April 2013, Bulletin 3
Introduction, by your virtual chairman
Looking back on all the work done during 2012 I realize what a busy year it actually was.
To mention only a few of the events we found ourselves engrossed in: the publication of the second enlarged edition of the Dutch version of my book as well as of its English translation; the book presentations in Chatham and Dartmouth; the preparation of the organization of the Commemoration Service in Rochester Cathedral; the ongoing search for descendants of the men who served on the three cruisers.
Also, work on the documentary began with the related interviews and shooting days in England. And we set up our Society of course, drafted the first Bulletin, and initiated the website. A lot of work perhaps, but nice and really worthwhile, as far as I am concerned.
The current year, 2013, will probably be more of an interval, a preparatory year for the Centennial in 2014. I’m rather happy that September 2014 is still some time away so as to allow us enough time to prepare a suitable commemoration. I’m also very pleased with the support promised by the British and the Netherlands Royal Navies and by the City of The Hague, in relation to that important event.
For the months ahead a number of meetings with the leading partners in the event have already been scheduled. We’ll try to establish which ideas are feasible and which aren’t and how to choreograph the plans that we will go on with. The initial talks have been promising. During the second half of this year I’m going to take care of the organization and the detailed planning of all the aspects of the remembrance. Finally, the first six months of 2014 will be dedicated to arrange the many practical details regarding the commemoration in September.
Another prime mission is it to try and trace still more descendants. I’m doing what I can in that respect, and I’m really grateful for the much-needed help rendered by our supporters in the U.K., in particular by the organization Friends of Medway Archives, FOMA, Mrs Tessa Towner and Mrs Amanda Thomas. They’ve indicated to want to put forward an account of their efforts in the next edition of this Bulletin.
See you then!
Henk
Hi Henk,
It has taken me long enough to comment on your bulletin number 3. I am very excited with all the information provided. You really have done such a tremendous job and I have truly enjoyed reading about other descendents memories and looking at photos and the lovely memorials there are everywhere. I now exchange emails with three people whose relatives were from the Cressy which is great. I have just put together some information I am sending to my Sister in England to keep her up to date.. she does not use a computer. However I intend sending the information also to my Nieces and Nephews who I hope will be interested in attending the centenary next year. I look forward to your next Bulletin.. Kind regards, Vi
Hi Henk
I thoroughly enjoyed bulletin no.3 and admire the work that you are doing in researching this disaster and publishing the results. Your book has recently been reviewed in the Naval Review [a limited circulation lournal for RN officers] and I am aiming to make the readers also aware of this website, I am sure that some of them will be descendants of crew members and may get in touch. Best regards Keith W
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