A few weeks ago the HMS Tetcott Archive was contacted by Ginny Field, the daughter of the late T/Sub Lt George Sawdon.
I was delighted to meet both Ginny and her husband Pete during their recent visit to Devon and Cornwall and to have the opportunity to be able to provide them with information regarding George's life aboard Tetcott, whilst Ginny was able to recount some wonderful memories of her father.
The afternoon was finished off with a very brief visit to the village of Tetcott to check on the HMS Tetcott Oak - which is, I am glad to report, thriving.
Ginny also very kindly presented the Archive with some wonderful items, all of which had been amongst her father's possessions, including a lovely wooden cigarette box (from Tetcott's ward room) - look out for some photos in the next few days!
It was both a pleasure and a privilege to meet you both, and it is, as always, an honour to be able to add another name to the roll.
After initial contact from Matt Smith almost five years ago, I am delighted to be able, at last, to add the name of Stoker Bernard McHugh to the HMS Tetcott Roll.
Born in 1925 in Hartlepool, and crossing the bar on 5th May 1999, it appears Bernard, as a stoker, was amongst the first commissioning in December 1941.
Sincere and grateful thanks to Matt for providing the details and photograph of his grandfather and for allowing me the honour of adding Bernard's name to the Roll.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Thank you to Vicky Phillips for providing the archive with details of her father - James William Peck who served in Tetcott from June until September 1945.
Sincere and grateful thanks to Vicky for providing the details and photograph of her father and for allowing us the honour of adding James' name to the Roll.
The official report on the sinking of U-372 written by Rycroft records that "the efficiency and skill of the following officers and ratings was responsible for the success of the attack" - amongst those names mentioned is that of Chief Petty Officer Charles Eustace Douglas "for his good steerage". 
After a little detective work the HMS Tetcott Project has been pleased to be contacted by Charles' daughter Joy who very kindly provided the attached photograph of her father. Charles had joined the Royal Navy on 9 December 1921 at the age of eighteen, spending almost three years in HMS Colombo with the Eastern Fleet.
Sincere and grateul thanks to Joy for providing the details and photograph of her father and for allowing us the honour of adding Charles' name to the Roll.
A brief mention in a contemporary newspaper article (The Essex Chronicle, 17 March 1944) has led to the ‘discovery’ of the family of another former HMS Tetcott crew member......
Harold ‘Jim’ James Burmby joined the Royal Navy
on 25 August 1938 and joined Tetcott on her commissioning at Cowes in December 1941. Harold - always known as Jim, remained with Tetcott for almost three years, finally leaving the ship towards the end of 1944.
Jim remained in the Royal Navy after the war, finally leaving the Service at the age of 47 on 25 August 1967 after 29 years continuous service.
Sincere thanks to Sonia, Harold’s grand daughter for the initial contact and to Dave Burmby - Harold’s son, for so kindly supplying us with Jim's service details - an honour to add his name to the Roll
The very first officer appointed to HMS Tetcott and without doubt the oldest and most experienced member of her crew on her commissioning in December 1941
Ernest joined the Royal Navy in 1916 as a Boy Sailor, and, by 1917 was in HMS Collingwood where he remained until the beginning of 1919 and was amongst the very first men appointed to HMS Tetcott in September 1941. He suffered a serious accident prior to the ship sailing, crushing his skull, which was to bring about the end of a naval career spanning some 24 years…
Sincere thanks to Ernest’s daughter Philippa (who herself served for eight years in the WRNS from 1954) for contacting the Archive and kindly supplying his photograph and details - an honour to add his name to the Roll
The Archive has been contacted by 13-year-old Conor, the Great Grandson of John Whitcombe who tells us that he knows that John served as a RADAR operator in Tetcott at some point during the war.
"although I don't know the exact dates I thought this could be added to the 'Ship's Company' of the website. Being only 13, I did not know him, but I am very interested in his life. I have searched the family house for things connecting to his time in the Navy and found letters and pictures but unfortunately, I did not find any records with names of ships and dates"
If anyone remembers John please contact the Archive and we will forward all emails.
Thank you to Joseph's wife Celia for contacting the Archive (through her daughter Julia) and for kindly providing the photograph of her late husband for us to include in the HMS Tetcott Archive
We are pleased to be able to add Joseph's name to the HMS Tetcott Roll
Volunteering for the RNVR in 1940, Oliver joined HMS Abdiel in March 1941 as a Naval Rating. Later moving to HMS Formidable (July 1941) taking her for refit to Norfolk, Virginia, and returning to the UK in HMS Resolution. After time spent at HMS King Alfred for Officer Training, Oliver was appointed to HMS Meteor before joining Tetcott in March 1945.
Thank you so much to Oliver’s son Gilbert for contacting the Archive and a very special thank you to Mrs Elizabeth Stirling-Lee for very kindly giving the Archive a copy of her late husband’s memoirs, numerous photographs and documents - the HMS Tetcott Archive is honoured to add Oliver’s name to the Roll
Previously in the 'B' Class destroyer HMS Bulldog, and was on board when she took the surrender of the Channel Islands on 9 May 1945. Robert sailed in Tetcott from the UK on 29 June 1945, bound for Gibraltar. His time in Tetcott was to be brief - a little over one month - before returning to the UK and then becoming Medical Officer of the Royal Marine Depot at Deal, Kent.
Grateful thanks to his son Nick for supplying his photograph and details - an honour to add Robert's name to the Roll
Added to 'Identified Officers & Ratings' Page (1 June 2012)