Royal Navy Research Archive

Alexander Morrow Bell

Thu, 09 May 2019 20:40:38 +0100

I would like add that my late father was one of the brave men who helped to dispose of the ammunition from HMS Thane along with the other brave men and sailors who lost there lives the will never be forgotten.

Thomas Fletcher

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:55:02 +0100

My great grandfather Harry Gilchrist served and received a medal from the Governor General of Canada. He has passed away but I would love to hear if you have any memories of him. I am 5 years old and my Gramps has told me many stories about the Thane and its last days. Sincerely, Tommy Fletcher

Thomas Fletcher

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:49:12 +0100

We received an email from Jon Lubbock via the Thane website regarding his father’s service on HMS Thane. Would he remember Harry Gilchrist, my great grandfather?He was a Canadian and was awarded a medal (which we have) by the Governor General of Canada. Can he share any stories with. Thanks in advance Tommy Fletcher age 5.

Jon Lubbuck

Mon, 28 May 2018 11:34:01 +0100

My Father Richard Lubbuck served on HMS Thane and was on board when it was torpedoed, he tells me great tales of bravery by his friends and colleagues on that fateful day
He is still alive and will be 93 in October this year

Tom Fletcher

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 16:08:27 +0000

Harry Gichrist (a Canadian) was an engineer on Thane when it was torpedoed. We have a letter and photo of him being awarded a medal by the Governor General of Canada. Tom Fletcher is Harry Gilchrist's great grandson who is fascinated by tales of the survival of the badly damaged Thane.

Roy Brown

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 19:27:01 +0000

I think my dad was on Thane when torpedoed. I have his service record and the dates tie up. He was Able Seaman Herbert Charles Brown.

Caroline Simpson

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 13:22:24 +0000

Hi Mr Glover,
I have just checked the casualty list and my grandfather was person named Clarke who was killed.
My grandmother died many years ago but I remember her telling me of one of my grandfathers shipmates coming to see her after his death. She noticed that he was wearing my grandfathers ring-
I have heard that it was navy custom to distribute the deceaseds possesions?
I am obviously not wishing to "Reclaim" any ring which may or may not exist, I would just love to hear about your fathers stories.

Kind regards,
Caroline Simpson

Mrs Caroline Simpson

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 13:09:53 +0000

Dear Mr Glover, I have read, with interest of your fathers actions on 15/1/1945 on HMS Thane.
My grandfather was killed on that day, he was Jim Clarke, Able Seaman, who had lived in Glasgow, born in Belfast. I have visited his grave at Greenock cemetery.
Could my grandfather have been your fathers Messman?
i would be most obliged if you could take the time to give me any information possible.

Kind regards,

Caroline Simpson

Mr FJH Glover

Sat, 09 Jul 2016 18:24:37 +0100

My dad was the Master at Arms on HMS Thane in 1945 when the ship was torpedoed on entering Greenock. His Messman, Jock Clark, was killed and I think it was my dad who retrieved his body from the MaA cabin. Jock Clark was buried in Greenock cematarey.
I was in the Royal Navy 1952 to 1982