His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales is the Patron of the Ton Class Association.
He commanded HMS BRONINGTON from February to December 1976.
Below, are some photo’s and ‘Navy News’ clips from his time aboard.
Our Patron held a reception for TCA members at Clarence House on the 14th May 2013. HRH The Prince Of Wales is seen here sharing a joke with our President Rear Admiral John Lippiett CB MBE and Chairman John Soanes.
I am the CO of HMS PRESIDENT, London’s RNR unit, and I am currently looking to organise the 50th anniversary commemoration service of the sinking of HMS FITTLETON which will be on 20 Sep 16. I am currently putting in a request to HRH PoW to see if he will be able to attend the event which will take place in HMS PRESIDENT. The PoW is the President of our Old Hands Association, many of whom served on board FITTLETON and some who are survivors of the disaster itself.
I wanted to make you aware of the event not only because I am extending the invitation to HRH bit also because I would like to invite the TCA to be represented – I think it would be a fitting way to remember those who lost their lives on 1976. I am aware he is also your Patron and this would also be a nice way to connect my unit and the TCA around this commemoration through him. At the very least I hope to have a member of the Royal Family present.
Out of interest I also served on HMS NURTON as a Junior Officer which was a formative period for me because I subsequently specialised as an MCDO in the Regular RN where I served for 20 years – I therefore have very fond memories of the Ton Class.
I will look forward to hearing back from you.
Very many thanks for contacting me.
I am sure that the TCA would wish to be involved in the commemoration. The previous editor of our magazine Ton Talk, Chris Hales now sadly no longer with us, was a survivor of the Fittleton.
I am going to forward your message to our Chairman, Hon Sec (and editor of Ton Talk) for their comments. You will undoubtedly hear from one or both in due course. it just so happens we are holding a committee meeting this Saturday at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham starting at 1300 so if you were in the area I am sure you would be more than welcome.