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NEW Exeter Memories forum - take a look and register to chat or ask and answer questions about Exeter's history.

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Photo of the Month

The White Ensign flies proudly over the wreck of HMS Exeter in the Java Sea Move the pointer over the photo to see the ship sinking on 1st March 1942 - see Comment below for more.

E-Mail Guestbook Links Sources Site Map Photos wanted of Exeter

The Exeter 'Comment' from Exeter Memories - 7th May 2008

This site is run by a resident of who loves the city Previous Comment

Divers find HMS Exeter

Exeter Local History Society

Why not join the Exeter Local History Society that puts you in touch with 2000 years of intrigue, plot, disaster and Exeter humanity.

We meet six times a year at the Central Library, Exeter for chat, and a talk from an expert on a historical topic.

Come along to a meeting without obligation - upcoming meetings can be found here

Or phone the Secretary, Geoffrey Harding on 01392 276176 or email to:

ELHS contact

The York Class Cruiser, proudly named HMS Exeter, that was instrumental in the destruction of the German pocket battleship Graf Spee, was sunk in the Battle of the Java Sea on the 1st March 1942.

On the 21st February 2007 the wreck of the famous ship was found in 60 metres of water in the Java Sea. In April this year, a diving expedition explored the wreck in more detail and flew the White Ensign over her, in a tribute to her crew who perished with her, or were held captive in Japanese prisoner of war camps. She was found 60 miles from Captain Gordon's estimated position of her sinking, just outside a search box of 90 square miles that the group had covered in late 2006. Soon after her discovery, the expedition found the wreck of one of her two escorts, HMS Encounter. The expedition was led by Vidar Skoglie and his wife Alice, Phil Yutter US Navy retired and Kevin Denlay an Australian diver and photographer. For the full story of HMS Exeter and her links with the city, see HMS Exeter.

Parish Council Exeter - no way! 25th April 2008

Devon County Council, under the leader, Cllr Brian Greenslade seem intent upon absorbing the proud City of Exeter into Devon County. Their plans will virtually mean that Cllr Greenslade and his cronies will appoint a quango to decide on how and when services will be applied to the city. We would have the same representation as Woodland, Braunton and Bideford, while Torbay and Plymouth would continue to run their own affairs.

Exeter was the County and City of Exeter from 1537 to 1972, and since, has had a City Council - we are a boom city, and still the Jewel in the West. If Greenslade had his way we would be the Fool in his Jest. And don't think this would make no difference to your life in the city - our roads are repaired by County Hall, and judging by the number of potholes, we could expect a much rockier ride than the bumpy ride they provide at the moment. When I am out and about in the city, I often find things to grouse about, but if Greenslade get his way you can bet they would increase ten fold. The bulk of our Council Taxes are paid to Devon County Council - don't let them get it all to waste on pie in the sky schemes or subsidise other parts of Devon.

Keep Exeter Independent.

Odd planning

The Express and Echo have a story today that councillors of this city are minded to approve the demolition of some twelve Art Deco almshouses to be rebuilt as twenty-four flats in St James. This is despite the fact that planning officers have recommended they be retained as having significant architectural merit. We should remember the famous cartoon published in the 1950s by the Express and Echo, that highlighted the policies of another philistine generation. They are little better than the town clerk C J Newman who wanted dynamite to blow up the last of Exeter's historic buildings after the blitz. Don't these councillors know anything of the history of this city - why do they have to destroy everything. The Kastner Garage in Magdalen Road is an example of what can be done with a little will and imagination and the councillors should rethink their plans.

New Forum on the site - 31st March 2008

I have added a forum to Exeter Memories - anyone with an interest in Exeter's past, or who has a query that they can't find an answer too, about the history of the city can register and post on the forum. Maybe you have a memory of an event, or a place but are unsure of the details - post the memory and see if someone else can jog it for you! If you are in the process of researching your family history and want to find out more about the street where they lived, or if anyone remembers them, there is a section on the forum for you to post your questions. Those who are researching a book or an article can also post their interest, requesting information or contacts.

Take a look - even if you have no questions, you may be able to answer someone else's query - go to Exeter Memories' Forum

People lists

I have also been hard at work compiling more lists of people from Exeter - the latest are a full list of blitz victims, sorted into raids and streets. It is quite poignant to see how many died in some streets, often from one family. The other interesting list is of those executed in Exeter - through the ages, many unnamed were executed, but there are records of several hundred who have offended society enough to pay with their lives. I hope both lists are found to be interesting and I will be adding more as I compile the data.

That's all for now,

David Cornforth - My Contact E-Mail

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