Contact and Messages
This site is still evolving, if you have any queries, comments, information or feedback, please feel free to email Sam Edgar at sandredgar@sky.com
For Membership Enquiries, or to join the Association, please contact the secretary Eddie Summerfold
Address:
28 Greymont Rd
Limefield
Bury
BL9 6PN
Phone: 01617 648778
Feel free to leave a comment on the website below…
Hi Sam,
Can I add a name to the crew list for the 57-58 commission crew please. My elder half brother Lance Gregory served on that tour, in fact in your crew gallery for that crew page 6 photo number is in fact my elder brother at Terror Pool.
Many thanks,
Adrian (Greg) Gregory, Cpl (Retd) REME
Hello Adrian
I have added Lance’s name as requested. He was a handsome lad, but I have only vague memories of him. As a young stoker I didn’t get to know lads from the other branches very well. We have family members who attend our reunions and it would nice to meet you next May.
I will send you a separate email.
Kind regards, Sam Edgar
Does anybody remember my father William Ryan, who served on the Opossum in the early 50’s? He used to speak of his experiences in Korea. Unfortunately he died at Christmas 2009, but it would be good to hear from anybody who has memories of him.
(Bill Ryan’s daughter Janet)
Hello Janet
Your father would have served on the Frigate during the 1952/54 Commission and I have added his name to the crew list. Our shipmates from that era are now very few in number and their memories have dimmed.
I will ask them and you never know, something might stir a recollection.
There are very few photos from that Commission (see ‘Gallery’) and if you have one, it would be nice to include it.
Kind regards, Sam Edgar
My dad served on the frigate . He indeed was part of the Korean campaign he served in the RN from 1948 to 1956. His name is John McInnes Gillespie .died September 2012
hi
Could you also enter my fathers name onto the Crew List above. Thanks
My father – John (Johnny) McDiarmid – Able Seaman – served on HMS Opossum from 03 May 1946 till 27 Jun 1947.
He was also a member of the ships Football team, and possibly represented the ship in boxing (or HMS Implacable)
He didn’t go back to England after the J Force period when he was often based in Hong Kong and left the service on 19th Nov 1947 to return to New Zealand. He died 12th Sep 1992.
Served in the Royal Navy from 6th Mar 1944 – 19th Nov 1947.
Hello Barry
Thank you for contacting us. Your Father’s name has been added to the crew list and also to the Roll of Honour. Our reunion is taking place this week end and at least one of our shipmates may remember your Dad.
I have sent you a separate email.
Kind regards, Sam Edgar
Eddie and myself (with the Standard) attended Ken Hodgkin’s funeral on 3rd March. As usual we found it very moving and Eddie, bless him, was in tears when he was recounting his experiences when Ken was teaching, the then Boy Seaman, Eddie the tricks of his trade.
We were made very welcome by Ken’s family. Mark organised things and transported us around. Daughter Linda and husband Nigel popped round to our hotel that evening to buy us a few wets and give us tots out of an exotic looking bottle of whisky that Ken been saving. Daughter Sue and husband Phil may pop in to see us during the reunion at Southsea in May.
We will miss Ken. One of our stalwarts.
It is with sadness that I report the death of Shipmate Ken Hodgkin.
Despite some severe illnesses, Ken made every effort to attend our reunions and was always cheerful and good company.
We will miss him.
Hi.
Does anyone know of my father Cyril King (known as John). I think he served on the Opossum between 1952 – 1954). Any news of him would be greatly appreciated.
Carol Robinson (daughter)
Hello Carol
I will contact our members from that era to see if we can come up with any information on your Dad.
Sadly, age is taking its toll and our numbers have become very depleted.
Thank you for contacting us. I will keep you informed.
Kind regards
Sam Edgar
Calling all Opossum Shipmates. Our reunion in May is not far away and Rita and myself are looking forward to welcoming you to our neck of the woods in sunny Portsmouth. There is so much to see and do in this famous old city, especially in the Historic Dockyard.
Don’t forget to book up for another of our enjoyable reunions.
Sam and Rita
Is this Opossum reunion open to all serving crews or just certain years
Hello Paul
Thank you for contacting us. Yes, our Association welcomes all who have served on the frigate (not many of us left) and everyone who has served on the Submarine during any Commission. In fact we hope my submariner successors will eventually take over and take care of our very smart Standard and this web site.
How many have booked for the 2017 reunion at at southsea
From Sam Edgar. Hello Tony, will get the numbers from Eddie and IOW Tours and let you know. We won’t get the full count as some don’t book until quite late. Happy New Year to you and Sylvia.
Hello Mr Draycott ,my name is Peter James and I was one of the crew on Opossum as a boy seaman , I remember you and the a/b you called spike Townsend along with a/ b Maggie Lockwood and Jan Pope . I am just about to join the opossum association so may see you in Southsea my email address is peterjames1939b@gmail.com
Sylvia and I wish all ship mates and their family a happy xmass and new year see you all in may we are booked in for
the rest of the reunion week we are looking forward to it
Over the moon about choice next year can’t wait to book