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Pioneer 
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 Topic: Obituaries
Posted: 23 April 2013 at 8:28am |
Leonard C Reynolds. OBE,DSC,DC,JP. 29th June 1923 – 18th April 2013 Details of Funeral Arrangements can be viewed on the "Lest we Forget"
Edited by Pioneer - 23 April 2013 at 11:27am
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Posted: 17 April 2013 at 2:30pm |
I
have received the following notification of the death of John Pritchard. I am
sure all members would wish to join me in offering our sincere condolences to
the family.
John
Pritchard, an ardent researcher into the much neglected world of the RAF Marine
Craft units and former member of your organisation passed away at Withybush Hospital on March 21st, aged
86.
Readers
may remember his immensely respected RAF Air Sea Rescue launch articles which
featured in Model Boats, Yachting Monthly and several other magazines from June
1975 to April 1989 illustrated with photos, accounts of rescues, and invariably
accompanied by hand drawn plans. Much of the background information and detail
was provided by your club membership.
His
plans I believe are still available from Model Boats Plans Service and I have
recently seen features about models on the internet acknowledging their
usefulness.
We
well remember our father with his drawing board perched on the bannister of our
then home in Therfield, Hertfordshire as he meticulously draughted his
masterpieces, often relying on photos from numerous correspondents to get them
just right.
John
gained his wings with the RAF but found his services no longer required and
kicked his heels briefly in the control tower of Carew Cheriton until that
station closed and he was allowed to move to the RAF Marine Craft Units from
Sept 1946. Briefly serving at the very overcrowded Gosport MCU (1102) he was
then moved onto MCU 1111 at Lyme Regis. Then followed a strange sequence of
postings in 1947, as the powers that be, struggled with what to do with this
LAC. He travelled variously to Port Fouad, Ishmailia, El Hamra and Fanara (in
the Canal Zone) and Ein Shemeir (Palestine-
aerial lifeboats!), before returning to Gosport
where he was at last allowed to retrain as a Teacher. His links with the RAF
continued in the 1960s with a 5 year stint in Takoradi, Ghana as deputy then Headmaster of the Combined Services Primary
School teaching children of the Air Force and Naval
Training Mission based there. His research into RAF/MC history paralleled the
time that he served as Headmaster of the Roger de Clare First School at
Standon/Puckeridge in Hertfordshire.1970 -1988.
On
retiring he moved to Pembrokeshire, firstly living in Milford Haven then for the
last 15 years at Freshwater East .
For
any that remember him and may well have corresponded with him our thanks for
assisting in his research.
He
will be cremated at Narbeth Crematorium on 22nd April.
Family
flowers only. Any donations if desired to Tenby RNLI (where his involvement with
boats first started).
Yours
sincerely,
On
behalf of the whole family,
Bob
Pritchard. “Lest we Forget”
Edited by Pioneer - 17 April 2013 at 2:31pm
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Posted: 09 January 2011 at 7:14pm |
A/B Ronald Mitchell.
August 30th 1925 – December 29th 2010.
A/B Ron Mitchell, a qualified Wireless Operator of the Royal Navy, served with HM Coastal Forces during World War 2.
Drafted to RML 542, the main area of operations for him were to be in and around the seas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Always a west countryman at heart, being born in Sherborne Dorset, Ron sadly passed away in the St. Austell Community Hospital on 29th December 2010, aged 85
With a membership number of 1956, he was a Life Member of the Coastal Forces Veterans Association (CFVA). He had spent the last 13 years of his life living in Cornwall and would regularly drive to the coast, park his car, and in moments of deep thought just look out over the sea
He is sadly missed and is survived by three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren
“Lest we Forget”
Edited by Pioneer - 15 January 2011 at 10:24am
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Posted: 31 July 2010 at 4:39pm |
A/B Donald Campbell
6th October 1923 – 20th July 2010
It is with a great sadness that we record the death of Donald Campbell.
Donald was one of the early joiners of the CFVA, he came aboard in February 1982 and carried the membership (CFVA) number 869. He was a popular member of the London Branch becoming Secretary of the Branch from January 1989 - December 1994.
His wartime service in the Mediterranean was as an A/B on MTBs 388 - 5009 and also with a Coastal Forces Mobile Base in Italy inc Sardinia and Maddalena .
In peacetime Donald became a very keen supporter of West Ham United so we could always expect a good repartee at the London Meetings with the Spurs and Orient supporters.
Donald retired from the Ford motor company at Dagenham having been employed as a maintenance electrician.
Sadly Donald was to spend his last years in a Nursing Home suffering from a cruel and debilitating illness.
To his Wife Iris we send our Deepest Sympathy and our Love at this very sad time.
“Lest We Forget”
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Posted: 23 June 2010 at 7:06pm |
Ldg Seaman (Torps) Peter Henry Shorer
1923-2010.
Peter volunteered for the Navy at 18 but failed the medical; he had had rheumatic fever twice as a child which had left him with a heart condition. Six months later however, he got his call up papers. A heart specialist at this medical declared him fit and he joined the Royal Navy on 7th September 1942.
