HMS Handy/Excellent/Calcutta/Demon

[Martin Bennitt]

Just spotted the following. Not many ships survive that took part in the Great War, but looks like this one might not be around much longer.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/It39s-not...p?articlepage=1

cheers Martin B

[Kath]

 

Kath.

[SiegeGunner]

Sad news, particularly to those of us with a special interest in operations on and off the Belgian coast. Given the enormous difficulty of preserving historic steel warships (USS Texas, for example), and even greater difficulty of restoring even a small one, I think we have to take the same view as we do for human veterans – that it is remarkable so many survived for so long. The warships of the Great War, great and small, are not forgotten, and this ship will not be forgotten either – most survive in photographs and accounts of their actions.

Nevertheless, glad though I am that we have the Belfast, I can't help wishing that we still had Renown instead (or better still, as well).

Mick

[demon1883]

Dear All,

Please take a look at this link which I came across on the Maritime Steam Restoration Trust forum.

www.maritimeheritage.co.uk

It is a petition to amend the draft Heritage Protection Bill to extend protection to historic ships.

Unfortunately it is too late for HMS Handy / Demon but it may be able to help some of the other historic vessels in danger of destruction.

Many Thanks,

Rob Buckel.

[sadsac]

MARTIN, MICK, re HMS EXCELLENT - find here two recomendations for services to.

Gives a little info for you.

LAURIN Gerald L N/E Cdr. Rtd RN 79D009 Excellent

Vice Admiral Dover Patrol N/E N/E

Bombardment of Westende 1915 N/E

"Excellent" and "Bustard" did very well and made quite good shooting while spotting their own shots.

SAURIN Gerald L N/E Cdr. Rtd RN 79D005 Excellent

Vice Admiral Dover Patrol 12.01.16 Gazetted

Operations off Belgian Coast 22.08.15 & 19.11.15 N/E

Commanded ships which attacked Westende on the 6th September, with results that reflect credit on all concerned. The operations were carried out under the direction of Captain Molteno.

ROB, followed your posting & have signed the form.

For info on another `Historic' Ship please visit HMS ELFIN or SS ELFIN.

It is website on EX RN Steam Ship being preserved in HOLLAND.

See Het Commander / DAF

Will now visit M.S.R.Trust as you posted.

Sadsac

[per ardua per mare per terram]

Thanks for that link Rob, I don't hang around Number 10 as a rule

[sadsac]

MARTIN, suspect these two awards are for `Stone Frigate' EXCELLENT - date of 1914 should be SHIP, but date and `experimental staff' maybe for S.F ??

LANGLEY Gerald F.B N/E Lt. RN 88X884 Excellent

1st Lord 12.12.19 N/E Post War OBE(M)

In recognition of his authorship of the "Throw-off" firing as practiced in the Fleet.

JEANS George N/E Lt.Cdr. RN 87X222

Experimental Staff H.M.S. Excellent

C-in-C Portsmouth N/E N/E Post War OBE(M)

Valuable services on the Experimental Staff, of H.M.S. Excellent from the 21st August, 1914, to the 11th November, 1918.

ROB just signed petition & joined MSRT

Sadsac