.

  Castle Class Corvette (Frigate) Association


about us
gallery
our ships
logs
library
slops
contact
guestbook
archive

links
home





Guestbook


We would be delighted if you would spare a few moments to send an entry to our Guestbook. We are interested to know Who you are, Where you are from and, perhaps most importantly, Your involvement with this wonderful class of ships. Your time and effort would be very much appreciated by everybody at the Castle Class Corvette (Frigate) Association. Thank you.


Sign our GuestbookSign Our Guestbook

 
Read our GuestbookRead Our Guestbook  




























.

Below are the entries in our Guestbook


Back to TOPBack to Top



Name: Ron Warwick
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Nunney, Somerset.
Subject: Farnham Castle & Pevensey Castle
Date: 15th November 2015
How you found us: Search Engine
Ron Wrote...

My late father, William Eldon Warwick CBE RD RNR, was attached to the Farnham Castle from 14 Oct 1944 to 07 Oct 1945. From these dates I presume he was standing by the ship while it was being built and then went on to serve at sea. My recollection from talking with my father many years ago was that he was the commanding officer. At the time he was a Lieut Commander, RNR having been called up for naval service from the Cunard Line. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 21 August 1945 while serving on board. I believe my father and or the crew may have been given the freedom of the town of Farnham in Surrey but I have not been able to confirm this.

His next ship was the Pevensey Castle to which he was attached from 29 Oct1945 to 10 Mar1946.

After the was my father returned to Cunard and went on to become Commodore of the Line.


Name: Heather Hanson
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Ulverston, Cumbria
Subject: HMS Flint Castle
Date: 1st August 2015
How you found us: Search Engine
Heather Wrote...

I'm writing this for my dad who is now 90 and served on the Bamborough Castle for the duration of it's war service.

He is Stanley Ferguson and was a telegraphist (S) HFDF operator

He remembers the incident of the sinking of the German submarine in the Barents sea near Murmansk. The radar operator got a ping then the ASDIC operator homed in on it and with cooperation of Allington Castle (or the Alnwick Castle - Dad is not sure which) contact was maintained and the Bamborough Castle dropped depth charges. It was pitch black at the time and the crew was not certain that they had hit the U-boat. Later the Norwegians confirmed a submarine was missing and as the Bamborough Castle was the only ship in action that night and the co-ordinates were about right they were credited with the sinking.

Dad would be very interested to hear if there are any other crew members still about Kind regards Heather Hanson



Name: David Charles
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Subject: HMS Flint Castle
Date: 1st March 2013
How you found us: Search Engine
David Wrote...

Hello I recently came across a couple of my father’s memorabilia relating to the Flint Castle and wondered if they would be of any interest to the Castle Class Corvette (Frigate) Association.

My father, who passed away in 1989, sailed on the H.M.S. Flint Castle. At his home, he always kept a picture of K383 and a framed commendation he received.

With regards to the commendation, I have a vague recollection of members of the family saying that this incident was also recorded in a book somewhere.
I do not have any information as to when the picture of K383 was taken or from which other vessel. I have seen other pictures of the Flint Castle and the “K383” seems to be in a different location ( i.e. further back along the hull), so maybe this is an early picture.

Hope this is of interest to the association and I would be pleased to receive any feedback as to how , if at all, this fits into the historical jig saw.
Regards David Charles


HMS Flint

TR Charles



(Please note that both photographs are in the Gallery in a larger size)







.
Back to TOPBack to Top
Name: Robbie Pennington
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Subject: HMS Portchester Castle
Date: 1st March 2013
How you found us: Search Engine
Robbie Wrote...
Just wanted to say "hello". My father, Sub Lt B G Pennington was Gunnery Officer on Portchester Castle - I think I may have some pictures stashed away. This contact arises from looking up in a wee pub called 'The Canny Man's' in Edinburgh and seeing a Castle Class Corvette hanging from the ceiling .....unmistakable and very emotional.




