The action station of Signalman JM Jessop with the port forward twin 4.5″-guns – date unknown. And some of the 10 cats on board. [From a contributor].
January 20 – February 9 1946, at sea
Between these dates, WJD, now a Sub-Lieutenant, travelled on the HMS Indomitable with 34 other RNZ.NR officers from Portsmouth, UK, back to NZ. The NZ National Patriotic Fund Board sent a ‘parcel of comforts’ and money vouchers for use on board. A letter from the NZ Naval Affairs Officer, S R Skinner, said: “I trust you have all enjoyed your service on loan to the Royal Navy and take away with you many pleasant memories of Britain and its people who have been throughout the war most hospitable and given our men a great welcome at all times.
New Zealand servicemen have, through their service and good behaviour, made a lasting impression here and as Naval Affairs Officer I thank them for the great part they have played and the high standard they have maintained at all times.”
1917 & 1918, France
In this photograph, in one of the rows on the right-hand side, is the gravestone of WJD’s paternal uncle, who shares the same name (WJD). He died in June 1917, age 21. In another CWGC cemetery, south of Arras, France, WJD’s mother’s uncle is buried. He died in April 1918, age 25. Both were a long way from their homes in NZ.
October 1944 – December 1945
The journey of HMS Newfoundland as described in the journal and extended until decomissioning in Plymouth, UK, from the records of A/S John Jessop, is shown on a map at this link: https://drive.google.co/open?id=1Fq0snraL2Ym_XJEMW4pETwlizOySnu8s&usp=sharing
March 1945, Suez Canal
HMS Newfoundland on the way to the Pacific via the Suez Canal, taken by A/S JM Jessop. Thanks to the follower who sent this.
A/S James Levett (1943-1945)
Links to photographs and memories of A/S James Levett’s years on HMS Newfoundland 1943-1945, and his time in the the Royal Navy before and after this are available at:
These links are also on the Personnel page. Thanks to the follower who informed me.
October 7 (Sun) 1945, Sydney, Australia
After steaming down the coast at slow speed last night, we duly passed thru the [Sydney Harbour] Heads, in bright sunshine, just before 0900. We crept up the harbour & secured to buoy one, a very short distance from Man-o-War Steps.
HM Ships King George V & Suffolk are at Woolloomooloo [wharf] and [HMS] Indefatigable in dry dock.
R W Ravenhill Captain 10.X.45
October 6 (Sat) 1945, at sea
Midshipmen’s Navigation & Seamanship exams were held during the week. All duly passed and now we only have to convince the board of our intelligence & desirability for the good of the service, and all will be well. This trial is expected to take place about the middle of the week. Tomorrow we shift into blues & arrive at Sydney. It is to be hoped that the weather will give us a warmer welcome than last time.
A matter concerning our minds considerably at the moment is the question of leave. What with courses due next year & destroyer service in the meantime, it is doubtful whether we New Zealanders will be this close to home again for at least a couple of years & it is to be hoped that the powers-that-be will see their way clear to letting us make a quick trip across the Tasman.
October 1 (Mon) 1945, at sea
A ship-wide indoor sports competition is being run at present and it is hoped to present prizes on arrival at Sydney. The Gunroom has not distinguished itself particularly.
4″ VT fuze trials have been carried out and close range weapons will probably be tested when we get to sea again. It has been a pleasant change to pass ships burning full lights at night, and islands with lights twinkling ashore. When off Guam, we met HMS Implacable bound for Manila to transfer Prisoners of War.
Yesterday evening the ship was stopped while all four shafts were re-engaged, and at 0530 this morning, Manus was sighted. We entered, & after a certain amount of trouble & delay caused by the Stb [starboard] outer shaft refusing to stop, secured alongside oiler [RFA] Eaglesdale. Hands to bathe was piped in the afternoon. This was most welcome, as was the mail received. At 1700 we slipped from the oiler & proceeded to sea, Sydney bound.
September 26 (Weds) 1945, at sea, off Japan
[HMS] Swiftsure secured alongside starboard and at 1400 Rear Admiral Brind was pulled round the bows of both ships in a whaler manned by officers. Hands were mustered on the Forecastle, and led by the Captain, cheered the Admiral as he passed. On completion, shifted berth astern of [HMS] Swiftsure. The ashes of 22 British Prisoners of War were taken on board [HMNZS] Gambia for passage to Australia.
Early yesterday morning we transferred frozen meat to Destroyers & embarked passengers, including Mr Archer ex-consul-general at Tokyo [possibly not correct], and his wife & family. Soon after 1100 we were under way & by about 1400 out of Sagami Wan. The outer shafts only are being used this trip to enable maintenance work to be done on the other unit. In view of the approaching exams, Midshipmen have been excused watchkeeping & are able to devote their time to Navigation & Seamanship.
This evening we rendezvoused with HMS Wizard and took our mail.
A year on HMS Newfoundland 