Home

HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association

Welcome to the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association Website

"Nec Quisquam Nisi Ajax"

The literal meaning of the motto is “Not anyone but Ajax”. The meaning of the phrase can only be understood by knowing the context of the quotation. The motto is a shortened form of the Latin sentence meaning “No one is able to overcome Ajax but Ajax himself”. The fall of Ajax is impossible without his consent; he is in control of himself.

The considered meaning of the motto is that Ajax is superior to all or:

“NONE BEFORE AJAX”

This site is for veterans who served in any of the ships carrying the HMS Ajax name or fought at the Battle of the River Plate (HMS Ajax, Exeter and Achilles) and relatives and friends of any crew members or residents of the Town of Ajax, Ontario.

It is also intended to be a repository of archive material relating to the various Ajax and Battle of the River Plate to allow those interested in history to further research and for those trying to glean more information about those, perhaps relatives, who served in these ships.

2014 75th Anniversary The Battle of the River Plate - Dedication & Unveiling of Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, UK

Saturday April 12th 2014 - Images and report can be found HERE

This site contains the following pages:

About Us - a brief history of the Association

Association News - an update of latest news that may also be covered elsewhere in the site + an Obituary Page

Joining Us - full details about how to apply to join either on-line or by post, Gift Aid information & payment methods

Association Events - details of upcoming & past events back to 2014

Town of Ajax - outlining the history of this Canadian town, the only one in the world named after a ship and the close relationship with the Association. The drop down Memorial Wall Page gives details of the Town's impressive Wall to the honour of those who served at the Battle of the River Plate in the 3 British ships and all those who served in Ajax

Archive 1, Archive 2 & Archive 3 - numerous drop down pages covering The Battle of the River Plate, the eight HMS Ajax, the Captains and much more including the Do You Know page

Newsletters - Copies of the Association's quarterly Newsletters going back to 2011 together with the latest edition

Association Merchandise - a small on-line shop with a drop down page for other suppliers

Contact Us - contact details and forms for general enquiries or for those seeking information about former crew members

Association Committee

Chairman - Nigel Masters

Secretary - Mike Cranswick

Treasurer - Ian Darbyshire

Membership Secretary - Malcolm Collis

Archivist - Malcolm Collis

Newsletter Editor - Malcolm Collis

Webmaster - Malcolm Collis

Merchandise Officer - Mike Fox