Former MONAB and Squadron personnel

There are currently 45 names in this section

 

Mr. Maurice Ayling; a former AA4 (Ordnance) with 1843 squadron, 3 C.A.G. Maurice spent time at Schofields, Maryborough, Jervis Bay And Nowra with the squadron before its disbandment in October 1945. Loan of several pictures of the VP march through Nowra, two shots of an RAAF Dakota at Maryborough for transport to Jervis bay, together with an extensive reminiscence piece covering his time in Australia.

Mr. Bernard Brown; a former Leading stores Assistant with MONAB IV at Ponam. Loan of personal diary from his time with MONAB IV, together with photographs of HMS Nabaron. A special thank you to Bernard for supplying a copy of the Nabaron ships' badge

Mr. Ray Brant; a former Sub/Lt (A) (AE) R.N.V.R. with the Air Engineering department of MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Ray kindly supplied Photographs of AED officers at kai Tak and the Officers mess at RNAS Middle Wallop.

Mr. Bill Brooks; a former Royal Marine driver, Bill served with MONAB VI at Schofields, and MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Bill loaned a selection loan of personal and official photographs for reproduction.

Mr. Jack Caswell; a former Physical Training Instructor with MONAB IX. Jack donated a collection of photographs taken during his time with HMS Nabrock and HMS Simbang.

Mr. Roland. Charlton; a former Petty Officer Telegraphist Air Gunner serving with 1701 ASR squadron at Ponam and Kai Tak. Provided information in several letters to the author.

Mr. Tom Chambers; a former AA4 (Ordnance) serving with the Air Gunnery Workshops of MONAB IV. Tom provided information via e-mail about his time with the unit together with three photographs taken on Ponam.

Mr. Eric Collings: a former Petty Officer Air Fitter (Engines) serving with MONAB V at Jervis Bay, and later with MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Eric has kindly Donated copies of his personal photographs from these units.

Mr. Jim Davey; a former Stores Assistant with MONAB IX at Sembawang. Jim wrote down his memories of his time with H.M.S. Nabrock/Simbang and supplied several photographs of Sembawang and stores personnel.

Mr. Leslie Dickinson; a former Leading Air Mechanic (Electrical) serving with MONAB VIII. Leslie wrote down his memories of his time spent at Kai Tak in letters and e-mails to the author.

Mr. James Dixey; a former Air Mechanic (Ordnance) serving with MONAB II at Bankstown. James kindly loaned a collection of photographs of the station and several documents for copying.

Mr. John Evans; a former Air Mechanic serving with the station flight at MONAB III at Schofields. John sent two photographs of the men of the flight via e-mail.

Mr. Tom Griffith; a former Able Seaman with MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Tom donated copies of several photographs of the visit of Lord Mountbatten to H.M.S. Nabcatcher and the wedding (departure) of Captain Surtees.

Mr. Douglas Heath; a former Leading Air Mechanic (Engines) with MONAB IX. Douglas provided several photographs of his time at Sembawang, including several of derelict Japanese aircraft on Sembawang airfield. he is Vice Chairman of Tamworth Branch of the Royal Naval Association and Treasurer of the Tamworth Fleet Air Arm Association

Mr. Alex Hodgins; a former Leading Air Mechanic (Electrical) with M.S.R. 5 and the R.N. advance party at Archerfield. Alex provided information in several letters and a telephone conversation.

Mr. Douglas Hooper; a former Air Mechanic (Engines) with MONAB II. Douglas provided a copy of his reminiscences and several photographs.

Mr. Edward Hubbard; a former E.R.A. 4 with MONAB VII at Archerfield. Edward kindly donated a copy of the programme for the visit of the Governor General of Queensland to HMS Nabreekie , and a copy of the 1st issue of the ships newspaper 'Nabreekie Nonsense'.

Mr. Peter Hyde; a former S/Lt. (P), Peter served as a Maintenance Test Pilot with MONAB IV before transferring to 723 F.R.U with MONAB I at Nowra. Peter kindly loaned his photographs of Ponam, 723 personnel and 723 Xmas card. Peter also kindly donated a copy of his personal memories of his time as a pilot in the FAA 'Trapped Above the Clouds by Coincidence'.

