A couple of year’s ago at work I was visited by two members of the Spalding Naval Veterans Association who offered the donation of a six foot model of the British Naval submarine H.M.S. ‘Taku’ which really meant nothing to me until I looked into it and discovered a story of community, bravery and achievement.
Have Bag, Will Travel 
Well it is great to know the secrets of the fleet that has restored us from the enemy.This is an awesome way to be with them how their struggle brought colors.
eddie brown
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Free Satellite TV
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It’s great to see your article it is the first article I have seen that acknowledges the longest dive of the second world war…My father was a petty officer on the Taku and also Tudor. His name is Herbert Ronald Luckhurst….He was awarded the King George Medal but never told us how or why he received this honour….I would appreciate any information you may have.
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rECENTLY MY FATHER PASSED AWAY AT 89. ONE OF THE MOMENTOES I SELECTED WAS A HEAVY HAND MADE BOX. ON THE TOP IT SAYS,
H.M.S. TAKU
Tate HAI-HSI
17th June,1900
(TATE this word is in script, hard to tell if TATE OR LATE)
Inside the box is a tri-angular brass and glass top(?) of something, maybe a light. It is engraved Hirsbrunner & Co.
Shanghai(sp?)
There is also a heavy , funnel shape “can”, which seems to contain oil and has a special compartment with 2 wooden pegs that would keep the item from moving. The 3rd piece is a rectangular heavy metal “box” that is open on the top. It appears to be made of steel. It has 2 hook closures on the front, a key hole and a handle on one end. The first Taku was a captured destroyer from the Chinese Navy, built in 1898 and the 2nd was Taku 1900. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Kitty
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If you could send me a picture then I could ask my Royal Navy Veteran contacts. apetcher@aol.com
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I am the person in the photo with the model,which we ( Spalding Royal Naval Association) presented to the council.The model is outside the council chamber upstairs in their office block.That photo was not meant to be publicised ,too late now to worry.
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Just a note to say my father George Smith, who served on the Taku, is still alive and well.
You can see some photos of him, here…
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v444/geoffsmith/George/
You can read his WWII journal, here…
http://herne.tripod.com/WWII.html
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That is great to know – he must have a lot of memories?
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hello, My Grangfather fought on HMS TAKU his name,George fergerson Prescott,1st class stoker do you remember him???
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Dean, I did not serve on the TAKU myself, I just liked the story. If you have technical questions about the boat or questions about the crew try emailing terrycarter1938@gmail.com, who may be able to help. Andrew
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I visit my dad at the veteran’s pavillion several times per week. I’ll ask him if he remembers a ‘George Fergerson’, from his days aboard the Taku.
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Hi Geoff,
My Grandfather served with your Father on the Taku. Herbert Ronald Luckhurst other wise know as Ron. He is in the Picture with your dad Dovey and Diamond. would appreciate any other info you can pass on he never spoke much about the war. tudorgraham@iinet.net.au
thank you.
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I have a solid brass, I believe ash tray, square with turrets, with HMS Taku on it. It was my father’s, Thomas McCliesh, and I just inherited it from my brother, Alex McCliesh. My brother James McCliesh, was on submarines during the war, but don’t know if he served on the TAKU. Please respond if you have any information.
Rachel Trayford (McCliesh), e-mail, thetrayfords@hotmail.com
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Thanks for the comment. Write to Terry at terrycarter1938@gmail.com he may be able to help.
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