for coastal shipping. In Wellington emphasis is always put on the possible non-use of Ngauranga Gorge due to seismic disaster and subsequent isolation of the city. We do have our
natural harbour here with direct access to the city and it seems to me that the appropriate Authorities should be making sure now, having regard to the Canterbury experience, that our wharf structures are strong and safe with plenty of unloading areas for shipping and not cluttered up with new non-essential buildings unrelated to the workings of the port.

CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

And now, having made sure the fresh water bottles are filled and the baked beans have not passed their use-by date, we must turn our attention to nautical matters and remember that our pre- Christmas lunch meeting will be held this year on THURSDAY, 25 NOVEMBER, at Levin RSA Clubrooms, commencing at 11 am. This has always been a good occasion and hopefully this year we will have New Zealand Navy representatives, active and retired, to share the day with us. Ambassador Andrey Tatarinov, and possibly Natasha, will also join us. Family and friends (in limited numbers) are welcome but I would appreciate you confirming attendances, for catering purposes. Car parking is available at the rear of the Clubrooms. Drive along Devon Street and turn left into Bristol Street, the car park entrance is just past the corner.

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

New Zealand’s now official Merchant Navy Day was celebrated with an inaugural service held at the National War Memorial, Hall of Memories, in Buckle Street, Wellington, as well as services in various parts of the country. The importance of the occasion in Wellington was emphasised by the presence of Their Excellencies The Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM QSO, and Lady Susan Satyanand as well as Government and Opposition Members and top senior officers from the Navy. The Russian Ambassador was also present as were the Defence Advisors from Australia and Britain and the Assistant Air Attache from the United States. The Service was conducted by The Reverend Bob Peters, Chaplain of the Mission to Seafarers, who has taken
over from now retired Jim Pether. Rear Admiral David Ledson ONZM RNZN (rtd) gave the Prologue to the proceedings and the Governor General read an account by Lionel Hodgson of the sinking of SS Remuera off Scotland in 1940. The Hon. Chris Finlayson, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, gave an address, and Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Tony Parr MVO, read the Lesson. There was also a poetry reading by Jenny Collins and Selection of Sea Shanties
performed by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band Brass Quintet. Prayers and the hymn ‘For Those In Peril On The Sea’ were followed by the laying of Wreaths. At the end of the Service, the many veterans and other invited guests were able to lay a poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Altogether a very emotional and well prepared occasion for the Merchant Navy.Congratulations too, to Paul Riley, Museum Curator, who always sees that everything is so orderly.

David Ledson very kindly gave me a copy of his prepared Prologue beforehand, because he had used some of the material in the Artic Convoys book we had presented to him previously, and to emphasise that, in David’s words “While I focus on the Merchant Navy I know the words are just as applicable to you and the other men who served in ‘the Navy’ – and what you all achieved during ‘the War’. This was a thoughtful gesture and much appreciated. With David’s permission I will provide the words of his Prologue with this newsletter. The achievement of getting an officially recognised Merchant Navy Day, on 3rd September in each year, is undoubtedly and primarily due to the hard work put in by Ian Dymock, President of the Merchant Navy Association, Wellington Branch (Inc). With support from New Zealand Navy representatives and members of his own Association, Ian was able to persuade the New Zealand Government just how important such a Commemoration Day is. The Government with the official promulgation have recognised this. Ian was presented with a special Merchant Service Medal by Hon Chris Finlayson. I was particularly impressed with the way Service Chiefs and other official invitees mingled with the many veterans at the after service lunch in The Great Hall at Massey University, and shared the excellent hospitality provided.

65TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN MEDAL

So this has been a significant year for both the Merchant Navy Association and for our Convoy Club with the awarding of the 65th anniversary campaign medal by the Russian Government. We still have a few DVDs of the Medal presentation at the Russian Embassy and the Waterfront Ceremony in May this year. A nominal charge of $10 is being made to cover production costs. Please contact me if you wish to purchase one. David Whitwam in Hong Kong must again be given full credit, and our thanks, for the editing and excellent production - and delivery – of the DVDs in time for our August meeting. I am hoping distribution of all new membership cards will soon be completed. I am taking the Canterbury cards over to the South Island for distribution when I meet ‘the lads’ over there. There are a number of additions and amendments to be made to our Membership List and Pen, Derek and myself combined, with also the always pleasurable company of Syd Wells (HMS Magpie), to check the amendments, over a very nice ‘tiddy hoggy’ lunch. A new list will be prepared shortly.

Ian Carson has highlighted an interesting website http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/military-obituaries/naval-obituaries/7995240/Joe-Fowells.html  it gives an account of the Navy’s torpedoing to sink HMS Edinburgh which took the gold bullion to the bottom of the Barents Sea. Joe Fowells who recently passed away aged 94, was Torpedo Officer on HMS Foresight when U456 torpedoed HMS Edinburgh on 28th April 1942. Foresight and Forrester were both damaged but Fowells was ordered to fire his last torpedo and sink the Edinburgh. As Fowells prepared to fire, his Skipper said “If you miss I’ll never speak to you again.” Then he checked his watch to time the run. When the allotted time had passed, the Skipper turned to Fowells with a grim expression on his face, but just then there was a huge explosion and mighty cascade of water as Edinburgh went down. Fowells quipped to his Captain  “I think your watch needs adjusting Sir. It must be all these explosions".

MEMBERS

One of our Canterbury members, Tom (Arnie) Moss, formerly of Sumner, recently moved over to the West Coast to be nearer to his family. His daughter asked me if we could arrange to send her the medal and she would see it was handed over to her father. We were able to do this and Tom’s medal was presented to him by the Greymouth RSA President. The local paper gave the occasion a very good coverage and Tom’s daughter has written with appreciation for what was done. Sadly Tom has now passed away but I am pleased that Tom lived to receive and apparently very much appreciate the honour by the Russian Government and the letter he received from the Russian Ambassador.

The local Napier paper also covered the medal presentations to citizens Stan Douglas and Bill Gallie at the Russian Embassy in Wellington, with a good photo of both recipients. Pen Moore and I will both be away – in different directions, and on different ships – for most of October but the ‘office doors’ will not be closed and any website queries will be dealt with. Please make sure any subs still due are paid promptly otherwise membership may be forfeited.
Looking forward to seeing all those who can make it to our 25 November meeting and to everyone else – enjoy the Spring and Summer, let’s hope for some good weather.

Compliments of the Season to you all.
Sincerely
Chris King


PROLOGUE FOR MERCHANT NAVY DAY
by David Ledson, Wellington

Today is New Zealand’s first official Merchant Navy Day – a day that recognises the service of merchant Sailors in the past – and in this context especially in the two World Wars – but it also acknowledges the important contribution that the ‘Merchant Navy’ makes today to the prosperity of our country.

That we are here is due in large measure to the efforts of some people, and in particular Mr Ian Dymock, who believed that it was right that New Zealand have a Merchant Navy Day. And we are here, too, Minister (Chris Finlayson) because you supported them in their cause. I know that seated in the Hall of Memories today are Merchant mariners who served in British flagged ships during the Second World War, and, to especially acknowledge and honour them, I place my Prologue in the context of that war and their memories.

If I were to visit the battlegrounds of the Merchant Navy – the vast expanses of the world’s oceans, the constrained waters of its seas and the narrow littoral strips bounding the nations with sea borders – we would see no memorials to the battles fought and lost and won – nor would we see any headstones for the more than 33,000 sailors – including 130 New Zealanders and about 10,000 men who came from ‘faraway lands’ such as Africa, China, India, Sudan and Somalia – who died in British flagged merchant ships during the War.

