My name is Alan Robert Brading (date of birth 08/12/42) from Ryde 
The Isle of Wight.  I joined the RNR in response to a recruitment poster in the 
Post Office where I worked in Ryde sometime in the late 50’s early 
60’s.  My unit was attached to HMS Wessex in Southampton.  Is it possible
for your organisation to access records as I don’t have any and my
memory is somewhat hazy?  I do remember my Commanding Officer was 
Lt Comm Ron Cawdell and other comrades I remember are Chris Old, Ernie 
Stringer and a chap called Horsepool but I cant remember his first 
name, and Jacko Jackman.  If you can unearth information about my time 
in the RNR I would be very grateful to refresh my memories of a time I 
thoroughly enjoyed.  If it is not possible for you to access these 
records, perhaps you may be able to steer me in the right 
direction.  I look forward to hearing from you either way. 

Many thanks – Alan Brading 

The Flying Fox Association (FFA) has put much effort into collecting historical information about the RNR in Bristol, its Sea Tenders and the RNR more generally. It has been published over the last year on a new website.

Our site can be found at:  flying-fox-association.org.uk

If you need any more information, please contact Bob Wilcox (Wessex WE dept 1966-69 and 75-77) or email: webmaster@flying-fox-association.org.uk

My Father, George William Maycock, was a Sub then Lieutenant at Wessex on the old Ton Class sweepers in the 50s and 60s, 51st Minesweeping Squadron. I was christened there in 1956. He passed away in 1996 after finishing a distinguished career in the RNVR/RNR ending up as Oic HMS Scotia in Rosyth. Be interested hearing from anyone from that era or anyone with access to records.

Have some good photos of the Squadron I can scan and post

We are looking for:-

1.    People to serve on the Unit Management Committee as we have recently lost three members due to ill health.  No experience necessary but a willingness to help manage the unit & help with fund raising ideas. The committee meet approx once a month & members help out at the Boat Show in September. Continue reading →

28 years ago today I left Southampton to join the Royal Navy at HMS Raleigh. I had a great time and got to see many places and meet people I would have never had expected to if my life had been that of a civvy. Thanks to Solent Division RNR I was given great training and helped immensely by my sea dads, especially LMEMS Mal King, Bob Heasman, Jim Arthur, and Senior ratings such as Les Mortimer, Eric Churcher etc. Sorry I cannot remember the rest of the names as the memory bank is not what it was but to all of you I served with, I thank you for what you did for me, it will never be forgotten. I had some great times with all of you and I fondly our weekends on the old Alfie and then the Itchen. Great times and great mates and great memories. Yours Aye Simon (JR) RED CREW we are the best 1986. Sorry I blooped Phil Carroll on your immaculate sweep deck mate.