Frank Luxford

Recollections of six years service in the Royal Navy

Becoming a Signalman in the Navy

Frank Luxford in uniform.

Peter Luxford

Frank Luxford joined the Royal Naval at the age of twenty in 1940. Before enlisting to join the war effort, Frank lived with his parents in Barnet working as a Butchers cutter. Although his two older brothers had both joined the Army, Frank was keen to join the Navy and had ambitions to become a Signalman. The first few months of his service, Frank spent as a cook on HMS Arthur, a shore establishment near Skegness. In March 1941, he began training at HMS Pembroke at Chatham to become a Signalman. Frank completed his exams with flying colours and was posted to HMS Nigeria as an Ordinary Signalman in May 1941. During his time on the ship he rose in rank to become a Signalman. He remained on HMS Nigeria until January 1943.

Russian Convoys

Following further training at HMS Pembroke, Frank joined HMS Nairana in November 1943 and served on the ship until May 1945. The duties of the ship included escorting convoys from England to Murmansk, often in extreme weather conditions. Frank also served on HMS Queen and was not demobilised until March 1946.

Frank’s son, Peter Luxford, has written an account of his father’s experiences in the Navy. To read the story please press the below link.