Today those waters show no visible sign of the terrible events that scarred their surface all those years ago – but were we able to look down through the depths we would see the remains of over 4,700 British ships, 2,600 in the Atlantic Ocean alone, providing the final ‘resting place’ for many of their crews – ‘steel and flesh coming together in a final indistinguishable embrace’.

No memorial and no headstones – and no enduring change to the seascape, have to a degree meant that the Merchant Navy’s chapter of story of World War II has been in the shadows – barely touched by the light that has been shone on other chapters – and history has gifted the tales of sacrifice and much of the honour and glory elsewhere. For someone like me who has some familiarity with ‘the Navy’s’ story during the Second World War, to lift the curtain on the Merchant Navy is to observe a quite different world and war – and so I would like to quote some passages by the British historian Richard Woodman to give you a glimpse of the merchant sailors’ world: ‘… the bridges and engine rooms of merchant ships were filled with men whose age in any other profession would have debarred them from military service. Fifteen year old deck boys and sixteen year old apprentice and radio officers lay at one end of the scale which uprooted pension men in their seventies at the other ... the merchant sailor was continually a victim of economic conditions, his employment erratic, his future uncertain at the beginning of the war his pay stopped the day his ship was sunk ... though this injustice was later rectified, the fact that it had occurred left its mark.’

The merchant Sailor’s war was defined by a concurrent and continuous battle against the enemy and Nature. Another British historian Correli Barnett paints a vivid picture of Arctic convoys: ‘…the most hazardous and horrible convoy route of them all-Arctic pack ice: fog: ferocious storms; perpetual night in winter; perpetual day in summer….all this plus the constant menace of attack by the Luftwaffe, the U-Boats and the German heavy ships…’.

The judgement of history will unwaveringly be that, in the end, the Sailors of the Merchant Navy overcame all the obstacles and challenges they faced-from their employers, from Nature and from the enemy-and proved to be a critical factor in the final victory.

I would like to end with these words:

Do not contemplate these men;
With your eyes only;
Seeing just the years weathered;
On to their faces.
Use your ears too;
Listening as well to the stories;
Of the marvellous deeds;
Of their youth
Then speak – To your children – Tell them of what – They did:
So it will not be forgotten

An inspired Prologue from David Ledson. The words of the final poem are his own..
 

NEWSLETTER : July 2010

Dear Shipmates, families and friends,

This year, the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, has been a special time for commemoration and celebration by all Russians and by those in allied countries who fought for and supported Russia in achieving a hard-won victory. By the end of the European war in 1945 there were those of us who had survived and so many more, who we always remember had made the supreme sacrifice. Down on the Wellington waterfront where we held our commemoration ceremony, on 7 May this year, in front of the Arctic Convoy Campaign memorial plaque, I believe Stan Douglas (HMS Javelin) spoke for us all when he read his own poem – Yesterday’s Memory.

Look down across the years, and wonder well, That 50 years ago in a frozen hell
The Russian Convoys first did see the light, Into a wartime saga of heroic fight.

No need to say it all again in detail fine, So many books already tell it line by line,
Of ships and men, of deeds galore, Brave men, brave ships, that perished by the score.

Dervish, October '41, that convoy lead the way, and we who sailed that route salute that day.
As back in memory recall those times, The bitter winds, that frozen icy clime.

So now we’re older from those distant days, But yet those ships, our mates, time never can erase.
We give our thanks that we survive today, Remembering alas, those lost along the way.

65th ANNIVERSARY MEDAL

In honour of the 65th anniversary the Russian Government issued a special commemorative medal and all those Arctic campaign veterans still living in all Allied countries received this award. In New Zealand there were over one hundred and sixty arctic convoy veterans receiving the medal, either by personal presentation by the Ambassador, or his Embassy Deputy, or through the mail. Ambassadorial duties did not permit the Ambassador visiting every part of the country, as had happened in 2005, but nevertheless all veterans known to the Embassy or through our Convoy Club, were honoured.