Reporting to the shore base HMS Ganges, at Shotley Suffolk, for his initial induction and basic training, following which he was then to spend a month at HMS St Christopher, Fort William Invernes-shire, learning how to work on Coastal Forces Craft, MLs & MTBs etc; this was the real attraction for him, and why he had volunteered in the first place.
His first Draft was to ML 212 at Holyhead in the Western Approaches, patrolling round the Irish Sea searching for mines, in one day they sank thirteen mines by shooting at them with 303 rifles.
After taking the Seaman Torpedoman’s (S/T) Course at the Eastbourne Girls School ‘Roedean’ - requisitioned as an annex to the Mine warfare and Torpedo training establishment, HMS Vernon at Portsmouth - he was to be Drafted into the Mediterranean war theatre where he served in and around Malta and the Aegean Sea areas with the 10th and 27th MGB/MTB Flotillas.
As an A/B S/T Seaman, one of his jobs was to get inside the twenty foot long torpedo tubes to clean and grease them after use. The records show that his Flotilla’s had a very active war; shortly after VE Day the Flotilla’s 10th/27th were paid off, including his much loved MTB 398.
He passed further examinations on the County Class Cruiser, HMS Norfolk, to become Leading Seaman Torpedoman (L/St) joining the Destroyer HMS Javelin. Because of his small-boat experience he became coxwain of the Captains Motor boat.
He was finally demobbed in June 1946.
Peter’s time in the navy gave him a love of the sea and boats of any kind. He and his wife Audrey spent many happy times crewing on a gaff rigged Cutter to Holland. He built a Heron class dinghy to sail at Burnham on Crouch and when the children came along he built canoes and a fully equipped narrow boat to explore the English canals.
His enthusiasm for a challenge eventually led to a very successful peace time career and also allows another proud achievment of Peter’s to be seen.
On display in the Malta Maritime Museum is the reproduction of the ship’s bell from HMS Illustrious. This perfect reproduction, including its damage sustained on the ship during WW2, tested his skills developed during his employment with the British Museum. The bell was presented to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1976, presented to Malta 1977, the original previously on display, being requested by the IWM.
Peter enjoyed the companionship of his shipmates at the Southend Branch of the Coastal Forces Veterans Association and later as a member of the London Branch aboard HMS Belfast, where he could relive the happy, sad and dangerous times in ‘his war’.
“Lest We Forget”
Edited by Pioneer - 25 June 2010 at 8:45am
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Posted: 19 March 2010 at 1:37pm |
Andrew Banger DSM, MID.
Born 31st May 1922 Died 29th January 2010
Andrew Banger was born in Stirling Scotland, he had three brothers and one sister. His Mother worked in catering and his Father was a Chauffer.
Andrew moved to England with his family at 6 years old and started his education. On leaving school he became an apprentice plumber, on completing his apprenticeship
Andrew volunteered to join the Royal Navy.
He was based at Felixstowe and served on MTB’s (MTB454).
During his service Andrew was awarded The Distinguished Service Medal and was also Mentioned in Dispatches.
Andrew was demobbed in 1946, he then moved with his wife Joyce to Slough in Berkshire. He worked as an engineer at various establishments. During his career Andrew worked at Pinewood Studios building the sets for various films including James Bond and Super Man.
After retirement Andrew maintained an active life, he loved holidaying in Scotland. His main activity was to build a replica model of his boat MTB 454; this was built from drawings and historical photos. He installed engines and made it radio controlled, the model spent many hours on the water.  Andrew was a very proud member of The Coastal Forces Veterans Association, he enjoyed attending meeting and AGM’s. He loved his time with the association and his shipmates. He is greatly missed by his family and friends.
Able Seaman Andrew Rae Ronney Banger DSM, MID.
R.I.P
Lest
We Forget.
Edited by Pioneer - 19 March 2010 at 5:18pm
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Posted: 19 January 2009 at 11:09pm |
Harry Leader DSM.
26th April 1923 – 28th December 2008.
The news that Harry Leader had ‘Crossed the Bar’ and now rests in calmer waters was received with a great sadness.
There will always be very warm memories of Harry; ‘our’ last meeting with him being at the September Branch Meeting of the London Branch of the former CFVA - onboard HMS Belfast in the Pool of London. Then, having only very recently been discharged from Hospital, he had appeared to be his old self, even after quite a prolonged stay; but true to his character he did not disclose any details of his suffering or illness.
Harry will certainly be missed by all those who knew him – especially those members of the London Branch Committee – who sometimes were the butt of many ribald comments emitting from the irreverently titled “Stokers Mess”. He, being an active and leading member of this group, had the ability and wit of always being able to find a quick and humorous remark - for whatever was being discussed at the time - sometimes raising a smile from his selected ‘target’ - but his banter was always made without malice.
His broad cockney accent assisted his particular brand of charm, this also added to an ability to display a very warm nature and great love of being among those whom he called his ‘Shipmates’.
