The bell of HMS Repulse

[Andy Wade]

Hi Folks,
I've heard what I'd describe as a 'strong rumour' that the bell of HMS Repulse has been found and taken off the wreck by some divers, they have been described to me as 'CCR divers from Sydney', and that's about all I know about it so far.
If anyone can confirm this for me, or add to the story in any way I'd be eternally grateful. I understand it is currently on a dive vessel that operates in the area.
HMS Repulse is of course designated as a War Grave and should not have been disturbed.
If true, this is a serious matter and has an effect on us all as we're supposed to have cleaned up our act since the furore of the wrecks issue a year or so ago.
I know that it doesn't mean that all divers take things from war graves, but divers will get the blame for it as I'd hope you would all understand.
The Force Z Survivors Association is perfectly happy for divers to visit the war graves on a look but don't touch basis, but this will sadden them.
It makes me very angry to think that it might be true.

Please email me direct with any information on:

<a href="mailto:andywade@forcez-survivors.org.uk">andywade@forcez-survivors.org.uk</a>







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[Andy Wade]

Hi Folks,
Just as an aside to the story of the bell of HMS Repulse, you may recall that the bell of HMS Prince of Wales was found in a position that indicated it was about to be raised, and Royal Navy divers removed it from the wreck last year with the blessing of the Force Z Survivors Association and the MOD, this was featured in both 'Dive' and 'Diver' magazines recently.

Anyway, it has now been restored and will be presented for safekeeping and display to the trustees of the Merseyside Maritime Museum by the First Sea Lord.
This is within sight of the shipyard where HMS Prince of Wales was built, so is a fitting resting place for it.

The ceremony will take place at 10.00 am on Saturday 3rd May at the museum. All are welcome to come and see this part of history. At least it won't end up sat in someone's garage.
The presentation also signifies the start of 'Battle of the Atlantic week'.

"Lest we forget"



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[Trevor M]

Andy,

I hear it has been returned?

T

[Andy Wade]

Andy,

I hear it has been returned?


Hi Trevor.
In a short sentence, yes it has.... as far as I know.
Hopefully it will be returned, restored and placed in a museum here.

Now this is not a rant at you in any way.....


The dive trip that removed it from the HMS Repulse War Grave ended at the end of March, after about 10 days we found out and emailed Vidar Skogli, the skipper of MV Empress. )The divers were apparently CCR divers from Sydney, but I can't verify that so it's only conjecture at the moment).
This was the vessel that 'allegedly' had items on display from HMS Repulse, which was the reason that sparked the whole wrecks issue in 2001 with the Prince of Wales and Repulse Survivors Association applying for protection under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
We have a letter from the Singapore High Commission to this effect.
And we all know what a headache the wrecks issue caused for all of us divers.
And so we said we'd clean up our act. Yeah right. that'll work.

Vidar Skogli replied to us and said that he'd just got into port and had contacted the relevant authorities that he was in possession of the bell and intended to send it to them.
He's missing the point.
These War Graves are supposedly protected under the act and yet divers are still taking items from them.
Furthermore, they're not supposed to even be entering these War Graves, but apparently this bell was from the Officers Wardroom, which sure as hell ain't on the deck.
Yes it has been declared to the relevant authorities but only after the event was reported, and Vidar Skogli wants us to credit him with recovering it.
He's missing the point.
Just for the record, these War Graves are protected and should not be disturbed.
The Survivors Association is quite happy for divers to visit the ships, but expect people to dive them with respect and leave them alone.

All messages received from Mr Skogli (and their dates) have been sent to the relevant authorities for them to deal with it.

Now on Saturday I'm about to go and see the First Sea Lord present the HMS Prince of Wales bell to a museum with veterans of the sinking in attendance, and I have to look these guys in the face and see just exactly how they feel about their shipmate's graves being disturbed yet again.
It is supposed to be an occasion with dignity and remembrance but it is now soured by the actions of people with absolutely no respect.
For Christ's sake when will people learn.

I just wish the MOD could spare a small destroyer from the Gulf, just for a short mission....

The only really good thing to come out of this is that some responsible divers reported it in the first place.
Thanks ever so much guys, this means a lot.

End rant.


Oh and just for anyone who's still reading this.
It's Battle of the Atlantic week, and we really should spare a minute or two for our Grandfathers, etc who gave everything for our freedom.

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