Mr. William Kenrick; a former Able Seaman with MONAB IV at Ponam. Various items of information and detail have been provided by William via his son's e-mail.

Mr. Gordon Littler and Mr. Ken Littler; both former Naval Airmen (General Duties) serving with the runway control team at HMS Nabcatcher, Kai Tak. Gordon & Ken loaned several photographs of MONAB VIII personnel and some personal memories.

Mr. Kenneth Lowe; a former Leading Air Fitter (ordnance) with MONAB V at Jervis Bay. Ken wrote several Letters to the author containing his reminiscences, and provided several photographs of his time with the unit .

Mr. Sidney McAlpine; a former Air Mechanic (Ordnance ) with MONAB VII at Archerfield. Sidney provided the author with Information via e-mail.

Mr. E.M. 'Mac' McCarthy; a former Writer who worked in the ship's office of HMS Nabcatcher. MONAB 8. Mac kindly supplied a reminiscence piece and donared 24 photographs for inclusion in the MONAB 8 pages. His memories of his time with the unit are available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Don Mackay; former Air Mechanic (Engines) serving with MONAB VII at Archerfield. Don agreed to a taped interview with the author and donated his collection of photographs of Middle Wallop and MONAB VII. The transcript of Don's tape is available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Albert Mappledoram; former Air Mechanic (Engines) with MONAB VII at Oakey and Archerfield. Albert loaned his photographs and copies of ship’s newspapers from ‘Nabsford’ and ‘Nabreekie’ for copying.

Mr. Leslie Meakin: former Leading Air Mechanic (Airframes) who served with HMS Nabswick at RNAS Jervis Bay, N.S.W. and later with 706 naval Air Squadron with HMS Nabstock. at RNAS Schofields, N.S.W. Thanks to Leslie for supplying the group photo of 705 squadron and two photos of himself in uniform. and some short reminiscences.

Mr. Charlie Mellor; a former Air Mechanic (Engines) with MONAB VII at Archerfield. Charlie supplied his recollections and photos of Sembawang buildings to the author in a letter.

Mr. Barry Osmond; a former Able Seaman Stoker (Fire Fighter) with MONAB VI at both Maryborough and Schofields. Barry donated a Photo of the fire crew at Schofields and his personal reminiscences of his time with the unit.

Mr. Arnold Perry; a former Petty Officer Radio Mechanic, served with MONAB VI at Maryborough and Schofields. Arnold supplied Photographs of the Radio section of MONAB VI at Maryborough and some personal photos. His reminiscences of his time with the unit are available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Kenneth Peterkin; a former Telegraphist serving with MONAB IV. Kenneth supplied information via e-mail, and an extensive personal reminiscence piece of his time with the unit is available in the Memories pages.

Mr. George Pickering; a former Air Mechanic (Airframes) with M.S.R. 4. George was Initially attached to H.M.S. Unicorn, then transferred to the strength of MONAB IV on Ponam. His personal reminiscences and photographs of M.S.R. 4 personnel at Ponam are available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Michael Price; a former Sub Lieutenant (P), served as a test pilot with the MONAB II test flight and later 854 squadron at Nowra. Michael's reminiscences and photograph of the test flight officers are available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Gordon Pursall; a former Lieutenant with the salvage section at MONAB II. Gordon kindly gave his permission to reproduce an article written by him about his time with HMS Nabberley; originally printed in the magazine of the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association, this piece is available in the Memories pages.

Mr. Terry Quigley; a former Leading Air Fitter (Airframes), served with MONAB IV at Ponam. Terry recalled his time with the unit in a letter to the author.

Mr. Bill Rees; former RAF Sergeant attached to MONAB IX Bill was SNCO in charge of station workshops at RNAS Sembawang, donated a large collection of photographs and his reminiscences for inclusion in this site.

Mr. Bruce Robinson; a former Leading Air Fitter (Engines), served with MONAB II and later with MONAB VI at Schofields. Bruce loaned the author photographs of maintainers of the test flight at Bankstown and several views of Schofields together with his reminiscences of his time with both units. This account can be found in the memories section.