Name: Martin Hodgkinson
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Waterlooville
Subject: HMS Hurst Castle
Date: 17th September 2012
How you found us: Search Engine
Martin Wrote...

My father was a crew member on HMS Hurst Castle, see attached newspaper clippings (The clippings are in the Gallery/Crew). The ship was recently featured in a BBC Two programme titled ‘Dig WW2 with Dan Snow’ which was broadcast on 27/08/12. My father told me that he was in the radio shack when the torpedo struck.




Name: Georgina Milligan
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Settle, North Yorkshire
Subject: HMS Denbigh Castle
Date: 2nd July 2012
How you found us: Search Engine
GeorgieWrote...

Hello, my name is Georgina Milligan from Settle, North Yorkshire and was a navy serviceman's daughter. Having caught some of the documentary about the Convoys on Yesterday channel thought I would check out the internet and stumbled upon your website.

My father Charles A Don was serving on HMS Denbigh Castle as a Radio Operator when it was torpedoed on 13th February 1945, three days before his 19th birthday. Although he didn't speak much of the experience he did say that he was off duty resting below in his bunk when the torpedo struck. He was trapped and couldn't get out and the freezing cold water was rushing in. Amidst the noise and smoke he began to think that was it and there was no point panicking if he couldn't get out. Then his PO came and got him and out. This man returned time and time again to save the young seamen, finally losing his own life in the process. He was a real hero and I have often wondered if he was ever recognized. One of our childhood delights was being allowed to look through the old photo albums full of pictures of ships and sailors. There were a number of young sailors faces staring from the past, one that sticks in my mind was labelled 'Lofty', these were my fathers friends who didn't survive. My mother tells the story of when she was first married to my father being awoken by the bedding being fought with and him crying out. Mum leapt out of bed wondering what was going on, thinking she must have married a mad man, quite scared. She woke him up and he told her all about being aboard the attacked sinking ship.

Sadly my father died in 1969 having served until 1968 in the RN then transferring to the RAN as an officer hoping to spend his life serving in the Naval services.

I wonder so much about the many sailors I met as a child with my beloved father. I found a postcard written to him when he was serving on the aircraft carrier, HMS Centaur where I send him kisses but also "Wilkie". I vaguely remember Wilkie and wonder what happened to him.

Like many of your other guest posts I would love to hear from anyone that knew my Dad. And in reading the posts was reminded of what a wonderful family the Navy was even as the child of a serving sailor.

Thank you for your work in keeping what is now history alive.

Kind regards, Georgie Milligan



Name: John Gordon
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Subject: Allington Castle
Date: 18th April 2012
How you found us: Search Engine
JohnWrote...

Pleased to sign your visitors book, my father was a stoker on board the Allington Castle while she was at Fleetwood, his name was John (Jock) Gordon and if anyone remembers him or can give me any information regarding the ship and the period she was stationed at Fleetwood I would be very interested.

Many thanks and best wishes




.
Back to TOPBack to Top
Name: Bill Sibley
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Yaxham in Norfolk
Subject: H.M.S Rushen Castle
Date: 22nd February 2011
How you found us: Search Engine
BillWrote...
Hi there. I am Bill Sibley from Yaxham in Norfolk.

I served on O.W.S. Weather Surveyor as a Meteoroloical Assisant from 1961 - 1965. Weather Surveyor was ex-H.M.S Rushen Castle.

I started my O.W.S. life on O.W.S. Weather Watcher which was ex-H.M.S. Snowflake. Both ships were very seaworthy although there was a school of thought that they would roll in a fairly thick fog!

Great days! Best wishes to all who served on either of those ships.


Name: Mike North
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Isle of Wight
Subject: Carrisbrook Castle
Date: 18th January 2011
How you found us: Search Engine
Mike NorthWrote...
I live in Ryde, Isle of Wight. As Hon Sec of the Island Branch RNA, I asked the Curator at Carrisbrook Castle if he new of the Ship. The answer was no.

