Durham Record Office

Durham County Record Office: the official archive service for County Durham and Darlington

You are here: Home / Search options / Search the catalogue / Catalogue search results / Catalogue

Catalogue

Miscellaneous documents

Reference: D/X 1510 Catalogue Title: Miscellaneous documents Area: Catalogue Category: Other Records Description: John Cyril Armstrong (1915-1941) of Chester-le-Street

Covering Dates: 1915-1953

Return to your search results

Catalogue Index

Use Expand image and Expanded image to reveal/hide the structure of the catalogue index (requires Javascript to be enabled in your internet browser options). Click to jump directly to information at a specific level of the catalogue.

Catalogue Description

Records given:

24 November 2005 Acc: 3192(D)
30 April 2007 Acc: 3366(D)

John Cyril Armstrong was born on 15 June 1915 and was baptised on 27 July 1915 at the Primitive Methodist Church, Newburn, Northumberland. He lived at Chester-le-Street and became a Leading Stoker in the Royal Navy.

He arrived at Johore, Malaya, on S.S. Cameronia, on 10 December 1935 and transferred to H.M.S. Delight on 11 December 1935. He left Johore, Malaya, for Hong Kong on 13 December 1935 and arrived on 18 December 1935. He took part in the following: Anti-Pirate Patrol and Flotilla Exercises, from 18 December 1935 to 21 April 1936; Japanese Cruise, left Hong Kong on 21 April 1936 and returned on 15 August 1936; Anti-Pirate Patrol and Fleet Manoeuvres from August 1936 to 12 January 1937; Southern Cruise, leaving Hong Kong on 12 January 1937 and returning on 4 March 1937; Summer Cruise, leaving Hong Kong on 7 May 1937 and arriving at Wei-Hai-Wei, China, on 28 May 1937.

He took part in a Summer Cruise on H.M.S. Delight, 29 July 1937; left Wei-Hai-Wei, China, arrived Hong Kong, 14 March 1938; Northern Patrol, left Hong Kong 21 October 1938, arrived back at Hong Kong on 14 March 1938; paid off from H.M.S. Delight on 3 April 1938. He returned to the United Kingdom on board H.M.T. Dilwara, leaving Hong Kong on 4 April 1938 and arriving at Southampton on 6 May 1938.

John Armstrong was killed on active service on 24 May 1941.

Catalogue Contents

Baptism certificate (Ref: D/X 1510/1)

Copy certificate of the baptism of John Cyril Armstrong, born 27 June 1915, baptised 27 July 1915 at the Primitive Methodist Church, Newburn, Lemington, Northumberland; copy made, n.d.
(1 paper)

Photograph album (Ref: D/X 1510/2)

Photograph album of Leading Stoker John Cyril Armstrong R.N., containing photographs, mainly with descriptions, relating to his time on board ship, mostly H.M.S. Delight, on the China Station, 1935 - 1937


Photograph of The Great Wall of China, with the caption, 'Note how it winds its way over the mountains', n.d.


Postcard map, including graphics of the China Seas, with, in the corner, the inscription 'The Orient, H.M.S Cornwall, China Station, 1935 - 1938'


Photograph of Stoker J.C. Armstrong, R.N., in uniform on board ship, probably H.M.S. Delight, possibly 1935


Photograph of H.M.S. Delight , 8th Destroyer Flotilla, China Fleet, n.d., possibly 1935


Photograph of members of the Royal Family in naval uniform, taken on board The Royal Yacht Britannia possibly 1935 Right to left: Duke of York, Prince of Wales, King George V, Duke of Kent


Photograph of the China Fleet, lying off Wei-Hai-Wei, Malaya, the Summer Naval Base, c.1937


Photograph of the China Fleet, lying off Wei-Hai-Wei, Malaya, the Summer Naval Base, c.1937


Photograph of a ship going through the Suez Canal, Egypt, with various military personnel on deck, n.d., [1935]


Photograph of Port Said, Egypt, taken at the north entrance to the Suez Canal, n.d., [1935]


Photograph of the railway and wireless stations, half way through the Suez Canal, Egypt, n.d., [1935]


Photograph, captioned 'Just leaving Aden East India's Naval Base', n.d., [1935]


Photograph of bum boats selling their wares at Aden, n.d., [1935]


Photograph of the coast of Egypt, with a pyramid in the distance, and an encampment in the foreground with horses and wheeled transport, n.d., [1935]