Mr. Terry Rushton; a former Petty Officer Radio Mechanic, served with MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Terry kindly loaned the author a selection of photographs of HMS Nabcatcher, including the visit of an unknown Admiral to the station. Terry also provided his reminiscences of his time with the unit which account can be found in the memories section.

Mr. Laurence Russell; a former AA4(L) serving with HMS Nabberley. Laurence kindly described to the author the layout and building functions of the RN presence at Bankstown airport using the aerial photo that appears on the units history page.

Mr. Gordon Saunders: a former Air Fitter (Airframes) , served initially with M.R. 3, a part of HMS Nabsford at Archerfield, then drafted to MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Gordon kindly loaned a photo of the accommodation site at Rocklea Camp, and several shots of Kai Tak, including typhoon damage together with a newspaper clipping of the event. Gordon also recalled details of his time with TAMY I and MONAB VIII via e-mail.

Mr. Stan Spencer; a former Petty Officer Radio Mechanic Stan served with MONAB III at Schofields. Stan kindly loaned his collection of photographs of setting up shop at RNAS Schofields and his reminiscences of his time with the unit. Stan's memories are available in the memories section.

Mr. Jeffrey Stewart: a former Petty Officer (Radar) Jeffrey served with MONAB VI at Maryborough as a member of Mobile Repair 2 (MR2). Thanks to Jeffrey for supplying a photo of the members of the radar section of MR2.

Mr. Ronald Sunderland; a former Sub Lieutenant (P), served as an Avenger pilot with 820 & 828 squadrons. Ronald loaned his photographs of the ditching of 828s aircraft off the bow of HMS Implacable in April 1946 and his memories of his time with those units. Ronald's memories can be found un the memories section.

Captain A.W.F. Sutton, CBE, DSC* RN (rtd); formerly the Executive Officer of MONAB VIII. Wrote his recollections of MONAB VIII in a letter to the author which describes his time at HMS Nabcatcher. This letter can be read in the memories section.  Captain  Sutton, a naval Observer, was was the last survivor of the 42 young naval airmen who took part in the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto in November 1940. He passed away on 6th November 2008 aged 96.

Mr. Gordon Theaker; a former Petty Officer Radio Mechanic, served with M.R. 1 as part of MONAB I. Gordon kindly loaned his photographs of the Radio section of M.R.1 and the Naval dance band for copying. Gordon also submitted his reminiscences of his time with the unit. Gordon's memories are available in the memories section.

Mr. Reg Veale; a former Leading Air Fitter (Engines), served with M.S.R. 6, part of MONAB IV at Ponam. Reg kindly gave permission to reproduce his reminiscence story ‘A wish come true’ within this site; copies of which are lodged with the Fleet Air Arm Museum, and the University of Leeds. ‘A wish come true’ can be read in the memories section.

Mr. Charles 'Slinger' Woods; a former acting Leading Stoker, served with MONAB III at Schofields. Charles supplied photographs of the wireless station and the diesel generator section at RNAS Schofields via e-mail. Charles recollected some of his time with the unit.

Mr. Geoff Williams; a former Leading Air Fitter (Engines), served with M.R. 1 as part of MONAB I. Geoff kindly donated photographs of Admirals divisions at HMS Nabbington and other materials, including his reminiscences of his time with the unit. Geoff's reminiscences can be found in the memories section.

 

Other contributors

Many thanks to the following people who have been able to contribute information and photographs, especially those contributing materials from a departed loved one, a husband, brother, or father who served with one of the units in this project.

 There are currently 31 names in this section

Mr. John Arnold; Editor of 'Slipstream' the journal of the Australian Fleet Air Arm Association. Kind permission to reproduce extracts from issues of 'Slipstream' and the loan of two aerial photos of Nowra, one of RAAF Nowra in the mid 1940s and one of the main aircraft parking area in 1945 showing reserve aircraft held by MONAB !.

Mr. Peter Ashdown of Brisbane, Australia. Peter is an aviation enthusiast who has done local research into Archerfield and Oakey airfileds. His help as 'eyes & ears' has been invaluable in establishing the accommodation site locations used by the Rn in Brisbane - peter physically visiting several locations to compare the geography of taoday with old maps and photos.

