Search for ship company member
I would like to establish contact with the family of a Maltese citizen who was a ship company member of HMS Hardy in World War II. I only have his first name, that of Giuseppe, who survived at the first battle of Narvik on April 10, 1940. Giuseppe, like other survivors, was eventually repatriated to the UK which led to them being greeted on the Horse Guards Parade by Winston Churchill.
My father, Cyril Cope, then aged 21, was also a survivor and knew Giuseppe. They were both next to each other on the Horse Guards Parade.
I am researching information to write a book about HMS Hardy and her crew in the famous battle which occurred early into World War II.
I intend to approach my book by way of narratives supplied by any existing crew members, of which I have found two still with us, as well as those provided by families associated with those brave sailors.
I have so far gathered many stories and accounts, but felt it was my duty to include any information regarding Giuseppe and/or his family. This will also show the part played by the Maltese sailors at sea in wartime.
I am tentatively optimistic that there could be a positive response. I intend to come to Malta in October, hopefully to follow up my enquiries. In the meantime, rather than send further details, I suggest that readers look at the website submerged.co.uk which includes a number of sections dedicated to not only my father but to other survivors. I can be contacted on roncope@btinternet.com.
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Trevor Lorenzo Mizzi
Aug 26th 2010, 15:26
A better photographic image of Giuseppe is found in this article that you responded to Ron.
It might jog the memory of some old timer on the island and Giuseppe's surname is revealed.
http://www.submerged.co.uk/narvik-hardy.php
http://www.submerged.co.uk/hardynarvik3big.jpg
Ron Cope
Aug 26th 2010, 22:22
Thanks Trevor. I thought I had sent that one to the newspaper..however I am relying on readers who are interested to go onto 'submerged.co.uk' to access the interesting story. In addition... the feature I supplied to the Shropshire Star in March on the 70th Anniversary of the epic Battles.. they managed to do a 'Podcast' which is the actual taped recording of my father's account. He left to the tapes to me hoping I could make sure the story is never forgotten too early.... hence the 70th Anniversary features I have managed to be published in many UK regional newspapers. I have another photograph of Giuseppe with his provided Norwegian hat taken off..this gives a better view of him. let me know if you or the Times are able to print this. I have found by my recent endeavours to achieve remarkable progress. Kind regards Ron Cope. roncope@btinternet.com