Photograph, captioned 'One of the coolies unloading our baggage', Johore, Malaysia, n.d., [1935]


Photograph of the naval base at Johore, Malaysia, including moored ships, n.d., [1935]


Photograph of ships of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla, Johore, Malaysia, captioned 'Our destination reached, we caught our first glance of the Hell ships in other words the 16th Division of the one and only 8th Destroyer Flotilla', 1935


Photograph, captioned 'One of the world's remarkable feats of navigation, brought this; the world's largest floating dock to Johore', from Tyneside, England; Johore, Malaysia, 1935


Photograph of ships of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla, captioned 'Steaming line ahead on the way to Hong Kong', from Johore, Malaysia, December 1935


Photograph of Hong Kong, captioned 'A view taken from the China Fleet Club Note: the method of unloading junks', 1935


Photograph, captioned: 'Taken during the Yankee Fleet's visit to Hong Kong 1935, note the 4 funnel destroyers in the foreground', 1935


Photograph of the China Fleet lying in Hong Kong harbour, 1935


Photograph of the Royal Naval Dockyard, looking from the China Fleet Club, Hong Kong, 1935


Photograph, captioned: 'Liberty men coming ashore by Walla Walla', Hong Kong, 1935


Photograph of Happy Valley, Hong Kong, from the air, views of the racecourse, shipping and two British Cruiser's seaplanes, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Three cruisers' sea planes flying over Hong Kong Island, note: the perilous roads running around the peaks', 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Three torpedo bombers above the clouds', in the sky near Hong Kong, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Tamar , the China Station Depot ship, and flagship of Commander of Hong Kong', Hong Kong 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Means of transport between Hong Kong and Kowloon and a typical scene on any of the China Seas, they are known as junks and accommodate whole families', Hong Kong 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Taken during the annual rifle practice, at 500 yards, at Stonecutters, Hong Kong', 1935


Photograph, captioned 'A junk under sail in Hong Kong Harbour', 1935


Photograph, captioned 'A snap taken from the 200 yards range, note: the instructors at the rear taking down the score', Stonecutters, Hong Kong, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Taken from the porthole of a German cruiser', the Krenzer Karlsruhe, Hong Kong Harbour, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Our ship's side sampan with the Kreenzer Karlsruhe in the background', Hong Kong Harbour, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'Looking down the rifle range of Stonecutters from the 200 yards, note: the next detail standing in the rear ready to take up their firing position and in the foreground the rifles of the chaps who have fired', Hong Kong, 1935


Photograph, captioned 'The leader of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla, H.M.S. Duncan, having a rough time during manoeuvres with the flotilla', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The [H.M.S.] Duncan shows, or rather tries to show how a boat should be hoisted. However, the falls broke, note: the boat half submerged with the boat's crew still in the water', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of H.M. Submarine Regent , with crew on deck, some ships visible in the distance, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of an unnamed ship, captioned 'Full speed ahead in a choppy sea, during manoeuvres', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of unnamed sailors, possibly including Stoker J.C. Armstrong, R.N. in the middle, foreground, taken together with the lighthouse keeper of Chenang Lighthouse and his three coolies, during a recreation party while on patrol, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Chenang Lighthouse, our farthest point north while on pirate patrol, 90 miles from Hong Kong', 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Hermes , the China Fleet Air Arm, note: the wives stretched across the flight deck to stop the planes when they land on. Also note: the destroyer following up in case of accidents, such as planes missing the wires and crashing into the sea, etc.', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Hermes . During flying stations, steaming along at full speed so as to make it easier for planes taking off, and landing on. The plane showing in the photo has just made a perfect landing, note: the hands running to steady it, and wheel it onto the lift as shown below', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'After landing, the planes are put on the lift, and taken down to the hangar for an inspection' on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A seaplane being catapulted into the air from one of the cruisers', off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'One of the planes being hoisted onto the flight deck, by means of the lift, note: the way of folding the wings back, so as to take up less room in the hangar below', on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The planes ranged up, on the flight deck ready for inspection, on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A few last preparations prior to taking off, note: the Lewis gun in the rear cockpit', on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'We're off! With a good take off', on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Taken just after lifting its tail off the deck to take off, note: the two chaps lying on the deck who have just pulled the chocks out', on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A tricky job for the pilots, landing on, note: the two white lines marked on the deck between which the planes have to land', on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A safe landing and a relief for the pilot. The plane is now on the lift ready to go down to the hangar, on board H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Oh my nose, a new way of landing, or rather a dip into the sea just averted by the pilot's presence of mind to jam his breaks on and no-one was hurt', on board H.M.S. Hermes,off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of a plane that had ended up in the sea, missing the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Hermes , a line is attached to its tail from a rowing boat, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of a plane being hoisted on board H.M.S. Hermes with a rowing boat to the side, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph of a plane with hoists connected, about to be taken on board H.M.S. Hermes, with to the side, a manned rowing boat helping in the operation, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The correct way a plane should be hoisted aboard', a sea plane on H.M.S. Hermes, off Hong Kong, 1935 - 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Scott and Black's plane, when it refuelled at Kai-Tak Aerodrome, Hong Kong, during their search for a missing German who got lost, while making a bid for the record trip to Australia', n.d., c.1936


