21 Monks Way
Hill Head
Fareham
Hampshire
PO14 3LU
Tel. 01329-662137

President. The Rt Hon. The Earl of Gainsborough

NEWSLETTER SPRING / SUMMER 2007

The Remembrance Service held at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 25th November (actual date of the sinking of HMS Barham) was once again very moving, and attended my some 97 persons of which three survivors, Mr Arthur Bryant, Mr George Knott and Mr Jack Nealon were again present.

TThe members of the Association assembled in the Nave and were led by the Abbey staff to their seats in the choir stalls for the Evensong service conducted by Canon Nicholas Sagovsky.

The actual Rememberance service for the HMS Barham Association was held upon completion of Evensong where the wreath was laid by Robert and Marion Welson on behalf of the survivors and the Association. The standard was again paraded by Mr Mick Tapsell. A minutes silence was help at this time in memory of the loss of comrades, parents, husbands and relatives who were lost in the sinking or have since passed away.

The Reverend Jeremy Bradford, son of the executive officer, Commander Bradford then read a poem which was received with quite a few tears shed, some by the actual reader himself.

Some members afterwards made their way to the Union Jack Club where they were made welcome and able to purchase beverages and a meal.

It was very pleasing for members of the committee to see so many people attending the service, and it was extremely nice to welcome Andrew Gillespie who maintains the excellent HMS Barham website for us.

Various members managed to take photographs for the survivors present and of their own friends / relatives. The secretary has been requested by the survivors if copies of the photographs could be published on the website and made available for purchase.

On a more sad note we have received notice of the deaths of the following members of the crew. Mr Keith (Wiggy) Bennett died 20th December 2006, Mr Godfrey S. John died 19th January 2007, Mr Stanley Andrews died 21st November 2006 and Mr Peter Chapman on the 10th May 2007. It has also been noted that Mr Graham Sorley died in Canada on 23rd January 2007. Graham was the son of Surgeon Commander E.R. Sorley and a crew member of the yacht “Paragon” which laid a wreath on behalf of the association at the actual place of the sinking in 2003.

On a more pleasant subject, we the Association and members purchased a seat in remembrance of HMS Barham for placement in the National Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire. This has now been accomplished.

We are also currently pursuing the purchase of a Memorial Stone to be placed at the National Memorial Arboretum, where we hope top have a joint Dedication Service sometime in August of this year. Details of the actual date will be informed to all persons interested when details are known. Mr Peter Yuile is at the present time arranging the actual stone from a quarry in the Lake District. The A3 by 20mm inscription table to be inserted in the stone including all lettering and smoothing is estimated to be some £903.00. Inscription reads “HMS BARHAM. In memory of all those killed in action and those who served on HMS Barham during 1915-1941.” We will also have delivery charges etc. to take into consideration. There may be additional charges from the National Arboretum of which we will no doubt be informed. A slip is attached for all persons who may wish to attend the Dedication Service.

At the final annual dinner it was decided that the memorial seat in Southsea, Hampshire was in need of an overhaul. This was completed by the Portsmouth Council at a cost of £70.50. This sum was donated by Mr and Mrs Barry Tarbun, who have very kindly stated that they will cover the refurbishment of the seat during their lifetime all being well. The Association thanks you very much for this kind gift. The seat is on the embankment adjacent to Southsea Castle.

On the subject of gifts I should like to thank all persons who have forwarded gifts to the Association. Thank you all very much.

Yours sincerely,

Michael Stratton-Brown

Chairman