HMS Ajax in Toronto, 1976
An interesting story about how a town in Canada wish to honour their Royal Naval namesake has been unearthed by Port Towns and Urban Cultures. It is a perfect story about how maritime heritage, imperial sentiment, and urban identities can converge, but could you help them find out more?
The town of Ajax, Ontario, Canada, are trying to trace the men of HMS Ajax who were serving when the frigate visited in 1976. The town was named after the 7th HMS Ajax after its part in the famed victory at the Battle of the River Plate (December 1939), and there has been a policy of naming streets after crewmen from the ship.
Unveiling of the Memorial Wall, 2016
When the town was incorporated in 1955, a formal invitation was sent out to the ship every year by the new Mayor. On August 25 1976, this invitation was taken up by the 8th incarnation of HMS Ajax, whose crew spent a week in the town. Last year a Memorial Wall was unveiled to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the visit. The Memorial Wall contains a list of over 4,500 names of the crew of the 7th HMS Ajax during the Battle of River Plate (December 1939) and World War Two, as well as the crew onboard HMS Exeter and HMS Achilles during the Battle of River Plate. A list of the crew from the 1976 visit compiled by the HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association were also added, however, organisers are aware that the list may not be as accurate and complete as hoped for.
Brenda Kriz, who is coordinating efforts to track down an official crew list has found the process difficult. She has sought out help from the Naval Historical Branch, the National Archives, and the National Maritime Museum, but to no avail. Mrs Kriz has most recently applied to the Ministry of Defence under the Freedom of Information Act, however, she was informed that the Royal Navy had abandoned the process of using crew lists in the 1850s; relying instead on pay and victualling ledgers. Unfortunately, the MoD say that these are only available for the years spanning 1939-1952.
Crew of HMS Ajax marching through the town of Ajax, 1976
Could you help the town of Ajax?
Do you know of anyone who served on board in Canada, 1976?
Do you know how to find a comprehensive crew list of those serving?
If so, please contact: Brenda Kriz, CMO, Records and FOI Co-ordinator, Legislative and Information Services, Town of Ajax at brenda.kriz@ajax.ca
I was on H.M.S Ajax during that visit… The best and most hospitable place I’ve ever been in the world during my travels in the Royal Navy. Thank you for the memories. If I can help with your search I will.
Hello Mr Allan, my father was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
Hi Marcia, was Clive from Bristol and enjoyed playing cricket?
Hello Marcia. Unfortunately, I can’t recall your father and chemotherapy has wiped a lot of my memories. I was a Leading Marine Engineer (Killick Stoker). I’m so sorry for your loss and the late reply to your message.
Hello Mr Allan, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
I am looking to find the name of my uncle, Terence Hedley Michael who served on HMS Ajax in WW2. Would you happen to recognise that name.
I WAS CAPTIANS STWD ON BOARD AJAX.HAD FANTASTIC TIME.EVEN BORROWED THE TOWNS FLAG.FROM THE TOWN HALL.
Hello Mr Osling, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
WAS UR FATHER A STORES ASSISTANT. IF SO YES.IDO REMEMBER HIM.WE WERE MESSMATES.
Hello, I was onboard during this visit I am also in touch with a few other crew members who also visited the town of Ajax, we were all amazed at the fantastic hospitality that we received
Henry Cooper. AB gunner
Hello Mr Cooper, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
Hi. I was on board during the visit to AJAX. It was my 21st the day we got there. It was the best visit of my time in the navy. I was on HMS AJAX for 2 1/2 years and did the 9month world deployment. Happy memories.
Hello Mr Fryer, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
we met someone named David Wise. He was on the HMS AJAX when you visited in 1976. A nice friend but over the years lost touch of him. Did you know him?.
I was also on the ajax when we visited in 76, Derek (SHINER) Wright, I was only 17 and wot an amazing time i had, unfortunately my name isn’t on the wall, but I would love to visit and do a street dedication.
Hello Mr Wright, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
Bob Cook (Scouse)(Stoker).October 21st 2019.Hi .I was onboard the Ajax in 1976 in Ajax,Canada .Good memories of my days and years in the Navy .I was “on watch”down the engine room when we sailed on the lake .See photo.
Hello Mr Cook, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
Bob Cook (Scouse).I served on the Ajax as a Soker and was on her in Canada in 1976.Good memories of being there and my time in the Navy .
Hi my father was a chief petty officer on the Ajax during the war not sure what year though
Kenneth Stanley Jarman
my name is Gerald Morgan (rattler) I was also on board HMS AJAX for this visit and marched through the streets, my memories of Ajax as a town is fantastic, I recall that there was a civic reception also laid on at the time where we all were invited, the march through the town was great, one day I hope to return to Canada as I must say it was of the best events of my life the people welcomed us all with open arms at the time I was only 18 now I am approaching 62 Feb. 2020 how time flies but memories still remain.
Hello Mr Morgan, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
I was onboard during the visit to Ajax, had a cracking time, I was very squiffy during the whole time due to the fantastic hospitality from all the locals, one of the best runs ashore I’ve had. I gave my whole uniform away to a family and got in the s*** but heyho it was worth it. Would love to revisit before I pop me clogs.
HI GEORGE.ITS OSSIE.WE WERE STWDS TOGETHER ON AJAX.
HI GEORGE,REMEMBER WHEN WE NICKED THE FLAG.,HAD 2 TAKE IT BACK NXT DAY.?
Hello Mr Cunningham, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
I did serve on ajax at the time and served as quarter master mayor Mason may know me l also done colour guard and have also kept write ups done by local paper Pickering my time there l will never forget as the hospitality was great l served as a leading seaman
Hello Mr Martin, my father in law was on board that ship and that is how he met my mother in law, sadly, he passed on March 28 2021. Clive Arthur Thompson, he would have been 23 in 1976. Do you remember him or have any pics or memories?
I served on HMS Ajax on her visit to ajax Ontario it was a big thing for me and also the rest of the crew l served as a leading seaman the mayor at the time was mayor Mason who visited us in our mess we also went to his home and also there was a write up in the Pickering news by colin Mackie or councillor who came up the st Lawrence river with us to this day l hold the clippings from the paper and show my grand children
Please inform me if it was any help to your commitment l have a few more names
Thanks for your comments John. The post is about 3 years old now, so the anniversary has passed. I am sure that others will enjoy reading your memories, however.
There’s a Movie on YouTube about the Visit
Hi I was onboard Ajax for this visit. Fantastic experience. Remember diving in lake Ontario.
Had some great runs ashore very hospitable people. Still have several momentums from The Ajax Kinsmen.
Bryan Griffiths AB TAS (Ships Diver)