Although being a fully paid up and active member of ‘our Stoker’s Mess’, Harry was not a member of the Engineering Branch of the RN. He had ended his naval career as an A/B Seaman but having been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Harry was one of only 10 survivors when MTB 622 was lost off the coast of Holland on the night of March 9th/10th 1943.
Severely injured, he was rescued by the crew of the German naval craft VP 1300, spending many months in Dutch and German hospitals before being incarcerated in a POW camp deep in Germany. Still suffering from his wounds he, with three others, decided to try and escape from the camp after hearing of a proposed forced march of the inmates, even deeper into Germany.
After several hair-raising ‘incidents’ they managed to reach the advancing Allied army. Harry was to feel the generosity of the American troops for a number of weeks before eventually being repatriated back to the UK.
Harry thoroughly enjoyed the friendly banter between ‘Home Waters’ and ‘Mediterranean War Theatre’ crews – both fully represented at the London Branch meetings.
For many, Harry will be remembered as a true friend, but also it should be remembered that he stands among the ranks of this country’s heroes.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Gwen, his son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandson Harry.
Lest We Forget.
Edited by Pioneer - 20 January 2009 at 8:57am
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Posted: 10 November 2008 at 2:18pm |
Ldg Wren Brenda Coombs
We send our deepest sympathy to Alison and Sister Pat and Family at this sad time with the cherished memories we hold of a very sincere friend and shipmate.
It was at Lowestoft HMS Mantis where Brenda met the love of her life, no doubt in a run ashore when Charles Coombs, serving on board MTB’s 88-222 & 602 came into her life and romance bloomed. They married in Lowestoft on 25th May 1945.
Both Charles and Brenda were great enthusiasts of the CFVA from its early beginnings with its vast opportunities for the renewing and the making of new friendships . With their Daughter Alison they were great supporters of, and took part in many of, our visits to Croatia and the Island of Vis . Since the death of Charles in June 2001 Brenda and Alison have continued to support and enjoy the visits to Vis , sadly this year due to Brenda being unwell and the death of her daughter Janet in August
they had to cancel.
Brenda’s funeral will be at Cambridge Crematorium on November 14th at 13-30hrs.
"Lest We Forget"
Edited by Pioneer - 10 November 2008 at 2:18pm
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Posted: 10 November 2008 at 2:11pm |
An Appreciation for the Life of
Peter Henry DSM..
Peter Henry DSM, of Seaham, County Durham died Sunday 26th October at Sunderland Royal Hospital aged 85. Beloved Husband of Freda and cherished by all the family. Peter served with Honour in the Coastal forces during World War 2 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
All through his life he was passionate about pigeon racing and was known as part of 'Gippert and Henry'.
Everyone is welcome at a service which will be held at 2pm on Thursday 30th October, prior to a cremation at Sunderland crematorium at 3pm. A wake will be held at The Phoenix, Seaham at 3.45pm.
Flowers welcome or a donation to the Coastal Forces Veterans Association if desired.
“Lest we Forget”
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Posted: 17 May 2008 at 9:13am |
Lt Cdr William Nelson Ridinger USN.
1921 – 2008.
Nelson Ridinger, 87, of Christiansburg passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.
He was the son of Harvey Jackson Ridinger Sr. and Hester Blanche Jennings. In addition to his first wife, Elizabeth Anne Dale, and his oldest daughter Linda Ridinger Smith, Nelson is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sandra Sarver Ridinger.
Nelson graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1938. He proceeded to get his degree in Pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1942.
Nelson answered the call to serve his country in WWII by attending an accelerated officer-training program at Columbia University.
He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and was assigned to the Admiral's command ship for the Utah Beach Sector during the D-Day invasion. Nelson's military honors include medals for the European Campaign and two battle stars.
Nelson returned to Christiansburg in 1949 to raise his family and become an active member of the local business community. He began work at Thompson-Hagan Drug Store as a pharmacist in 1949 and retired as the owner of the oldest continuous business in Montgomery County in 1979.
Nelson was an active business partner in Town & Country Estates, Arcnel Corporation, and owner of Ridgedale Farms real-estate development.
Over the years, Nelson also served in numerous community leadership roles. Nelson was President of the Christiansburg Chamber of Commerce and was Chairman of St. Paul's Administrative Board, the local library board and Red Cross of America. He worked to get the Altamont Hospital on Radford Road incorporated into the Montgomery Regional Hospital and served on its board as a named trustee of the hospital.
Nelson faithfully served 41 years as a Director of First National Bank (FNB) in Christiansburg and served as its Chairman of the Board before retiring in 1998.
Nelson enjoyed spending time with his beloved family - Nelson also had a love for horses and spending time outdoors on his farm in Christiansburg.
He will be greatly missed by all.
The Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2008, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Dr. David Goodpasture and Rev. Brian Siegle officiating.
Interment followed at Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg,VA.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Michael Payne for his care and concern during this time.
Edited by Pioneer - 10 November 2008 at 2:01pm
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