Photograph, captioned 'Giving the crate an overhaul', standing next to a plane on board a ship, possibly H.M.S. Hermes, Hong Kong, n.d., c.1936


Photograph, captioned 'The first Imperial Airliner to arrive at Hong Kong, 10 days from England. Also a mail-carrying plane', possibly a de Havilland D.H.86, a four-engined aircraft, March 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The sacred mountain of Japan, Mount Fuji. It is 12,390 feet high, and has a crater of nearly 3 miles in circumference, and over 500 feet deep. The lake in the foreground is Lake Hakone', 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A lovely scene from one of the many parks at Nara, the deer in this park are sacred to the Japanese and are allowed to roam wherever they please', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Kasuga [Taisha] Shrine, which is the entrance to the park above [Nara], note the deer at the gate', Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Sacred Bridge at Nikko, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A street in Motomachi [Kobe] in other words the street of a thousand lanterns, typical Japan', April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Matomachi Theatre and street, composed entirely of theatres, and tube signs, which gives it a marvellous effect at night time', Kobe, Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The largest of Kobe's many theatres which has two 'five hour' performances daily', Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The street of a thousand lanterns, taken at night, note: the effect that the previous rain made', Kobe, Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Inside one of the largest temples for which Japan is noted. The god or image is made of solid bronze, the tapestries and carvings are works of art for which the Japanese are noted', probably Kobe, Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A bronze idol at the entrance to one of the shrines and temples', probably Kobe, Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A group of Japanese beauties in their native dress. They are known as geisha girls and are hired out to dance at society parties', probably Kobe, Japan, April - May 1936


Photograph of a card explaining the story of the long-tailed chicken of Hakone, Japan, n.d., c.1936


Photograph of a long-tailed chicken of Hakone, Japan, n.d., c.1936


Photograph of a long-tailed chicken, on a branch, with a young Japanese girl standing underneath, Hakone, Japan, n.d., c.1936


Photograph of a long-tailed chicken, on a high perch, with a young Japanese girl, standing underneath, Hakone, Japan, n.d., c.1936


Photograph, captioned 'A beautiful scene in a rock garden at Kobe amidst the cherry blossom', Japan, probably 1936


Photograph, taken from a sampan on Lake Chuzenji, Nikko, included is the island of Kozukejima, Japan, probably 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A study in black and white, at twilight on the lake [Chuzenji] at Nikko', Japan, probably 1936


Photograph, captioned 'An open air cafe taken amid the wisteria blossom which is trained on trelliswork overhanging the fish ponds, note: the Holy Bridge, which is a mass of colour during the spring', Japan, probably 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A view of Kagoshima, note: the mount [Sakurajima] in the background which smoulders from volcanic eruptions', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The sea-front at Nagasaki, note: the native boat in the foreground', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'An everyday scene in a street at Nagasaki', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The hills from which the upper photo was taken, note: the designs which were cut out of the brush on the hillside', [one of an anchor], Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Prefectoral Offices, Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Police Station, Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Megane-Bashi, [Spectacles Bridge], a remarkable photo for reflection touches', Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Kajiyamachi-Dori in other words one of the streets of numerous lanterns', Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Kagomachi-Dori, a native street', Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The front of Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Inside the Suwa Shrine', Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Suwa Park surrounding the Shrine', Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the entrance to the Himi Tunnel, Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Sofukuji Temple Gate, Nagasaki, Japan, 1936