We are in the process of producing a large framed photo of her which will be presented to the Castle Museum in the Spring. I did my TAS training on Sarrisbrook Castle in 1956. We have recently made a donation towards the Cairn at the Arboratum.

Congrats on a great website

Cheers to all Mike North


Name: Brian Sheppard
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: 19th April 2010
How you found us: Search engine
Wrote...
Name: Brian Sheppard D/K 939958 Served 12 months on the Launceston Castle in the 50's, left her at Devonport and crewed the Loch Dunvegan to Hills dockyard in Bristol where she was mothballed. Was a crew member on Launceston when she was involved in the great, off scale storm attempting to rescue the crews of two Shackletons which had ditched in the Irish sea.. Would like to be put in touch with any old NS crew members from that time. Brian



Name: Tom Mccammont
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: 15th October 2009
How you found us:
Wrote...

Hi, my name is Tom Mccammont, served on Leeds Castle 1953/1955.




.
Back to TOPBack to Top
Name: Peter Hargreaves
E-Mail:
City/Country: Crewe
Home Page:
Date: 9th September 2009
How you found us:
Wrote...
Dave, you wrote:>>> My name is David Morgan and I am the son of the late Ernest George Morgan (BOB) and wondered if anyone had any pictures of either my dad or of Allington Castle that he served on. I am interested to hear any stories people may have and hope that someone out there wll be able to help. <<<

By the most amazing coincidence my dad also served on the Allington Castle. He worked as a stoker and his name was Harold (Hal or Adge - he hated Harold!) Hargreaves. Sadly he passed away in 2006.

I have emailed a photograph of the Allington Castle and also a plan of that Class of ship.

I hope you get further responses and if you do might I ask you to let me have a sight of any photographs you receive.

Sorry - forgot - I am the Webmaster so it was me who 'intercepted' your Guestbook request. I have to do it the way I do (rather than using an inline update method) because the spammers got hold of us and started to fill the Guestbook with rather unsavoury messages.

Very best wishes, Peter (Hargreaves)

P.S. Norman Goodwin, who was for many years the Archivist of the Society, was, I believe, an Officer aboard HMS Allington Castle.


Name: David Morgan
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: 9th September 2009
How you found us: Search Engine
Wrote...
Hi, My name is David Morgan and I am the son of the late Ernest George Morgan (BOB) and wondered if anyone had any pictures of either my dad or of Allington Castle that he served on. I am interested to hear any stories people may have and hope that someone out there wll be able to help. Many thanks Dave


Name: Pete Harper
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: 30th August 2009
How you found us:
Wrote...
Hello Peter, Thank you so much for your continued efforts with this site, as a fellow ex - serviceman and son of a 'JACK TAR' it means a lot to me.

Well, the reason I am mailing you is that it is 65 years ago on Tuesday that the 'Hurst' was lost with sixteen of her brave crew. Fortunately for me my father (John 'Jack' Harper) was one of the lucky one's who managed to survive this terrible event, or I would not be sending you this message......!

At a time when so many of our brave service personnel are still continuing to give their lives for this country (A friend of mine from the Welsh Guards was KIA in April this year) your site serves as a reminder why we should never forget the sacrifices that have been made by our fantastic armed forces.

I will be going down to the fort on Hurst Spit tomorrow (Monday 31st), and asking if they will lower the flag to half mast in honour of both HMS Hurst Castle, and for our brave service men and women who have made (and still continue to make) the ultimate sacrifice (including those wounded, both physically and mentaly), on this countries behalf.

So wish me luck, and please do continue the good work.


Name: Norman Ascough
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Cromer, Norfolk , UK
Home Page:
Date: 04th February 2009
How you found us:
Wrote...
My father, Harold Ascough, served on HMS Tintagel Castle in the latter part of WWII as a radar operator (I believe). I'd be grateful if anyone has any info about K399 during that time and especially if anyone has any information about him.

