Member: Derek_Law

Hello Derek, My name is Frank Edward Brown, From Vancouver, B.C. Canada
The Book = Telegraphist Air Gunner, my Uncle was Frank Edward Brown
Of whom was killed on August 19th/42' at the age of 21 in Port Said

My father gave me his brothers name in full,ofwhich I hold in high respect and honour
Silly question, but I ask anyways, do you know if Ken Sims is still alive?

My other Uncle Keith in England did have a phone conversation with Ken back in August 2000'
Iam trying to find out if Ken is still alive and how I can contact him, if still alive?
As Ken was the last man to see my Uncle Frank alive

If you can assit in any way it would be appreciated, my direct email at work is pocopump@telus.net
If not, Iam sorry to bother

Cheers
Frank Edward Brown II

posted by frankbrown2nd at 8:12 pm (EST) on Jan 19, 2013

You have a very interesting collection! I saw that you have a great deal of books about Singapore, which I have become very interested in lately, but I've had trouble finding good books about. Could you please recommend to me some especially good fiction and/or non-fiction books about Singapore or Malaysia? Thank you!!!

posted by FutureMrsJoshGroban at 2:19 pm (EST) on Aug 7, 2012

Derek, thanks again for the info. Grandad Jim was one of four children, however he lost his parents at a very young age and was indeed brought up in an orphanage. From what my Nan has told me this was in London. When she met him in the 20's his home was Bermondsey. Sadly, but quite poigniantly, he died in the early eighties after a stroke which my Dad and Nan believe was brought on by showing me his fitness regime from the Navy to me the night before. Do you have any information on the other sailors mentioned in the book? Do you know if Lt Davies after the war? You may have seen this already, http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5721&page=9, but if not it is an editorial of the losses from, among others, Sikh at Tobruk naming my Grandad J.F. Nolan.
Thanks again,
Gregg.

posted by gregg2175 at 2:29 pm (EST) on Jul 18, 2012

Hi Derek, thank you ever so much for getting back to me. My Granada was born in July 1910, and according to his service record he signed up in April 1926. He was posted to Sikh on 1st December 1941 and taken POW by the Italians in September 1942. Uncannily, this would fit perfectly with what you have described! Although I may never know for definite, it does look highly likely! Thanks once again, Gregg.

posted by gregg2175 at 5:06 pm (EST) on Jul 15, 2012

Hi Derek, I don't know if you can help. I see you've read 'Lower Deck' by Lt John Davies. I'm lead to beleive this was actually written about HMS Sikh and it's ill fated mission off Tobruck. My Grandfather, James Frederick Nolan, was on Sikh when it was sank and his nick name was Ginger. Lt Davies mentions Ginger throughout the book and I'm doing my best to discover if this was him. Can you confirm if it was Sikh or point me in any direction to find out? Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance, Gregg Nolan.

posted by gregg2175 at 8:04 am (EST) on Jul 12, 2012

Derek,

Are Mussolini's Navy, The US Navy and the War in Europe, and War at Sea worth buys?

I have all three titles on my wish list, but I have not yet been able to actually review a physical copy of any of the titles.

I am particularly interested in the naval atlas.

Joseph Hudson

posted by suburbguy at 4:21 pm (EST) on Jun 11, 2012

Derek,

Have your considered acquiring the following title: Warships After Washington: The Development of the Five Major Fleets by John Jordan?

It is an excellent book regarding inter-war naval developments.

Joseph Hudson

posted by suburbguy at 12:23 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2012

Dear Derick,

I just noticed you are the only member to own:

Hargreaves naval memories

Now to my mind "Harry Hargreaves" is one of the great catoonist.
And I have noticed that many of the great Cartoonists of the mid 1950's,
were influenced by their WWII experiences. Thus, besides collecting the cartoonists works, I also like to explore their background.
My beloved "Arthur Horner" was a captain in PNG and Borneo in WWII.

I have tried to get Hargreaves book for a year plus so far.
Hence my question. If you can remember the book, is it worth looking for?

Yours, Guido.

PS.I guess I didn't know/was sure of the question I should have asked you :-)

posted by guido47 at 4:15 am (EST) on Jan 27, 2012

Derek,

I finally obtained a copy of Old Friends, New Enemies: The Pacific War 1942-1945 by Arthur Marder.

When I listed this book in my collection, I noticed that you gave the title only three stars.

I was wondering about your reason(s) for the average rating of this title.

posted by suburbguy at 9:42 pm (EST) on Dec 28, 2011