Three ship mates have since crossed the bar in 2004, former Treasurer Alan Moore, S/M. George Kissack and S/M. Alan Taylor.  On behalf of the web site, we wish to extend sincere condolences to all their families.

It is with deepest regret to announce the death of ex-Petty Officer George Russell of 812 Squadron, who died on Saturday 7th May 2005.  George was the oldest member of the Association and had attended every reunion from 1996, but was unable to attend this years due to suffering a heart attack.  George will be sadly missed and on behalf of the web site, we extend our deepest sympathy to George's family, George (Jnr.) and Andrew.

It is with regret to announce the death of S/L. Bevis Elliott, pilot with No. 1850 Squadron who passed away on 1st August 2005, aged 80 years in Ottawa, Canada.  The web site extends it's deepest sympathy to the family of S/L. Elliott.

It is with regret to announce the death of S/L.Dick Bloxam, pilot with No. 1850 Squadron who passed away in November 2005, in March, Cambridgeshire after a long illness.  The web site extends it's deepest sympathy to the family of S/L. Bloxam.

It is with regret to announce the death of S/L. Raymond 'Mush' Taylor, pilot with No. 812 Squadron who passed away on 24th November 2005, having suffered a stroke.  The web site extends it's deepest sympathy to the family of S/L. Taylor.

It is with regret to announce the death of Radar Operator Les Tinsley who passed away on Friday 30th December 2005.  The web site extends it's deepest sympathy to the family of Les.

It is with deepest regret to announce the sudden death of Air Mechanic (E) Ken Reid of 1850 Squadron who passed away on 12th January 2006, having suffered a heart attack.  Ken's funeral will take place in his hometown at 11a.m.on Wednesday 18th January 2006.  The web site would like to extend it's deepest sympathy to both of Ken's daughters, Olwyn and Christine.

It is with deepest regret to announce the death of Cook Bill Leslie, who died suddenly on 2nd February 2006 aged 79 years in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.  HMS. Vengeance was mentioned in his funeral service - he was always very proud of the ship.  The web site would like to extend it's deepest sympathy to the family and relations of Bill.

It is with deepest regret to announce the death of 812 Sqdn. Observer Derrick 'Bambi' Brook, who died suddenly on 17th February 2006 aged 80 years at his home in Norfolk.  The web site would like to extend it's deepest sympathy to the family and relations of Derrick.

It is with deep sadness to announce the death of Radar Operator Fred Williams, who died in hospital on 6th April 2006 after a short illness. Fred will be sadly missed at the reunion and had attended every one since joining the Association.  The Funeral will be held at Mark Eaton Crematorium, Mark Eaton Park, Derby on Friday 21st April 2006.  Family flowers only, donations in lieu may be made to 'Wish Upon A Star' Children's Charity. The web site would like to extend it's deepest sympathy to Fred's wife, Jean and his son Paul.

It is with deep regret to announce the death of 812 Sqdn. Petty Officer Air Gunner Ron 'Pip' Piper, who passed away on 9th April 2006 after a long illness.  Ron lived with his daughter in Sydney, Australia after suffering a stroke some years ago.  Ron was the TAG (Telegraphist Air Gunner) with the aircrew of Sam Smallwood (P) and Bob Roseveare (O).  The web site, wish to extend it's deepest sympathy to the family and relations of Ron.