Regards Norman Ascough




.
Back to TOPBack to Top
Name: Mike Davies
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: 16th September 2008
How you found us:
Wrote...

.As one of our towns local historians I am trying to obtain any information on HMS Rayleigh Castle.If anyone has any information they can e-mail me or phone on -- 01268785657.

Name: Geraldine Porte
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Dover, England
Home Page:
Date: 6 Apr 2008
How you found us:
Wrote...

My name is Danny PORTE from Dover England. My late father Willaim PORTE served on the Denbigh Castle and was an Acting chief petty officer. He spent some time in a Russian Hospital after the loss of the ship in Feb 1945. He died in 1967 when I was still young. I would love to hear from anyone who may have remembered him. He also served on HMS Albrighton from 41/44 Kind regards Danny PORTE

Name: David Rodger
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Renfrew
Home Page:
Date: 5 Mar 2008
How you found us:
Wrote...

My name is David Rodger currently I live in Renfrew but as a young boy I lived in Inverkip. My grandfather worked on the castle class ships that were converted to weather ships. As a youngster I was on board a number of times when the ships were in harbour at Greenock. Always looked forward to the next oppurtunity to go on board

Name: Simon Boulton
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Richmond, Surrey
Home Page:
Date: Tue Dec 4 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
My dad, Dennis Boulton served on HMS Flint Castle during 1956. I am keen to find out more about his navy days. If anyone can remember anything or has any photos, please get in touch.

.
Back to TOPBack to Top



Name: Diana Blair
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Dorset
Home Page:
Date: Sun Nov 11 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
I am the daughter of the late H J Scrivener (known as Jack) whose last commission was on board the Lancaster Castle, where he undertook several runs to Kola Inlet in 1944-45 I think. I was thrilled to be able to apply for the Arctic Emblem for him, postumously, and was even more thrilled to receive it last year.

My father sadly died at the youngish age of 63 in 1982 and I was interested to read in your pages of the death last year of a seaman who had served on the same ship as my father.

I live in Dorset and although I do not think I qualify for membership of your association, would be very interested to find out more about my nearest branch.? I would also love to have news of any veterans who may have served with my father.? We have a son Jack (named after his Grandfather) who never met his namesake and I would like to keep this apsect of family history alive for him if possible.

I apologise for such a long entry in your guestbook and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.


Name: A.B. Malcolm Niven
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Philip Island, Australia
Home Page:
Date: Sat Oct 06 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
Served on the Porchester Castle from 1943-1945 as L.R.3.
Would like to hear from anyone that also served on this fine vessel.

Name: STOP PRESS - Urgent Contact to Mike Biffen
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: Tue Aug 28 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
The Book At long last the day has arrived when our "BOOK" is about to be published. It is a huge and weighty 544 page book.

The Association will handle the orders from members and to this end an order form is enclosed. The price will be £30.00 plus £5.00 post and packing a total of £35.00.

Please send your cheque, made out to CASTLE CLASS CORVETTE ASSOCIATION together with the completed order form to Mike Biffen at the above address. To ease Mike's work it would be appreciated if all orders could be received by Monday 17th September.

The book will be despatched direct to you from the publishers "Maritime Books" when they have received a supply from the printers.


OUR REUNION 2008 Forget my remarks in the Log re 2008. I've been busy since going to press, result is: WEYMOUTH Friday 3rd to Monday 6th October 2008. £114.00 pp Dinner, Room and Breakfast plus Entertainment each evening. I am also hoping to arrange a coach trip to the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Fuller details when I have completed arrangements with the Hotel. However I do need some indication of numbers quickly so that I can reserve some bedrooms.

