Comments on: The Kitchener Memorial, Orkney

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:18:32 +0000

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I laid a wreath on behalf of the “Royal Naval Association” Netley at the wreck buoy of HMS Royal Oak. All this could not have been possible without the help of the Chairman of RNA Orkney Shipmate David Hughes.
I cant wait to go again. Brian Sandom

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:12:50 +0000

Well here I am back home from the magical place of Orkney with missions accomplished. As was expected the difficult task of actually getting to the wreck was not at this time possible, but on the 5th June we went to Marwick Head and crosses were laid at the Memorial to Lord Kitchener there. On Monday 6th my wreath was laid on the “Hampshire” memorial in the RN cemetery in Lyness. I was puzzled to find graves marked to unknown Royal Marines of Hampshire there, as my family were never told of this, at least to my knowledge. We were always led to believe that he lay with his ship. Any info on this would be very welcome. Brian Sandom

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:34:18 +0000

Only 10 days to the off. It seems very unlikely that I will be able to lay the wreath on the wreck, but plans have been made to do so at the “Hampshire Memorial” in Lyness, thanks to the Secretary and Shipmates of the Orkney Branch of the RNA. This will give me closure on behalf of Gilberts Brothers and Sisters, sadly all gone now. Still a few of us Sandoms left though.

By: Bill Holden

Bill Holden — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:30:34 +0000

Its very good to hear that a wreath will be laid soon in memory of those who died at sea abord H.M.S. Hampshire.
I have a set of medals to William Wood from Poolstock Wigan who was a stoker on the Hampshire, he was lost at sea along with Lord Kitchener and his staff,
Ive had the medals for a few years now, sadly his memorial plaque was missing, fortunately ive just recently tracked it down in Canada,im happy to announce the group are now re united.
The group will be on display later this year in an exhibition within Bolton Central Library.
The exhibition will run throughout November as a token of remembrance.

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:40:09 +0000

Further to my mate Lionel tucker. Although an ex Pongo, Dunkirk, and D Day Veteran. He is 94 years old. We both together with my Wife Del are so much looking forward to meeting as many people in Orkney as is possible.

By: Lionel Tucker

Lionel Tucker — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:56:38 +0000

Very interesting to read all the comments regarding Brian Sandoms visit to Orkney next June, I shall be joining him on the trip, i am not a Naval Man,but spent the war years in the Army.
Looking forward to meeting all and enjoying your company

Regards
Lionel

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:05:43 +0000

Thank you Jerzy. I am in touch with them, and also the Royal Naval Association in Orkney.

By: Jerzy

Jerzy — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:39:12 +0000

@Brian Sandom: I’m sure the British Legion in either Kirkwall or Stromness would be pleased to be of any help too

By: Brian Sandom

Brian Sandom — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 08:52:31 +0000

Thank you Risto. I most certainly will be doing that.

By: Risto

Risto — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:35:31 +0000

As for Mr. Brian Sandom´s noble purpose, I have no doubt that some of descendant from than “people of Orkney” still living in the surrounding will help him to get along with the hommage to his uncle (RIP), and why not to say, to the rest of sailors remaining at their post watching for ever HMS Hampshire.
Fraternally,
Risto
Chile