It is with deepest regret to announce the death of Leading Air Mechanic (Engines) 812 Sqdn. Eric 'Donnie' Simons who passed away on the 3rd July 2006 after an operation.  During his service, Eric was the fitter on the C.O.'s (Cedric Coxon) aircraft with 812 Sqdn.  Eric originated from Doncaster and later moved to London.  The web site, wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Eric's wife Betty and the family and relations of Eric.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of Observer Peter Pritchett of 812 Sqdn. who passed away on 14th September 2006.  The web site, wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Peter's son Charles and grandson Timothy.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. pilot Sid Courtis, who passed away at his home on Thursday 21st September after a long battle with cancer.  Sid had helped considerably in the setting up of the web site, providing essential information in the history of 1850 Squadron and it's aircrew. Sid's funeral will take place at Aberystwyth Crematorium at 11.15hrs. on Thursday 28th September 2006.  Family flowers only, although donations may be made to Cancer Relief.  The web site, wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Sid's wife Josephine and the family and relations of Sid.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. pilot John Morris-Jones who passed away on 14th December 2006.  John had attended most of the 1850 Sqdn. reunions and none of his former colleagues were aware of his illness.  John attended the same school as John Dickson (812 Sqdn.) and both arrived in New York Harbour in August 1943 for flight training.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to John's wife and family.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of Senior 1850 Sqdn. pilot Richard Phillips who passed away on 20th August 2007.  Richard, known as 'Dick' was the Senior pilot with 1850 Sqdn.  Dick also wrote a book which was published privately called 'Naught for your Comfort' which gave his autobiography of his life in the Royal Navy.  A memorial service will be held at 12.30pm. on Tuesday 16th October at St. Luke's Church in Grayshott, Surrey.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Dick's family, Tim, Nina, Caroline, David and Joanna.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the sudden death of Stoker Stan (Sammy) Scarsbrook who passed away after suffering a heart attack on Monday 5th January 2009.  Sammy regularly attended the reunions until his wife recently passed away.  The funeral service will take place at Oxford Crematorium at 16.30hrs. on Friday 16th January 2009.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Stan's family and granddaughter Donna.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of TAG Geoff Squire who has passed away after an illness. This information has been received via Geoff's former pilot, John Dickson. John stated that according to his Log Book, Geoff had flown over 100 sorties with him during their Crew time together. No funeral arrangements are currently known at this time. The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to Geoff's family and son Romilly.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. Engine Mechanic Alexander Fay who passed away after a long illness on Friday 18th October 2013.  Alexander's funeral will be held at North East Surrey Crematorium on Friday 8th November 2013.  Alexander is survived by his wife Eileen, daughters Gill and Julie and sons Graham and Andrew.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to all of Alexander's family and friends.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of Stoker George Tomlinson who passed away after an unsuccessful heart bypass operation on Friday 24th January 2014.  Although George was not a First Commissioner on the ship, he attended the Annual Reunion's and was a friend of Eric Rayner (No.1850 Sqdn. Armourer).  George's funeral will be held at Portchester Crematorium, Fareham, Hants. on Thursday 6th February 2014.  George is survived by his nephew Paul.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to all of George's family and friends.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of Royal Marine William (Bill) Brooks who passed away after a long illness on Tuesday 11th March 2014 at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital in Bedfordshire, England.  Although Bill did not serve aboard the ship, he was a Royal Marine driver attached to HMS. Nabthorpe, RNAS. Schofields, Sydney, Australia (MONAB III) in 1946, conveying No.1850 & No.812 Squadron personnel to and from the Sydney area.  Bill's funeral will be held at The Vale Crematorium, Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire. on Thursday 27th March 2014 at 11.15hrs.  Bill is survived by his daughters Janice and Carol.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to all of Bill's family, relations and friends.

It is with the deepest regret to announce the death of Radar Operator Walter (Wallie) Barber who passed away from heart failure after suffering two falls, one of which resulted in a fractured pelvis whilst left unattended in the Hospital A&E Department, on Friday 26th December 2014. Walter attended many of the HMS. Vengeance reunions, until ill health prevented his attendance. Walter's funeral will be held at Mansfield Crematorium, Derby Road, Mansfield, Notts. on Tuesday 27th January 2015 at 13.15hrs.  The R.N.A. are providing a Standard Bearer and Flag for the funeral.  Walter is survived by his daughter's Jane Atkins, Lynn McCarron, son Philip Barber and loving Grandchildren.  The web site wishes to extend it's deepest sympathy to all of Walter's family, friends and relations.

It is with great sadness and regret to announce the sudden death of Air Mechanic 'L' (Air Repair) Les Harris who passed away after suffering a heart attack en-route to the local Hospital by Ambulance on Tuesday 17th March 2015.  I have known Les personally for over 16 years, having corresponded and conversed with him by telephone on frequent occasions and meeting him and his wife at the ship's reunions.  Les also had a lot of input to this web site with his numerous photographs, first hand information, as well as allowing abstracts of his stories to be published on the web site (Written Stories) for which I am truly grateful.  I have lost a dear friend.  Les' funeral was held at Hollinwood Crematorium, Roman Road, Oldham, Lancs. on Thursday 26th March 2015 at 11.30hrs.  Les is survived by his wife Joan, eldest son Michael, daughter Diane and youngest son Daryl as well as grand children.  I, as well as the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Les' family, friends and relations at this very sad time.