Name: Andrew J Boulton
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Gainsborough
Home Page:
Date: Tue Jun 05 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
RN CASTLE CLASS "ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS" As a retired Major, Royal Corps of Transport TA, afraid only experience of Royal Navy/RFA was rolling around the north sea deploying to Denmark. Return journey far more convivial, almost flat calm. Naval/shipping interest now fulfilled reading magazines. You might like to advise your readers/subscribers the RN CASTLE CLASS "ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS", features in this months "Ships MONTHLY" magazine JUNE 2007. Very readable three page article. Regards, Andrew

.
Back to TOPBack to Top



Name: Mark Turner
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country:
Home Page:
Date: Wed Mar 07 2007
How you found us:
Wrote...
My name is Mark Turner.I am trying to find out as much information as I can about my Uncle, Sidney George Turner who was serving aboard H.M.S Hurst Castle at the time of her sinking. He was killed by this attack. I believe he was a "Stoker" aboard this ship,but by a cruel twist of fate my Uncles position aboard this ship was as a temporary measure. He was transfered from another ship to fill a vacancy. If anyone has any information about my Uncle or any stories or recollections,photos etc I would be delighted to hear from you. Thank You Mark Turner

Name: Gordon Huntley
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Ashford Kent
Home Page:
Date: Thu Mar 15 2007
How you found us: Search Engine
Wrote...
Dear shipmates, I had a computer for christmas so am still wearing the L plates. I was amazed while browsing images of castles to find a picture of my old ship Leeds Castle and from that your website. This was all down to Google.

I was one of the lucky 2000 who did national service in the navy,and after square bashing at Collingwood,and a five month course in HMS Defiance at Guzz,joined Leeds Castle as a fully fledged REM 2. I spent roughly a year on board (Oct 52 to 53) when she was part of TS2 at Portland.

It is said the Navy is a small place,and the first person I met when I boarded was John"Digger" Kenyon who had sat beside me at Canterbury Tech for a year. Later on a Nato exercise I bumped into a fellow PO Engineering apprentise from Pompey,we having shared a course at Bletchley Park.

Good Luck for the future. Gordon Huntley now at Ashford Kent but then of Dover

Any old shipmates who wish to get in touch I can be found on hun.gor@virgin.net

Splice the mainbrace!

Name: Mark Turner
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Leicester England
Home Page:
Date: Sun Dec 10 2006
How you found us: Search Engine
Wrote...
My Uncle was killed while serving on HMS Hurst Castle

Name: Bob Lloyd
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Brisbane, Australia
Home Page:
Date: Thu Dec 07 2006
How you found us: Search Engine
Wrote...
I posted a message a short while ago about being on the Flint Castle 1955 - 56. My email address has changed since the last posting (not the 'Last Post', please!!)

.
Back to TOPBack to Top



Name: Ed Hunter
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Home Page:
Date: Sat 11 Nov 2006
How you found us: A link from another site
Wrote...
My father, Eddie Hunter (now deceased) served on the "Denbigh Castle" on Arctic Convoy #JW 64 when it was torpedoed in Feb 1945. I would appreciaaate hearing from anyone who knew him.

Name: Mike Biffen
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Smethwick England
Home Page:
Date: Sat Oct 07 2006
How you found us: Other
Wrote...
Hi I'm secretary of the Association and also ex Carisbrooke Castle 1952 to 1954. Sorry to all who missed the reunion this year, just come back. Next year will be at Torquay details, when available, will be sent to all members. See home page for my details. Are there any ex shipmates on line that I am not aware of.

Name: Geoff Fido
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Melbourne Australia
Home Page:
Date: Wed Sep 20 2006
How you found us: A link from another site
Wrote...
Looking for pictures of WX ships. Sailed on WX Monitor ex Pevensey Castle and WX Recorder/Surveyor cant recall which between May - Dec 1968.

Name: Joseph J. Vella
E-Mail: Contact the Webmaster and he will forward your email on
City/Country: Montreal P.Q. Canada
Home Page:
Date: Sun Aug 20 2006
How you found us: Search Engine
Wrote...
I am building a 1-72nd scale model of HMCS Orangeville and use your web site for information on finishing and painting many thanks and best regards

Back to TOPBack to Top