Strathmore Club

17/06/2021

Hope someone could post some info to keep this page alive

25/01/2021

Will try to find more photos of Uncle Syd and Aunty Nance

08/01/2021

We will get to the Naval Club - no answer from them yet as to the painting - want a photo of Uncle Syd in it!

02/09/2018

How Sydney won his DSC
In 1918 Captain Sydney West, as a young sailor, was lent from HMS Benbow for the famous Zeebruge raid, in which he was responsible for the sinking of the Iphigenia in the canal used by submarines. Two other block ships were also sunk, Thetis and HMS Intrepid. Sydney was awarded the D.S.C. for his part in the raid and also six months acceleration of promotion for the rest of his career. He was now a Lieutenant. There is a rather splendid oil painting in the London Stock Exchange of the Zeebruge raid pained by W.L. Wyllie and the Captain helped him paint this picture and supply the names of the crew that were added to the painting. Captain West has an original water colour copy of the oil painting on the wall of his home (now with Rick in Canada) This water colour was also painted by W.L. Wylie. There is also a book explaining all about the raid - for tomorrow!

28/08/2018

28/08/2018

Hi Barbara
A truly great day today. I went to the Naval club in London today and viewed the Wylie y
Painting.

The Club manager, Commander , advised that the painting ( now insured for >£150,000) has just been cleaned at a cost of £3000 and looks fantastic. The colours are so vibrant and show far more detail than the water colour we have been so used to seeing. Uncle Syd can be seen quite clearly between the two helmsmen with a dead sailor slumped beside him. The launch being rowed would have been from the Iphigenia and the rescue motor launch was the one which saved him.
I have taken the liberty of leaving the desk set with the club. The Commander put it in a dipplay case while we ere there and advised that it would be brought out when VIP visitors (often Royalty as Princess Anne is still an Admiral in the RN} sign the visitors book and give a link to the painting which is hung in pride of place just outside the dining room. I hope this meets with your approval.

I have had a wonderful day, and will forward more pics when sorted.
Yrs Aye
Roger

07/09/2017

Uncle Sid

08/04/2015

It is coming up to 100 years since Uncle Sid made history.

30/03/2014

Wests get together Oakdale Saturday 19th July 2014 - can't wait to see you all again!
Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end and they didn't!

05/01/2011

Captain Sidney Harvey West was a Hero of WW1 and was brought out of retirement for WW11

10/01/2010

Now in Naval Club in London