It is with great sadness and regret to announce the death of Radar Operator Trevor Cousins who passed away on Sunday 21st August 2016 at the Lawns Nursing Home, in Chelmsford, Essex.  I have known Trevor for a considerable amount of time, having corresponded and conversed with him by telephone as well as meeting him at the ship's reunions, although we lost contact after Trevor moved from Marks Tey, in Essex, some years ago. Trevor was also an active member in the Burma Star Association and was a Flag Bearer for their Parades.  Trevor's funeral will be held at Chelmsford Crematorium on Monday 19th September 2016 at 12.30hrs., with full Naval Honours arranged by his son.  Trevor is survived by his son John and daughter Margaret.  I, and on behalf of the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Trevor's family, friends and relations at this very sad time.

 

It is with deep sadness and regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. Air Mechanic 'O' (Ordnance) Tommy Rainbow who passed away on Monday 5th March 2018. Although I met Tommy and his family on a couple of occasions we did not keep in regular contact apart from Christmas Cards. Tommy is survived by his wife Doreen (Doll) as Tommy affectionately called her. I, and on behalf of the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Tommy's family, friends and relations at this very sad and difficult time.

It is with deep sadness and regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. Air Mechanic 'O' (Ordnance) Eric Rayner who passed away on Saturday 17th March after a long battle with illness.  Eric was recently released from Hospital after pneumonia and was in a Nursing Home for two weeks before his death.  I have known Eric personally since we got together to have the ship's bell transported from New Zealand back to the U.K. in 2006 and I have corresponded and conversed with him by telephone, as well as meeting him at the ship's reunions, although during recent times, due to Eric's illness we were unable to converse as much. The last time I spoke to Eric was approximately three weeks ago.  Eric was one of the original members of 1850 Sqdn. when it was formed in Brunswick, Maine, U.S.A. on 1st August 1944. Prior to that Eric had been stationed at Scapa Flow. Eric was one of the few I actually met who had served and knew my Dad not only on 1850 Squadron but at Victoria Barracks, Sham Shui Po P.O.W. Camp in Kowloon, Hong Kong as well as at Kai-Tak Airfield (HMS. Nabcatcher - MONAB VIII). Post war, Eric was employed in an International Removal Company and was an active member of the Royal British Legion and also a flag bearer.  Eric is survived by his son David, daughters Lynne, Betsy, Juliet and grand children. Eric's Funeral will be held at Chesterfield & District Crematorium, Chesterfield Road, Chesterfield, S43 1AU on Monday 9th April at 11.10hrs.  I, and on behalf of the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Eric's family, friends and relations at this very sad and difficult time.  God Bless Eric.

 

It is with deep sadness and regret to announce the death of 1850 Sqdn. Air Mechanic 'O' (Ordnance) Stan Taylor who passed away on Friday 14th December 2018. I was advised by Stan's daughter, Anne by e-mail, but have no specific details of the Funeral arrangements. I, and on behalf of the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Stan's family, friends and relations at this very sad, difficult time.

 

It is with deep sadness and regret to announce the death of 1849 and 1850 Sqdn. Pilot Stanley Borthwick who passed away on Monday 26th August 2019. I was advised by Stan's daughter Fiona via the Message Board on the website. Stan's Funeral was held on Monday 2nd September in Adelaide, Australia.  Stan's coffin was shrouded with the White Ensign and his Ceremonial sword placed on top of the coffin.  Stan was played out to the music of 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines'.  Stan is survived by his wife Elizabeth and daughter Fiona.  Although I never actually met Stan, he provided a lot of information and photographs as I was building the website in 2001, which proved invaluable in securing that part of his Service and history of both Squadrons.  I, and on behalf of the web site, wish to extend my very deepest sympathy to all of Stanley's family, friends and relatives at this very sad and difficult time.

 

R. I. P.

 

  'Abide With Me'