Mr. Frank Beattie; of the Maryborough RSL (Returned Servicemen's League) branch. Donation of various items from local sources about H.M.S. Nabstock, via e-mail and snail mail from Australia.

Mr. Ken Bingham; project co-ordinator of the Seabee cruise books onto CD ROM project, at the Civil Engineer Corps and Seabee Museum, Naval Construction Battalion Centre, Port Hueneme, California. The project is sponsored by the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation. Supplied two Seabee unit cruise books for use in researching Ponam Island.

Mr. Keith Buckingham: Keith's father, FX506027Air Fitter (A) Leslie Buckingham, served with MONAB 2 at Bankstown, where he was employed on aircraft movement duties, ferrying aircraft from different parts of the airfield, to the workshops, parking apron etc. Keith kindly supplied a collection of 9 images for inclusion in the project.

Mr. Kenneth Burton: a former Petty Officer Radio Electrician. Kenneth contacted the author about his memories of contact with former MONAB vehicles held in the 'van pool' part f the Equipment & Trials section at NAS Lee-on-Solent in late 1958.

Mr. Stan Corboy; former Australian FAA who served at H.M.A.S Albatross 1952 - 58. Stan e-mailed an aerial photo of the hangers and flight line at Nowra in the 1950s.

Mr. Dean Crook: Dean's father Ronald Crook was an air mechanic who served with MONAB II before joining MSR 4 on HMS Unicorn and Ponam. Dean kindly supplied photos from his father's album.

Mrs. Maureen Corfield: Maureen’s father CH/x 104139 Marine Edward John Badham, served with MONAB 8 motor transport section. Maureen kindly supplied three photographs for the MONAB 8 gallery.

Mr. Ron Davis; Creator of the H.M.S. Vengeance web site, Ron's late Father, a former Air Mechanic served with 1850 Squadron on board H.M.S. Vengeance. Ron supplied photographs of his father and others ashore at Kai Tak.

Lt. Cdr R. E. Geale, M.B.E., RAN (rtd); Curator of the Australian Museum of Flight. Kindly supplied the Photo of H.M.S. Nabstock ship's company at Maryborough, and has steered the author when his facts have gone astray.

Mr. Paul Jay: Paul's late father RN Schoolmaster Jim Jay served on TAMY I. He was the creator and editor of the ships newspaper 'The Nabsford News' which ran for 8 editions post war. Thanks to Paul and his family for donating copies of 7 of the 8 editions of the newspaper and a collection of his photographs.

Mr. Keith Johnson; Keith's late Father, a former Air Mechanic served with MONAB IV on Ponam. Keith supplied a Copy of 'Jungle Echo' VE day edition and photographs of the island.

Mr. Matthew Kawei; Matthew was born on Ponam island and is now working in Canada. Matt provided a coulor photo of the island as seen from the air on one of his recent visits to the island.

Mrs. Mandy Kesby; Mandy's late father, FX93255 Petty Officer Air Fitter (A) Leonard Butt, served with Maintenance, Storage & Reserve 1, both at Nowra and as part of the RN FAP No.1 on Pityilu Island. Mandy kindly loaned her father's photographs for scanning and inclusion in the RN Forward Aircraft Pool pages

Mr. John Lawson: Former AB Coder serving on HMS Slinger. John kindly donated a wartime snap shot album covering Slinger's activities from August '43 - November '45 together with some shots of RNAS Bankstown.

Mr. Neil Metcalf: Neil's father, FX 107770 Petty Officer Air Fitter (R) Douglas Webster Metcalf, served with MONAB 7 and later MR3 at Archerfield. Neil kindly supplied 3 images for inclusion in the project.

Mr. Carl Modder; An Air traffic Controller at Hong Kong's new AirPort, Carl has forwarded several images of Kai Tak and Hong Kong harbour for inclusion in the project.

