Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Darbyshire Court

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Street Name: Darbyshire Court
Name of Veteran: Ian Darbyshire April 1956-
Rank: Leading Caterer
Ship Served: HMS Ajax Frigate
Date of Service on Ship: May 3, 1976 to Dec. 1977
Year of Visit/Dedication: August 27, 2016
Veteran or Family Visit: Ian Darbyshire
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: No
Died at Battle: No

Ian Darbyshire was born in Wigan, Lancashire in April 1956. From there the family moved to North Wales and then to Carlisle. It was in Carlisle that Ian entered the recruiting office to join the Royal Navy on February 25, 1975 at HMS Ganges as an assistant Catering Accountant (ACa). Professional training followed at HMS Pembroke and to complete his training he joined HMS Osprey.
Ian joined HMS Ajax on May 3, 1976 and was informed that the ship would soon be visiting the Town of Ajax in Ontario, Canada. The ship docked in Oshawa harbour on August 25, 1976. On the first evening the Officers held a Cocktail party on the flight deck and as a caterer Ian assisted in the serving of drinks to the guests. As a bugler he also had to play for Ceremonial sunset before being allowed ashore. The crew was given ‘Freedom of the Town’, enjoyed dinners in their honour, paraded down Harwood Avenue and enjoyed a good natured game of cricket. The visit was so fondly remembered that several of the Frigate members have since returned and Ian still has the ‘Freedom of Ajax’ scroll on his wall.
Ian left HMS Ajax in December of 1977 and went on and upwards to various ships and shore establishments. He served HMS Argonaut, HMS Arethusa, HMS Brave and HMS Westminster. He finished his career as a Chief Petty Officer (Caterer) on February 24, 1997 with HMS Raleigh where he was the Senior Catering Instructor in the Supply School.
Ian has two twin daughters; Jennifer & Samantha, and three grandchildren; Rocco and Vinny, (Samantha’s), and Brody (Jennifer’s). Ian has been living in Torpoint, Cornwall since leaving the Royal Navy.

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