In London, England, a special medal ceremony was held on board HMS Belfast, the Royal Navy Cruiser, which took part in the Arctic convoys and is now moored alongside the Thames Embankment. The Russian Government has undertaken to renovate and maintain the Cruiser at Russia’s own expense. This gesture, by the Russian Government, is further proof of recognition by Russia of the wartime assistance in arms and equipment provided at heavy cost by her allies.

A medal presentation was made in Christchurch by Ambassador Tatarinov and I was pleased to be able to fly across to the South Island and represent our Club as National President, meeting many old friends and shipmates as well as their family representatives. I acknowledge, with thanks, the help given by Bob Powell in Christchurch, and Stan Kirkpatrick in Dunedin, in locating veterans’ names and addresses. In fact the whole organisation of medal distribution to veterans throughout New Zealand was, dare I say it, something of a logistical nightmare undertaken by the Russian Embassy staff, with my own input, willingly given, since the beginning of this year.

In Wellington we organised a presentation at the Russian Embassy, then transported everyone by chartered bus (sponsored by my own son – I’m delighted to acknowledge) down to the waterfront for our now traditional commemoration ceremony at the memorial plaque site. The Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Bruce Pepperell, attended and laid a wreath, along with Member of Parliament, Melissa Lee, representing the Minister of Veterans Affairs. Wreaths were also laid by Rear Admiral Ian Hunter on behalf of the New Zealand Returned and Services Association, by Ian Dymock representing the Merchant Navy Association, also a representative of the Master Mariners Association, and of course the Russian Ambassador and our own Club members. Former Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson also spent the day with us, as an honorary member of the Convoy Club, and Russian Community representatives were also at the waterfront ceremony. Canon Jim Pether, who has recently retired after twenty five years of ministry to seafarers in Wellington, officiated with prayers at the commencement and conclusion of the ceremony. I accepted an invitation from the Bishop of Wellington to attend a function on 4 July 2010, marking Jim’s retirement after so many years of good work among the seafaring community.

At the conclusion of the waterfront ceremony we all returned to the Russian Embassy where a long table had been prepared in the main Embassy reception area for a 'sit down lunch'. The food, wine – and vodka – was excellent and I must say the Ambassador did us proud. The Club provided a commemorative iced fruit cake, the first cut being made by Ambassador Tatarinov and his wife Natasha, after which the Embassy Chef took over to make sure everyone had a substantial slice. I should put in a ‘plug’ for Pandora Wellington, Courtenay Place, Wellington, who really made a superb cake for the occasion.

OUR NEXT MEETING

We now have some ‘elderly’ new members for our Club and I hope we shall be able to see them at our next meeting – THURSDAY, 19TH AUGUST 2010 at Levin RSA Clubrooms, commencing 11 am, with lunch as usual at approx 12 noon. After lunch I am hoping Ian Hunter will tell us about his recent trip to Norway and way up the coast, an area not unfamiliar to some of us. So make sure you can stay on after lunch for what I know will be interesting to us all.

The Ambassador is having some time in Moscow now but he has assured me that he will be back and ready for our meeting on 19 August. I hope David Ledson will also be able to come over from his “Otaki roses” and join us. David delivered a very moving address when he officiated at the ANZAC Day Ceremony in Wellington. After referring to Gallipoli in particular and World War I in general, David said:

"As we reach a point 95 years from Gallipoli, 65 years from the end of World War II and 60 years from the start of the Korean war, it is perhaps time that the spotlight’s beam shifts its focus and broadens to shine more brightly on the Veterans – men and women – of World War II and our other wars and conflicts that lie after the First World War – to enable their sacrifice and their service to be illuminated. Our World War II veterans are now entering what some have called “their twilight years”. Each year their number at Anzac Day parades and ceremonies around New Zealand is noticeably less than the year before.

And so I would like to gently edge these Veterans – men and women – into the spotlight – to provide some context to their efforts – by mentioning some incidents that occurred in this month during ‘their War’ and some details of the ‘roll call’ of that War".

