. . . AND FOUND
CALLING comrades from the Royal Navy in the early 1950s. John Hedger, from Dunsfold in Surrey, was attached to the electrical department of HMS Newcastle on duty in Korea. ‘We were based at Kure, Japan,’ says John, aged
92. ‘My closest Navy pals were Charlie Brown, John Player, Fred Bradish, Geoff Rubithon and Bill Beck. ‘Unfortunately, Bill died recently. I see John regularly, but I’ve no idea whether the other three are still around.’ We have already determined that Fred passed away in 1998, but have a further update. ‘My mum read the article about John Hedger seeking his Navy comrades,’ emails Ian Willsher.
‘My late father, Brian Willsher, served in the electrical department on HMS Newcastle at the same time as John. Dad was also the ship’s barber. ‘Mutual friend Bill Beck was best man at my parents’ wedding in 1954.’ The Willshers have been put in contact with John.