History & Learning

Written by Michael Brenchley (son).

I enclose brief information of my father: Clarence Edward Brenchley, who served on H.M.S. Diadem from 1943 to 1946 and was present on 9 convoys to Russia. Also was on board for the D Day Invasion. He was part of the Anti Aircraft gun crew. I believe they called them “Pom Pom” guns. They apparently nicknamed them PIP, SQUEAK and WILFRED. He manned PIP. He was called up aged 18 years old in 1943, did his training at HMS Collingwood, Near Portsmouth, then joined Diadem at Hebben.

Last Friday 22/5/2020 he was presented with the 75th Anniversary Russian Medal at the care home he lives in – Harrier Lodge, Whitstable, Kent. He was 95 years on Saturday 23/5/2020.

I enclose a photo of the presentation. Diadem in Copenhagen after the war and Clarry in 1943.

Click to expand photos