After detailing events which happened in the months of April during World War II and the losses sustained, David continued:

I" count off the numbers of World War II dead, not as the mark against which we measure our gratitude to our servicemen and women – nor as a measure by which we judge the scale of one war against another.

I use it as a measure to provide some sense of the nature and violence – and relative personalisation – of the events in which our World War II veterans found themselves.

The mark against which we measure our gratitude – and which compels us to honour all of those whom we call ‘Our Veterans’ – is that when the nation called them ‘to service’, they heard the call and answered it, without regard to the price they may have to pay".

My thanks to David for permission to print some of his words in this newsletter.

CONVOY CLUB RECOGNISED IN BILATERAL TRADE TALKS

Recognition of convoy veterans also came from another quarter recently when the New Zealand Government Trade Minister, Hon. Tim Groser spoke to the Moscow New Economic School during recent trade negotiations with Russia. Tim Groser opened his speech with these words:

"On the 9th of May each year, a small group of now elderly men gather before a memorial plaque on the waterfront of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. They are joined there by staff from Russia’s Embassy and senior representatives from New Zealand’s Defence Force.

Each year the numbers are necessarily fewer, yet each year the occasion is more significant. These men are the survivors of the New Zealanders who took part in the Arctic convoys between 1941 and 1945. Through their service and through their personal sacrifices, they helped to keep open the critical supply links between Russia and its wartime allies.

This commemoration is a reminder of the events that led to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Russia and New Zealand, 66 years ago. It was the reality of a wartime alliance that led the two countries to formalise their relationship".

The full speech can be seen here.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS, WEBSITE AND VIDEO

While on the subject of our website I want to make it clear just how much work is put into and maintaining the success of the website by both Derek Whitwam and particularly Derek’s son, David. The interest shown in our website is worldwide and deserves the support of all our members. You will find your ship, the convoys run, stories from members and a photo album full of pictures. We usually produce the current newsletter on the website as well as past speeches and matters of interest.

Because our blue membership card is now out of print and there are probably members who do not have one, we are producing a new card, just like the plastic card you can ride on the bus with, draw money out of your account with, or go shopping with, not to mention your driving licence or AA membership card. However this card will not help you with any of the above, so don’t think you will be able to wave it under the nose of your bus driver and get a free ride.

We, or David Whitwam mostly, is also editing and producing a DVD covering the 95th anniversary medal presentation and waterfront ceremony in Wellington. This will be available soon, at a modest price, we have to try and recoup some of our expenses. I am also hoping to get a few more lapel badges soon for anyone needing a renewal, or an original.

I have got a blazer pocket badge (the Convoy Club logo) thanks to Harry Carter in Christchurch. If those wishing to buy one, probably a cost of NZ$32, because of the technical needlework involved, will please contact me I will get production under way. A firm in Dunedin is prepared to undertake this work. The badge can be on the navy blue colour background for a blazer or on a white background if you want to put it on a tee shirt.

A few more of the humorous religious type quotes:

The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5.00 pm – prayer and medication to follow.

This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and be prepared to sin.

At the medal presentation occasions many of us were given an orange and black ribbon to wear on our lapel and this also occurred at the Victory Day celebrations organised by the Russian Community in Wellington on a very memorable afternoon, with good food, good music and a very friendly atmosphere. Well, the ribbon is the St George Ribbon and traces its history from ribbon to the soldier order of St George of Lydda, founded on 26th November 1769 by the Empress Catherine II. The black colour of the ribbon is for smoke, the orange is for flame. In recent times a very interesting tradition for use of the ribbon has emerged. To commemorate victory, people attach the St George ribbon to the clothes as a symbol of profound respect, memory and solidarity with the heroic soldiers who defended the liberty of their Motherland.

