This page is prompted by the photographs sent to me by Alan Launder who was onboard with several other Midshipmen. Alan would like to track down the Australian/New Zealander in the photo below if anyone may assist in this?
Alan was the only National Serviceman/ the only grammar school boy/ the only Norfolk boy in the Group, and perhaps for that reason got some special treatment from Gretton as he got some interesting jobs in Gambia.
Alan is in the second to back row - third from the right.
The Admiral of the Fleet being received aboard by Captain Peter Gretton OBE DSO and Bar.
Alan Launder is fifth from the right on the front row, Captain Gretton is seated just behind his right shoulder. (Editors note, I wonder why?)
Grand Harbour
Forward view towards other Cruisers awaiting
H.M. The Queen for Royal Visit.
Similar Floodlit photograph as seen on other pages?
Alan believes the above photographs were taken between August 1953 and March 1954, which was about the time he was posted to MMS 1635 as First Lt. when he went to Elba to control the search for the Aircraft 'Comet' which crashed there.
Alan says that 90% of the aircraft was recovered and it was rebuilt at Farnborough to determine the cause of the crash - determined that there had been an explosive decompression because of metal fatigue.
Gambia's Officers on the Forecastle - Focsle.........
Alan also asks for copies of photos taken during the period he was in Gambia, adding, "I joined just after Gambia returned from Zante and I know we went to Bizerta, Tripoli, Port Sad(?), Pireas - Athens, Villefranche and Naples while I was onboard".
I would be especially interested in anything to do with the Parade in Malta during the Queens Visit, when she opened the monument to the missing in the Mediterranean. I was part of the Gambia contingent but I have lost my key photos. I would also like any photos of sports teams during that period as I played football for the Ship in several places and also hockey and basketball against the 14th - 20th Hussars out in the desert not far from Tripoli I believe.
I ended my National Service as a Sub. Lt RNVR and was in the reserve for ten years, I believe!
Malta - Queen's Parade, The Queen is just passing the Gambia Contingent....
Many thanks for taking the time to forward the above photographs Alan, and sorry I could not make it to Sydney, but I did visit in 2003 and 2006, so maybe year 2009?...Ed.
Well, I did make it in 2009 and stayed with Alan and Jenny when I visited Adelaide for our ex Royal Marines Band Service Reunion, and a wonderful visit I had with them both. Thank you so much Jenny and Alan.
