The Moorings, Issue #27

THE MOORINGS ISSUE 27

31 August 2016

Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN...

One of the Royal Navy’s finest..! Type 45 destroyers are becoming an integral part of international carrier operations in the Middle East.

Incorporated by Royal Charter

Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

RAYLEIGH BRANCH (AREA 5)

AN INTERESTING LITTLE CURIO...

S/M Jean Barker recently brought in a little curio of her late father’s for me to investigate. Believed to have been used in the Navy, it turned out to be a Carl Zeiss Jena 8x21 Turmon (folding monocular).

This model was manufactured in Germany from 1921, and was presented in a beautifully crafted custom leather case.

The pre-war model handed to me at last week’s meeting was sold by J.H Steward Ltd, 406 The Strand, London, with the serial number 1364050, and dates to around 1937.

The folding Porro-prism monocular was actually a bit of optical design genius. Whether it's simply legend or truth, it's believable that this monocular design has been used for espionage work. It is a "spy glass" in every sense of the term — being quite easily concealed in the hand when folded for use. Given the quality of its optics and design, it would be perfect for that sort of thing.

Value: There are still plenty of these around, and can sell for anything between £30-£100 for a really good example!

Experienced Bar Steward Wanted

Salary according to experience. Average 34 hours a week Must be experienced in cellar work, staff management and stock control.

Please e-mail your CV to: information@rblclubrayleigh.co.uk. or contact RBL Club (Rayleigh) Ltd Tel: 01268 776503 RBL Club (Rayleigh) Ltd 2 London Hill Rayleigh Essex SS67HP

RNA vs. RBL DARTS MATCH...

Friday 7th October (starts 8pm)...

Rayleigh RBL, London Road, SS6 7HP...

“THIS TIME IT’S SERIOUS!!!” .

FALLEN HEROES TO BE REMEMBERED FOREVER Road names on a new Basildon estate will be named after fallen war heroes. The first phase of the 181 house development in Dry Street is underway.

Developers Redrow and Basildon Council want to name the first eight streets after those who lived in the Dry Street area who died in various conflicts since the First World War.

Basildon Borough Heritage Group has been working to draw up a list of veterans whose families will be approached for permission to have their names on streets.

Ken Porter, of the group, said: “We are trying to find people who had had a close connection to Langdon Hills and the Laindon area.

“We have had four people come forwards so far who are happy to have us name the roads after their loved ones.

“It has taken us 18 months to get this list together.”

Veterans they have been contacted about include Darren George who sadly died in Afghanistan, Stephen Dixon who was killed in the Falklands and Arthur Judge who died in Korea.

George Siggers, of Dry Street, was also killed during the Somme in the First World War. He was awarded the military medal, a decoration for distinguished active service.

The group is trying to track the family members of nine others.

There is Frank Flack, of Langdon Hills, who was a rifleman in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, but sadly died on August 6, 1916.

Reginald Hammond, who lived in Dry Street, of the Royal Fusiliers, was killed at Ypres and has his name on the Menin Gate.

Brothers Walter Jay, a guardsman of Grenadier Guards, died on April 13, 1918, and George Jay, of the Machine Gun Corps, died on April 22, 1917, both lived in Langdon Hills.

Two more brothers were killed during the Second World War, Ernest and John Bebbington, of Langdon Hills.

Ernest was an air gunner for the RAF Volunteer Reserve who was killed on March 16, 1944, and his brother died months late on November 12, 1944.

Three Laindon brothers, who were all part of the Royal Navy were also killed during the conflict.

Albert Palmer died on May 9, 1940, Charles Palmer on October 14, 1940, and Edward Palmer on October 14, 1941.

Mr Porter added: “This is a great way to pay tribute to the men who have sacrificed their lives for the country.�

Anyone who is a descendent of anyone who has died during a conflict and would like to be involved, or who is related to anyone above, should call Mr Porter on 07968 313614 or email info@basildonheritage.org.uk.

CAR WINDOW STICKER

Beret badge, lapel pin & car sticker for only £8.50 + £1.50 p&p

Forever Jack Ltd Unit 10D Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate North.

Tanfield Lea STANLEY DH9 9UU Tel: 01207 283693 www.forever-jack.com info@forever-jack.com

WARNING! RNA HQ has stated that the beret badge is not to be worn as part of the official RNA uniform.

BRANCH CONTACTS President:

Bob Hill

01268 780449

Chairman:

Jim Hammond

01268 414616

Vice Chairman:

Terry Barker

01268 456165

Hon. Secretary

Gary Daisley

01268 555570

Hon. Treasurer:

Margaret Day

01702 524561

Membership Secretary:

Bill Vernon

01268 Contact 772775 details

Standard Bearer:

Dave Bishop

available on request.

01268 770521

Welfare Officer:

Dave Mead

01702 307922

Social Secretary:

Audrey Blomfield

01268 781116

Gangway:

Jack Harrison

01268 743100

Padre:

Revd. Canon Mike Lodge

01268 742151

PR Officer:

Vacant