MISSING . . . and FOUND!
THE DAILY MAIL offers readers a unique opportunity to re-establish contact with long-lost relatives and friends. Each week, MONICA PORTER features the story of someone trying to find a missing loved one, as well as a tale of people reunited. This column i
‘I WAS reading a book on HMS Ganges, which was the Royal Navy’s training shore base for boys in Suffolk,’ writes David Varey. ‘I scanned the cover photo (right) and am convinced it was my old mess mates from Hawke 49 Mess in 1959-60.
‘The only one I can put a name to is Tom Street, second from left in the front. He was from Lancashire.
‘I am 72 now and served 12 years in the Navy, spending most of my time at sea. My ships included HMS Falmouth, Rhyl, Scarborough and Stubbington. I was in the Torpedo and Anti-submarine Branch and left the Navy in 1971.
‘I then retrained in engineering and worked on oil rigs and refineries around the world. I retired from this aged 59 but realised I needed to fill my time. Having kept horses, with help from my partner, Sue, we set up a horse-drawn funeral business doing country-style funerals. After ten years we retired this year. I now live within a few miles of Portsmouth.
‘I think the photo was taken on the Ganges foreshore on a sport afternoon. The lad in the front, far left, next to Tom Street, came from the Birmingham area. I am in the back row, third from the right.
‘They would have joined Hawke division 49 Mess in October 1959. It would be a pleasure to meet, remember old times and catch up on the missing years.’ IN NOVEMBER, Ann Mytton, who is 73, was trying to trace a friend with whom she lost contact in the late Sixties.
‘Her name is Anne Whiting and we were at Milton County Secondary Modern School in Portsmouth until 1960,’ she wrote.
‘Anne lived in a houseboat at Milton Locks. We went dancing in Southsea.
‘One of our earliest nights out was when Anne’s neighbour escorted us to South Parade Pier on a Saturday for Old Time Dancing. It seems quaint to think we were chaperoned to protect us from sailors who frequented this spot!
‘Our friend Colin’s parents gave over their front room for us. We listened to records; the boys played guitars. We made our own entertainment without the trappings of 21st century youth. It was idyllic.
‘Anne went into nursing, and I worked at the Central Library. In 1961, Anne wed Tony Whiting, who was in the Army. I also married, and moved away in 1968. Then Anne moved, too. I regret that we lost contact. I’d be grateful if your column can reunite us.’
Happily, our voluntary researchers Jess Pinson and Marigold Cleeve tracked down members of Anne Whiting’s family which led to a reunion.
Ann wrote: ‘After several phone calls we met on Tuesday. It was good to reminisce. We live an hour apart and plan to meet again soon. Thank you.’
IF there is someone you would like to trace, write to Gill Whitley, 1 Newbrook house, New hall Lane, Preston, Pr1 5Pe, enclosing an SAe, or send an email to monica.porter@dailymail. co.uk — including a contact phone number. All communications will be answered as soon as possible. this column is researched with the aid of Peopletracer (www.peopletracer.co.uk). A small donation will be requested for employing Gill Whitley’s services.