Mrs. Anne Nicol; Anne's late father, George Belcher, a former Air Mechanic served with MONAB IX at Sembawang. Anne has a collection of her father's war time letters written to her mother. Anne is compiling a book/memoir based on a transcript of the letters, and has kindly supplied dates and other information towards the account of HMS Nabrock.

Mr. Rod Playford: Rod's father, FX/106406  AM(E) Raymond Playford served with MONAB 2 and 724 communications squadron at Mascot airport from February 1945 until March 1946.  Thanks to Rod for supplying 3 photos for inclusion in the MONAB 2 gallery.

Mr. Jim Pratt; Jim’s father FX 578399 Frank Pratt served with MSR4 as part of MONAB 4 on Ponam Island. Jim kindly supplied photos from his father's album.

Mr. Ashley Price; Ashley’s father, FX 79168 George Price, served with MONAB 3 at RNAS Schofields. Ashley kindly supplied photos and a Christmas card from his father's album.

Mrs. Alison Richardson; Alison's late father, Stoker William Cutler, served as a member of the fire crew with HMS Nabstock. Alison has kindly supplied four photographs, three of fire section personnel and one of the VP day parade in Maryborough.

Mrs. Sylvia Roberts: Sylvia’s brother, Ordnance Artificer 4 Leo Vincent Lindop, known as ‘Vin’ served with MONAB VIII at Kai Tak. Thanks to Sylvia for loaning her late brother’s photographs for scanning and inclusion in the MONAB VIII gallery.

Mr. Brian Russell; Brian's late father, William Russell, served in HMS Pioneer with the British Pacific Fleet. Brian kindly gave permission to reproduce images from his web page which features his father's war time photographs. Images reproduced include Pityliu Island and Kai Tak.

Mr. John Ryan; former L.A.C. with the Royal Australian Air Force, he was stationed at Maryborough attending No. 1 Radar school during the first two months of MONAB VIs' time at the station. John has supplied his personal reminiscences of the period and also many contact details for other former MONAB personnel. John was the organiser of the 1896 Maryborough reunion and editor of the 'wartime memories' book about RAAF Maryborough. My thanks to John for the complimentary copy of this work.

Mr. Paul Silverstone: Naval enthusiast/photo collector, New York. Kind loan of rare Escort Carrier photographs showing pacific theatre pennant numbers being worn.

Mrs. Dorothy Starling: Dorothy's late husband, FX674500 Stores Assistant Alan Starling served with MONAB 7and later joined HMS Simbang shortly after MONAB 9 had paid off. Dorothy kindly loaned her husband's photograph collection for copying.

Mr. Dave Stevenson; ex CAA(L) 1962-86 for the poem about looking back at naval ships of yesterday and acting as a go-between for Ken Lowe in forwarding Ken's MONAB 5 images on CD ROM.

Mr. David Turner: David’s late father, Po.X105664 Lance Corporal RM Driver John (Jack) Turner, served with HMS Nabstock between April 1st 19 45 to January 1946. He played on the Royal Marines football team in the ship’s league. Thanks to David for supplying a copy of his father’s photograph of the football team posing with their trophies as league winners in October 1945.

Mr. Graham Waddington: Graham’s father FX 512245 Air Fitter (A) Norman Waddington served with TAMY 1 in Australia. Graham kindly supplied thirteen images for inclusion in the TAMY 1 gallery.

Mrs. Margaret Webb;  widow of Sick Berth C.P.O. Richard Webb who served with HMS Striker from her launch till November 1945. Margaret kindly loaned her husband's photograph album for copying.

Mr. David Wharmby; David’s father FX 512711 AF(E) Jack Wharmby served with MONAB 7 before joining MR4 at TAMY 1 in Brisbane repairing Corsair aircraft. David kindly supplied photos from his father's album.

 

Acknowledgments

Acknowledging permission to use photographs and other materials from web sites

Tina DelCorso, USS Hemminger Webmaster, for permission to use an image of the ship entering Bilboa. Original image owner Mrs Jan Edwards.
Peter Dunn. Australia@war Webmaster, for permission to use photographs contained within his site.
Bill McLaughlin, CZimages Webmaster, for permission to use 2 images of Colon, Panama, original image owner Mr. Vicente Pascual,