WE'VE had a flood of responses to our appeal for information on the Northwich-built patrol vessel, HMS Droxford.

In the Guardian last week, we exclusively revealed naval historian Paul Gwilliam's quest to bring the 45-year-old ship home - before she is broken up by the Ministry of Defence.

This week, some of the men who helped build the ship have told us their story.

Harold Nancollis was chief craftsman for engine builders Foden in 1954, when the Droxford, which used revolutionary Foden engines, was built at Pimblott's Yard.

"I would like very much to see an example of local engineering preserved in the area," said Mr Nancollis.

"Especially something of this size, that you could walk around on. Otherwise I think people will forget that Northwich did this kind of thing."

Droxford used the FD6 engine, built by Mr Nancollis and his team at Sandbach, which could generate a mighty 1,800 revolutions per minute.

Leslie Bailey was serving at Pimblott's Yard when he worked on the Droxford.

He said: "I remember all the sweat that went into it. My memories of her are very vivid. Since then, I've been fixated on ships and the Navy, so in a way she taught me a lot."

Leslie added that the Droxford - unusually for a 1950s vessel - was riveted together, rather than being welded, in line with Pimblott's exacting standards.

He added: "There was some welding, and it was all done by a lady called Gwen Greenhough. I don't know where she is now.

"If any of us were in direct contact with the ship while the welding was going on, we'd have to drink a pint of milk to stop this terrible infection which you got off galvanised steel in those days. It was certainly memorable."

Meanwhile, Paul's campaign is gathering pace. He's preparing Save the Droxford posters, which will appear in local shops soon.

"The response has been terrific," he said.

"It can only get better."

If you have memories of the Droxford, ring Nick Hallissey on 01606 43333.

We'd also like to hear from you if you knew Gwen Greenhough, or know where she is now.

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