Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Littlewood Lane

Description

Media Type

Image

Description

Street Name: Littlewood Lane
Name of Veteran: Paul Kenneth Littlewood Dec. 19, 1957-
Rank: Leading Seaman
Ship Served: HMS Ajax 8th
Date of Service on Ship: August 9, 1976 to July 12, 1977
Year of Visit/Dedication: June 2022
Veteran or Family Visit: Paul Littlewood
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: No
Died at Battle: No

Paul Kenneth Littlewood was born on December 19, 1957 and raised in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. He lived with his family, parents Eric and Barbara and three brothers. After seeing his elder brothers Glyn and Gary join the Royal Air Force and Army respectively, Paul joined the Royal Navy in January 1975. He was seventeen years old and his goal was to see the world. His younger brother Simon did not enter military service. Prior to joining the Royal Navy, he was an apprentice butcher.

After initial training Paul served HMS Exmouth, HMS Ajax, and his last ship before discharge from the Royal Navy, on June 22, 1980 was HMS Leander. He joined HMS Ajax on August 9, 1976 literally days before the ship sailed for Canada. He has very fond memories of visiting Canada both with HMS Ajax and HMS Leander. His visit to Ajax however is deeply etched in his memory as he recalls the warmest and friendliest reception he ever experienced from strangers, the fantastic crew of HMS Ajax and Captain R.R. (Tubby) Squires. He recalls the long line up for the town folk to board the ship for an open day tour and the subsequent day trip on the lake with the fabulous folk of Ajax. He also recalls the invitations to all the BBQs and street parties of the locals and his many visits to the Legion.

Paul’s experience of the visit to Ajax was key to him migrating to Canada in 1987. He left the Royal Navy in June 1980 to pursue other interests in the Ministry of Defence and returned to civilian life in 1986. He migrated to British Columbia in 1987 and served the Government of Canada for 25 years in B.C. and Alberta. Paul closed his career as the Regional Director of Operations, Alberta. He now lives in Calgary and enjoys retirement.

Paul was involved in the “Cod war” off the coast of Iceland and completed three tours of Northern Ireland. He is a member of the HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association.

Geographic Coverage