OLD Indefatigable Memorial Bench at the National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire)

In 2019 the IOBA removed the old Indefatigable bench from the National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas, and placed it in the Memorial Garden at JSMTC Indefatigable (the Old School).

Names of those ‘connected to the Indefatigable Ships and School’ (who have passed away), may now have their names attached to the old bench (as on 2” brass plaques). Names so far included are, LT COL Simon Hall OBE, Spencer Bell 1958 (past IOBA Chairman) and now Mac McNeill 1941/42.  

It has been agreed to include named plaques of past ‘Indefatigable Connected’ Old Boys & Staff at the following cost of £40:00 each, paid by the requester, to be coordinated through the IOBA Committee. <https://www.ts-indefatigable-oba.org/contact-us/>  

If you would you like to purchase a named brass plaque please contact us <https://www.ts-indefatigable-oba.org/contact-us/>, once payment has been cleared, we will ensure named plaques will be attached to the Indefatigable Memorial Bench at JSMTC Indefatigable by the following IOBA Reunion.  

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NEW Indefatigable Memorial Bench at the National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire)

<http://www.thenma.org.uk/>  

The replacement Indefatigable bench has been placed in the Navy Review area at the National Memorial Arboretum.   Mapped location: Please note the bench’s mapped location is not at any of the NMA kiosks in the remembrance centre at this time (Jan 2020). So to find the Indefatigable Bench, please ensure you have a copy of this map (attached) and or bench reference B343. B343 is the bench behind the Indefatigable, B343 has been here for a while so will be on the kiosk maps.   

The National Memorial Arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 30,000 trees and a vast collection of memorials. The 150-acre site is a living, growing tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.  

Other than the Indefatigable Memorial Bench, we have another memorial called the TS Indefatigable Memorial. The NMA team of volunteers are always happy to help visitors locate memorials and individual dedications in their grounds. You can also use the computer terminals in the Remembrance Centre to search for individual dedications and their locations.  Memorial listing R-Z: TS Indefatigable Memorial <http://www.thenma.org.uk/whats-here/the-memorials/memorial-listing/>  

Dedication Ceremony 26th April 2001 took place at the National Memorial Arboretum: In memory of the ships and men of the Merchant Service who were lost in the Second World War, the National Memorial Arboretum was established near the village of Alrewas in Shropshire and was dedicated in October of 1998.  The Arboretum takes the form of 2,536 trees representing all British merchant ships and fishing vessels known to be lost in World War 11.  Certain shipping companies have adopted specific avenues of trees, each one of which is marked with the name of a ship lost.  In addition there are a variety of specific plaques, benches and other forms of memorial.

The purpose of that dedication service was to dedicate plaques and avenues of trees for six shipping companies, Union Castle Mail SS Co., Clan Line Steamers, Scottish Shire Line, Houston Line, Bullard King & Co. and King Line, and plaques in memory of former cadets and staff of five training establishments, H.M.S.Conway, H.M.S.Worcester, the Nautical CollegePangbourne, S.A.T.S.General Botha, T.S.Indefatigable and T.S.Mercury.

Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA)

© www.indeoba.com 2021

https://www.facebook.com/groups/319157961925197

This is the Official Facebook page for the Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA). It has been designed to complement the IOBA Web site: www.indeoba.com. The aim is to focus on the workings of the IOBA and its core values as stated in the Constitution.

Group Rules:

1. Who can join? – IOBA members, Inde Boys, Inde Teachers and families.

2. New members will have to request to join the group – Admin has final say.

3. The group is for advertising information e.g. events, news etc regarding the IOBA.

4. The site is not for general chat, banter or complaints about the school, association or its past staff and pupils.

5. All members may request to post information but will be vetted by admin prior to posting.

6. Inappropriate language or persecution towards any member will not be tolerated and the member may be removed.

7. Any issues need to be reported to admin.

Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA)

© www.indeoba.com 2021

Our thanks go to all Indefatigable members attending on behalf of the IOBA on the day, ‘Marc Hardman 1961’ and ‘Malcolm Williams 75/76’ for their Standard Bearer duties, ‘Russell Jones 55/56’ and not least, ‘Angie Williams’ who laid the wreath on behalf of the IOBA.

A great effort by all, considering the circumstances being the COVID19 year!

Copyright Tim Brunsden
http://www.liverpoolshipsandsailors.com/
LIVERPOOL SHIPS AND SAILORS

MERCHANT NAVY DAY SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2020;

A special service took place in Liverpool to mark Merchant Navy Day with a wreath-laying ceremony, where Indefatigable Old Boys were in attendance.

The annual event raises awareness of past, present and future Merchant Navy seafarers and also remembers the 36,000 men who died at sea during World War Two.

The public service took place in the grounds of Liverpool Parish Church in the City Centre at midday.

There was also a focus on seafarers role during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In attendance, John Wilson, CEO of the Liverpool Seafarers’ Centre, spoke to the congregation about life onboard for mariners who have kept cargo moving in and out of the Port of Liverpool.

Civic dignitaries from across the City region, included the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery, along with current and retired seafarers (including IOBA members), as well as others who represent the work of the Merchant Navy today.

The Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, who lead the service, said: “The last few months have been challenging for everyone, but essential supplies and much of the food in our shops, are there thanks to the work of the Merchant Navy.”

The 2019 IOBA Newsletter has now been made available for all, after MEMBERS have received their hard-copy earlier this year 2020.

Please find below the LINK in PDF. This is as close to the printed hard-copy down sized to 2.42 MB.

IOBA 2019 Newsletter please click on this LINK to download to your;

Smart Phone/PC/Laptop : https://www.ts-indefatigable-oba.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2019-For-Web.pdf

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It’s a sad fact that since its closure in 1995 the Indefatigable as we know it is no more. However, you can help keep the memories and all that the school stood for alive by joining the Indefatigable Old Boys Association.

To Join the Indefatigable Association or Update your Membership Subscription;

To pay your membership subscription, please click on this LINK : https://indeoba.c4242423.myzen.co.uk/the-ioba-needs-you/