Several associates of the RNIOA have expressed their appreciation of our work. Here is some of their feedback.

#25		04/09/2026		Lt Cdr (I) Maurice Moore RN
What a great read. Your editorial was exceptional and the stories of both John McGrath and Nic Brown brought back memories of unexpected experiences that a duty I was assigned took, and reliving them was a joy. Much like hearing a bit of music that causes a flood of feelings related to an experience when you heard the music for the first time, or live, or some other trigger. Marvellous. Please pass on my thanks to the RNIOA MT and all contributors.
#24		04/09/2026		Lt Cdr (I) Eric Pearson RN
Some very interesting and amusing stories (particularly the Russian Admiral’s visit to Collingwood). The “Two Ring Schoolie” is the late Jerry Hayward. I served with him at Collingwood in 1964 to 67 and we did the Met Course together in 1969. In between I drank with him and the late Brian Schofield in the old pub in Stubbington which I think is long gone. Happy days. Best Regards, Eric Pearson (1964-67 and 1968-81).
#23		03/2026/2026		Captain John McGrath RN
BZ!
#22		03/2026/2026		Lt Cdr (I) John R Smith RN
Thank you for your immediate reply. How interesting, I was there during your time at HMS Ganges and I congratulate you on your promotion to PO Jr of Drake. Sadly I don't remember you, but I do remember S/Lt Dodds. I was attached to Duncan Division. Coincidentally, I am presently writing an article about my sea time during Ganges. I spent three weeks on a naval minesweeper, HMS Highburton on a NATO exercise in the North Sea.

#21		02/2026/2026		Lt Cdr (I) John R Smith RN
I served as an Instructor Officer in the RN at HMS Ganges between 1966 - 69. Although now 86 I am a volunteer at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield. During my training a year or two ago I was mentored by a retired ex naval submariner and during our conversations it turned out that he did his training at Ganges during my time at the Ship. He neither remembered me nor me him, not surprising as there were 2000 trainees at any one time! At the Arboretum we have a memorial to HMS Ganges and also one to HMS Hood. Whilst at Ganges I met and befriended Ted Briggs who was one of only four survivors from the sunken Hood. Amazingly Ted never mentioned being blown off the Hood and surviving for five hours clinging on to wreckage in the freezing sea before rescue. In fact it was only when he left the Navy that he was persuaded to write his memoirs. He became quite famous in later life outliving those who survived with him. I always mention, with great privelege Ted and Ganges in my talks. Just a few thoughts.
#20		02/2026/2026		Cdr (E) Jim French RN
Thank you all for including a rather silly, old Cdr E in your group. A riveting read, front to back. I’m struck (probably by ignorance) that the challenges of today are not the challenges of our era. So, we must manoeuvre, pivot, whatever the expression of today is. Thank you all for the efforts you apply to your association.
#19		01/03/2026		Cdr (E) Jim French RN
To the RNIOA team, I am privileged to be a member of the RNIOA and thoroughly enjoy the newsletters. Thank you.
#18		08/12/2025		Captain John McGrath RN
To John, Mike and Mike, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Cleddyfwyr. (Christmas e-card)