Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
Add Information to Record of a Person who served during the Second World War on The Wartime Memories Project Website
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211303
Andrew Ewing
Royal Navy HMS Nigeria
from:Newcastle on Tyne
My Father, Andy Ewing, served in HMS Nigeria throughout the war as an RDF operator, and conducted the operations described in the record on the site. I was intrigued to find reference to him by name and would be delighted to hear from or add to the records of any other surviving veterans or relatives.
Sadly, Dad took his photographic records from their time in Charleston to Charleston when he visited me in the USA. He struck up conversation with an individual while visiting the city who asked to make copies of the photographs for the Maritime Museum. A trusting soul, my father gave the photos to the individual who promised to meet him the following day. The result was inevitable, we never saw the photos again. They may be on show in the city somewhere but despite the efforts of the local Naval Association they have not been found. They depicted the ships company in and around the city and there were some excellent shots of her arriving and departing taken from the now dismantled Charleston Bridge, as well as those of Arctic Icing and Mediterranean operations.
On a lighter note I know he would be pleased to see this record made by individuals and relatives and would have known many. and I am sure he would have much to add.
I have a precious copy of the HMS Nigeria magazine, dated 1946, edited by J W Aubrey, with sketches by Able Seaman John Smith and contributions (post VJ Day) from Reverend Anderson Nichol, the Church of Scotland Chaplain. The booklet contains photographs of the ship and the company which may be of interest to many. The Foreword is written by Captain H A King at the end of her commission in 1946 (I think). The 63 pages provide a topical record of the ship her characters and actions. The final page records the names of all those who lost there lives and will never be forgotten.
My father was proud of his association with the ship and the Royal Navy. If anyone would be able to preserve these mementos I would be delighted to hear from them.