RNZN Communicators Association

Frank Rands — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:05:12 +0000

The following has been received from Jim Dell seeking assistance in naming the people in this image. Jim says…

During the winter of 1985, I was asked by the Army School of Signals if we would like to participate in an Army Comms exercise. It was a CW exercise lasting a week between units in Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Wanganui and Waiouru. Would I be interested in supplying the Waiouru component. I said yes, and it was made up entirely of RO(W)s with LRO(W) Vicki Dell in charge. They were billeted at Helwan Camp in one of the huts which had a bunk space and a small kitchen with a large kitchen stove. The snow was quite deep and very cold – the kitchen stove came in handy as the girls left the elements on 24/7! We erected an inverted Vee for the frequency to be used and left them alone to their own devices. The girls proved that they were more than a match for their Army counterparts.

If you identify any of these lovely ladies then please leave their name by placing a comment to the post

HMNZS BLACKPOOL Reunion 1966 – 1971

Frank Rands — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:12:22 +0000

Ahoy Shipmates. Greetings from the ‘Muddy Puddle’.
You are invited to participate in an evening of camaraderie and memories of the period of your career when she was paramount.

Date: 26th May 2012
Venue: Ngataringa Sports Complex – Devonport
Time: 1800 till late
Dress: Informal
Supper: Finger food
Registration cost per person $25.00 (includes food)

The evening will herald the launch of the book HMNZS BLACKPOOL, with author Gerry Wright in attendance to autograph your copy. Anecdotes and protocol, it’s got the lot as well as being a record of just where you slotted in.

A raffle of a rare Blackpool artifact will also occur during the evening with all profits going to the Navy Museum.

R.S.V.P 23rd
May 2012

Old Salt: …………………………………………………………………

Partner: …………………………………………………………………

Your remittance please to:

Blackpool Reunion
C/o George Gardner
2/550 Glenfield Road
Glenfield
Auckland 0629
Ph: (09) 444 9772

Blackpool Reunion
c/o Al Cameron
55 Stanley Road
Glenfield
Auckland 0629
Mob: 021 0436 064
Email: amcameron@vodafone.co.nz

Were you on TARANAKI in 1963?

Frank Rands — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:39:21 +0000

The following has been received from Geoff Andrews via Bas

I wonder if you or any ex matelot’s can help. I was on Taranaki at Pearl Harbour in 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. I distinctly remember we were storing ship when the ships Chaplain (Maori Marsden) came on the SRE telling us the news. Moments later the Skipper came on and asked that the store ship be completed quickly and we get ready to sail. I can’t for the life of me remember if we actually left Pearl Harbour or we stayed alongside.

I do remember going to a bar at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki for a few beers during the mourning period but can’t remember just when. The visit to the bar is vivid as I witnessed a number of US sailors/marines celebrating Kennedy’s death as they didn’t believe in civil rights. It was my first experience to hate politics.

If anyone can anyone enlighten Geoff please email him direct at geoffandrews@gmail.com

HMNZS ROYALIST at Waitangi 1960

Frank Rands — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:12:56 +0000

Click Here for a video clip which was produced in 1960. You may recognise some of the ships company of Royalist.

Royal New Zealand Navy ships and vessels from England and Australia carry out exercises at the Bay of Islands and take part in ceremonies commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Governor-General Lord Cobham attends the raising of the Union Jack on the grounds in front of the Treaty House.

Prior to the 1957 general election the Labour Party had declared its intention to make Waitangi Day a public holiday. Once in power however Labour announced that the country could not afford another public holiday. Instead the Waitangi Day Act 1960 declared that Waitangi Day would be celebrated as ‘a national day of thanksgiving’. the first such celebration occurred in 1961. In 1963 the National government passed the Waitangi Day Amendment Act. As a result Waitangi Day replaced the Auckland provincial anniversary day for Northland reinforcing identification of the day with the north.

Jack Passings – February 2012

Frank Rands — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:07:13 +0000

The following Sailors ‘Crossed the Bar’ during the month of February 2012. Details of funerals etc can be found by clicking HERE

BENNETT, Paratene Jackson
BROWN, Lawrence Sylvester David
SOPER, Rex Leslie Signalman
THOMSON, Peter John (Peter)
BROWN, Lawrence Sylvester David

Passing of Hoana Hockley

Frank Rands — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:30:48 +0000

Regret to advise that the wife of Russell Hockley, Hoana lost her battle with cancer and passed away 1108 today, Sunday, 5 February 2012. She is now at rest and the pain is no more.

HOCKLEY, Hoana. W.A.O.P.H.M.T. Ae. 8 January 1938 – 5 February 2012 L.M Houhora Golf Club, IPP Houhora Bowling Club. Life partner of Russell for 54 years. Cherished mother of Russell, Jacqueline, Cynthia, and Karen. Whangai to Terence and Clayton. Nana to 13 other grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and daughters and son-in-laws. Hoana will be lying in Potahi Marae, Te Kao. Funeral will be 10am Wednesday 8th February. Enquires (09) 4098077

Do You Remember These?

Frank Rands — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:32:08 +0000

These images provided by Dennis O’Rourke might bring back some memories.

Can you Identify the Communicators

Frank Rands — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:47:06 +0000

These photos are from Mike Revell, son of Eric Lewis James REVELL. Can anyone identify anyone in these images. This bunch of lucky lads were on their way to join RMS RIMUTAKA bound for the UK. The draft was July 1940 and personnel were drawn from the RNVR. A full passenger list is being developed and interestingly no ranks were given and all were known as ‘Mr’. There are certainly a lot of communicators here.

Click on images to enlarge

Sparkers are Bred Tough

Frank Rands — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:54:26 +0000

I am advised that Sparkers are ‘Tough’.. If this is a test of strength then I guess I will have to go along with it.

CONGRATULATIONS – Blog Stats

Frank Rands — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:06:53 +0000

January was our biggest month yet with over 15,188 hits on the blog and January 13 was our biggest day yet with 1649 hits. The total number of hits since launching the blog in August 2010 is 159,764. Congratulations to all communicators and a special thanks to those of you who have contributed to the blog.