Victor was the Founder of the H.M.S. Veryan Bay Association and was Chairman until his death of a heart attack. His funeral was attended by some 20 members of Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, Normandy Veterans and 4 members of the H.M.S. Veryan Bay Association.
Born in Tysley Birmingham, Victor Neale was apprenticed as a Toolmaker
with the Brooks Tool Company. Following the outbreak of war he joined the
Royal Navy as soon as his age permitted. On the morning of 'D' Day he was
serving, in one of the first wave of minesweepers clearing the beaches,
as an A/B ST. Shortly after 'D' Day most of the Minesweepers were placed
in reserve and Vic was sent to HMS DEFIANCE to qualify as A/B LTO. Following
completion of course he was drafted to HMS VERYAN BAY then building at Bristol.
When the Japanese surrendered in September 1945 the Veryan Bay was on her
way to join the BPF (British Pacific Fleet),she finally joined the China
Fleet as part of the BPF in December 1945 In March 1946 the Veryan Bay was
sent to the Philippines (Subic Bay) to bring back the crew of HMRT WEASEL
which was being returned to the USN following Lend Lease Service during
WW2. There was a delay of some ten days before the hand over was completed.
During this unexpected break from patrols the Veryan Bay took advantage
of maximum sport time on shore. Cricket & Football on American Soil.!!
Towards the end of that ten days Vic was admitted to the USN Hospital with
suspected Meningitis. This turned out to be a severe case of Heat Stroke.
Once discharged from hospital Vic had to await an RN Vessel to take him
back to Hong Kong. Eventually the Sloop HMS PHEASANT called at Subic Bay
and Vic was back on board by the end of April.
Veryan Bay was due to depart for refit in Sydney and would not return to
Hong Kong until late August. As Vic would then be overdue for Demob' he
was sent to HMS MENES (THE USC Amenities Ship) for passage home. Following
demobilisation Vic returned to the tool making industry as a Universal Miller.
In 1950 he married Gertrude Caroline Powell (Daisie) and they set up home
in Castle Bromwich and lived there all their married life. A keen sportsman
during his naval time he became both a qualified Football Referee and Cricket
Umpire in his thirties and continued both activities until nearly 70,when
an arthritic knee made his hang up his "boots".
In 1972 Vic had a heart attack but recovered fully. He was a member of
the Royal British Legion Club at Shard End, The Royal Naval Association;
The Normandy Veterans and was the founder Chairman of the Veryan Bay Association.
When the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese surrender was celebrated by the
BPF Reunion at Portsmouth, Vic put a notice in the Navy News to suggest
a meeting of Veryan Bay shipmates. From 10 at Portsmouth there were 40 at
Birmingham Nautical Club in June 1996 , they agreed to start our present
Association and we now have over a Hundred members. All down to Vics encouragement
and vision,
He leaves a wife , two daughters and three Grandchildren. He will be truly
missed by his many friends in all his various ex-service associations.