We'll meet again: HMS Cassandra alert

18/08/2008

 All those who served in the destroyer HMS Cassandra are invited to join the thriving HMS Cassandra Association, run by Cliff Longfoot, who served on the ship between 1962-63. The 95 strong group meet each year, and next year's group will meet in Torquay for three days of activities and what Cliff calls "swinging the lamp" - or telling "salty stories"...

 

HMS Cassandra served in WW2 until she was torpedoed whilst escorting a convoy back from Russia, with the loss of 62 lives. She was then towed back by HMS Bahamas and put in reserve until 1959, when a refit took her again into active service and a further three commissions until 1967. She served in the Far East, and on the Malayan Penninsula.

 

Says Cliff: "She saw a few scrapes in her time, and I reckon there must be about 150 crew still out there somewhere. We've even got lads in our Association who survived the torpedo attack in 1944 - all in their 80s now. They are Honorary Members, of course!.

 

"HMS Cassandra was a great ship - and that's why we all meet again."

 

If YOU served, write to: Cliff Longfoot, 50 Graylands Road, Walton, Liverpool, L4 9UQ or phone 0151 226 3675. For those on the internet,

email: ongfoo50@hotmail.com.