BOOKS AND NEWSLETTERS
THE FROZEN FURY - THE MURMANSK RUN OF CONVOY PQ13

I have received a book “Frozen Fury – The Murmansk Run of Convoy PQ 13” from one of our American club members, John Haynes. He has given me the book in gratitude for the work we do with our Convoy Club in New Zealand. Although John originally wrote it for his family he decided that others might be interested and so publication official release date is 4 July 2010. Copies can be purchased. It is best to go to John’s email address for details: jhsoar@gmail.com I can say it covers that particular convoy very well. John was at the time one of the Armed Guard Gun Crew on board SS Eldena. His story is certainly worth the telling. Incidentally John later qualified as a naval aviator (bomber pilot) and now at 87 still enjoys flying.

More praise for convoy veterans came recently from Andrey Kornyukhin, Deputy Head of Mission at the Russian Embassy. Writing in the newssheet published by the Russian Speaking Community in New Zealand Andrey referred to the role played by the allied sailors in manning the convoys carrying vital war materials, medicine and food, to North Russian ports. He also referred to the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the waterfront memorial plaque. Andrey concluded with the words "The Victory Day is a sacred date to us and is celebrated with tears of sorrow and happiness. It will be remembered always, by all people of the former Soviet Union and those who value peace on the planet and happiness in the world". Andrey has really worked “over and above the call of duty” in seeing that qualifying medal recipients received their awards this year and we are fortunate that his term of service in New Zealand was earlier extended which has been of benefit to our Club.

I have heard also from Stan Kirkpatrick in Dunedin. I have already acknowledged his help with locating medal recipients in his area but Stan did a great job for the 65th anniversary. He writes – I thought of having a quiet ceremony for the presentation. The upshot agreed by the ‘old-timers’ was that we invited our Mayor to come along and do the honours. Our RSA team provided the large Gallipoli Room and laid on a very nice afternoon tea for us. I sent out some 30 invites and told the catering team that I thought we might get about a dozen folk coming to the function. They said they’d cater for 20 and I was astonished when 50 families and relatives turned up! It was a very happy afternoon and the Mayor, a very good friend, made it so. He was delighted to be asked to come. In forwarding the medals Ambassador Tatarinov, sent a message paying tribute to the heroism and selflessness of the sailors who took part in the Arctic convoys. There were five convoy veterans present to receive their medals. Stan was a former Merchant Navy Master and he and his veteran colleagues were delighted to receive their medals.

That is indeed a success story Stan. My very heartiest congratulations to you and to James Clegg (Royal Navy), and Merchant Navy sailors Don Lawson, Ken Meredith and Joe O’Brien.

[Subsequent to the medal ceremony in Dunedin, I learned that Stan Kirkpatrick (MN) passed away in Dunedin Hospital on Sunday morning 27 June 2010. Stan did have some health problems but as reported in our newsletter he really made a great effort in arranging a special occasion for medal recipients in his area. Stan first served as an apprentice in 1942 aboard the SS Baron Inchcape and later made many sea journeys, before retiring as a Merchant Navy Master, in various ships. He did not go to Murmansk, but on his first trip to sea as a young lad fresh out of school his ship took Russian bound war cargo to the Persian Gulf (Convoy ONS 154). Stan was awarded the first and subsequent Russian campaign medals. I have passed condolences from our Club to Stan’s son Robin who told me how much Stan had appreciated the contact over the years. A good friend has gone but ‘We will remember him’].

I look forward to seeing as many Club members as possible at our Levin meeting on THURSDAY, 19th AUGUST and of course the wives and associates.

Keep warm, take care and do whatever that Robbie Burns expression said, which I can’t now remember. Anyhow what about this, from the V & W Destroyer Association’s magazine ‘Hard Lying’

Long ago men cursed and beat the ground with sticks. It was called witchcraft. Today it is called golf !

And The older we get, the fewer things seems worth waiting for. Work that one out !

Yours Aye,
Chris King

This website is owned by the Russian Convoy Club of New Zealand. Copyright [c] 2007-2010. Updated September 2011.