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Bernard Dudley RN (P.O.)

M

mike jenks

master brummie
Hi

Several weeks ago my Father (90) was recalling his day's in Kent and meeting his Uncle Bert from the Ship Argus. and where was Whale Island.
That was the lot so I started a look up and see. I alway's thought it was Nan's older brother and started looking up navel records etc.
Up popped up a Bernard Dudley born 1896. Checked back and it was the younger brother. Applied for his Navel records £3.50 and it all started off.
Have enclosed my record of Bernard Dudley RN have no insight other than my dads recollections.
Amazing what you can do these day's. He would be my Great Uncle.

Mike Jenks
 
Great piece of work Mike, it just shows what can be done once you get your hands on a document and start the research.....it can go in all directions and very soon you have the makings of a book
 
mike jenks,
HMS Excellent Whale Island was the home of Navel Gunnery, it is still in commission but not I am sure for gunnery training as this form of warfare has now taken a back seat to missiles etc.
Everything was done on the double there, if you were caught walking you were up in front of the Commander.
I did my gunnery course there in 1956.
Lovely to see the research you have done.
 
Very nice, Mike. Interesting read. I like the way you put the chronology together. It's great to learn more about our relatives, especially those who gave such service to their country.
Are you able to get ahold of more records for your great uncle, besides what is on the National Archives site?
 
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Bernard Dudley RN

Mike that was a very interesting article on Bernard, did you have his service number to enable you to apply for his records. I ask as Ray's dad did 22 years in the navy, we know some of his ships and submarines, but haven't got his number. Any tips would be appreciated.
 
I noticed your Great Uncle grew 5 inches in height and put 6 inches on his chest, during his service! Good food and lots of excercise? ;)
 
Bernard Dudley RN

Mike, just want to clarify, Ray's dad didn't join the navy until the early 1920s and was discharged in the mid-1940s after suffering severe injuries when his ship was bombed a few miles off the English coast.
 
Bernard Dudley

Hi

Sorry but other than the National Archives
search page for seaman and that covers
seaman from 1873 to 1923 I havent any
other info. Not much of fan of searching
info off line. I suspect Kew will cover most
but you have to be precisr in your searching not
like on line were you can play about.
Spent a hard day in London recently in BMD in the
huge ledgers trailing a Family line.
Another bad area is Librarians they hate it when you keep
going backwards and forwards opening and closing the cabinets
with the books in you want.

Mike Jenks
 
Bernard Dudley RN

Thanks Mike, I will look on National Archives, but as Ray's dad wasn't born until 1908 it is a slim chance, we know he joined young, but not sure whether he lied or was taken on as a boy sailor like Bernard.
 
Bernard Dudley

Hi

In trying to establish why Bernards Ship the Falcon was damaged by HMS Broke I stumbled on the Battle of Jutland. I had spent some time on this Battle some years ago so I decided to re-write bits and bobs to cover Bernard.
In essence the Germans launched U Boats to the Pentland Firth (Scapa Flow)
to lay minefields and attack British Warships. HMS Broke and her flotilla were ordered to attack the U66 and succesfully forced her down. On the bad side the Submarines were succesful in laying minefields.
A week later on the 5th June HMS Hampshire hit a mine off the Orkneys
drowing Lord Kitchener and his staff.
My dad recalled Bernard being in Scotland after his boat was hit. I spent some time tracking HMS Broke.
Strangely on the 2nd June she rammed HMS sparrowhawk. A fair ammount
of casulties this time. With only one gun effective she was attacked by
2 german destroyers. Hit twice Broke fired her only gun and to the delight of the crew the " german destroyers fled. Broke was later escorted into the Tyne after a return journey of 69 hours.
Jutland has always been an engima to me. The greatest Navel Battle since Trafalgar the Last Navel Engagement where the Ships could see each other
great seaman ship by everybody the enemy running away.
I have attached a few bits and bobs on Jutland


Mike Jenks
 
Hi

With the Anniversary Of WW1 looming up I thought I would up date my Nans Brother,s
File. Dad found a few pics and I have recovered his Navy Record plus a letter from the Queen Mother.

Mike Jenks
 

Attachments

What a wonderful document you have put together about Bernard. A lovely piece of family history.
 
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