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This postcard has recently come into my possession and I would be interested to find out if this is a picture of the first arrival of the St Ola into Stromness. The naval ship in the picture is the Largo Bay and there seems to be a welcoming crowd on the old wooden pier. Does anyone remember the event?
View Large VersionPicture added on 12 November 2007
The Naval Frigate is H.M.S. Largo Bay. She visited Stromness for Shopping weeks 1952 & 1953. She was commanded by Commander Hamilton Meikle, who later became the Commander at Lyness.
Added by Fred Johnston on 27 January 2008
Commander Hamilton Meikle later became Captain Hamilton Meikle and was Naval Officer in Charge (NOIC) at Scapa with the RNXS when I joined in 78.
Added by William Watters on 29 January 2008
16.06.2009 my father was in command of hms largo bay and, from memory, he was posted to singapore early in 1952. The photograph must pre-date that, unless the ship called again under another captain. I have wonderfully happy childhood memories of life on hoy during his time as rno later in the 50s.
Added by Alastair Hamilton Meikle on 16 June 2009
I stand corrected. The " Largo Bay" definately visited Stromness during shopping weeks 1952&1953, so Commander Hamilton-Meikle could not have been in command then.
Added by Fred Johnston on 18 June 2009
I do not know when the shopping weeks were but I served in Largo Bay from 5th November 1952 until February 1953. We did not visit Stromness during that time.
Anonymous comment added on 13 December 2013
"Largo Bay" definitely visited Stromness for Shopping Week during the third week of July 1953. I was there on the Saturday night and she was anchored in the harbour then.
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Added by Fred Johnston on 22 December 2013
Stromness
Having seen this p.c. Somewhere before, I would guess the picture was taken during shopping week festivities that year or possibly the following year. Definitely no later than that.