Photographs of scenes from the hot springs at Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Looking down into the springs gives one the impression of being above the clouds', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The baths which are used by the people who visit the springs for this reason; these springs are supposed to procure certain medical properties and people travel from all over the world just to bathe in them', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'One of the gods of the hot springs', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Part of the springs at boiling point, note: the bubbles which resemble molten lava', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A huge figure of a Buddha made of solid concrete, it stands at the entrance to the hot springs', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Japanese maidens having a mud bath, this is supposed to cure rheumatism', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Peak Railway at Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the main street at Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Theatre Street in Matomachi, Kobe', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The after effect of an earthquake [1923] which struck Japan', Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Earthquake Memorial Hall from the outside, Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The Earthquake Museum, note: the wrecked tricycle which was found afterwards', Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The gateway to an ancient shrine', Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'The Chosen Shrine', Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the interior of the Earthquake Memorial Hall, Kobe, Japan, 1936


Photograph of the Tokkoin Shrine, Kobe, Japan, c.1936


Photograph, captioned 'A solid concrete Buddha, Beppu', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Some of Beppu's slimy monsters, in one of the parks', Japan, 1936


Photograph, captioned 'Some of the geisha girls having chow, Beppu', 1936


Photograph, captioned 'A group of travelling gypsies, which is a common scene in Japan', Beppu, Japan, 1936


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937 had swept Hong Kong, showing trees uprooted at Happy Valley, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937 had swept Hong Kong, showing a few sheds caught by the gale, Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'A few of the many homes that came to grief in the Wanchami district', Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'One of the fire engines called out to attend a fire, having a rough time in one of the many flooded streets', Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, showing destroyed homes, Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937 showing the remains of one of the piers, waterfront, Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'A fleet of fishing junks which managed to reach the inner harbour with little damage being done', Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'One of the ferry boats submerged after smashed against the pier', Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'A junk swept high and dry on the beach', Hong Kong, September 1937


Photograph taken after the typhoon of 12 September 1937, captioned 'One of the concrete embankments after the storm', Hong Kong, September 1937


Postcard, captioned 'The Strand Beach' (Right) property of U.S.A. residents. The Aquarium is in the left hand corner', Tingtao, China, North East China coastal resort and the naval base for the U.S.A. Pacific Fleet, n.d., 1930s


Postcard of the entrance to the Shrine, Tingtao, China, North China coastal resort and the naval base for the U.S.A. Pacific Fleet, n.d., 1930s


Postcard, captioned 'United States residents buildings in the U.S.A. quarters [Pacific Road] of [Tingtao ( sic )]; China, North China coastal resort and the naval base for the U.S.A. Pacific Fleet, n.d., 1930s


Postcard, captioned 'A road [Hwan Hsein] in the Russian quarters of [Tingtao ( sic )], China, North China coastal resort and naval base for the U.S.A. Pacific Fleet, n.d., 1930s


Photograph, captioned 'Lung Wha Pagoda one of China's artistic buildings seen anywhere in China', Shanghai, c.1937


Photograph of the war memorial on the seafront, Shanghai, China, c.1937


Photograph, captioned 'Inside one of the many temples of China, the idol is a Buddha, note: the marvellous carvings which surround it', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Shanghai's waterfront during the day time', China, 1937


Photograph of Shanghai at night, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Bund or river front', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Taken from the String Gardens', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph of the racecourse, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'An unusual view of Nanking Road', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph of the Nandaimon Gate, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph of the G.P.O., Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Chosen Shrine, built to the memory of Emperor Meiji', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Steps leading up to the Chosen Shrine', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Temple and Altar of Heaven, the most sacred object in all China and is spoken of as The Forbidden City. It is made of solid marble', Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The southern entrance. A magnificent courtyard which was built to represent a 'bow and arrow' being plucked by 4 fingers, outlined in solid marble terraces and bridges', Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The throne of the Summer Palace the most priceless seat in the world, note: how it is roped off to stop visitors from damaging it', Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph of The Great Throne Hall, Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph, captioned, 'The entrance to The Winter Palace: opposite the Marble Bridge is the Great White Pagoda for which the Winter Palace is famous', Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A white marble summer house in the shape of a boat. It stands in one of the lakes in the grounds of the Summer Palace', Peiping [Beijing], China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Great Wall of China which is 2,500 miles in length 20 to 50 feet in height. The base is 20 to 30 feet thick and the top is 12 feet wide. The wall was started in the year 300 B.C. and no-one knows exactly when it was finished', China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the watch towers which are placed at intervals of 150 to 200 yards along the wall', Great Wall of China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The beautiful Koentei Arbour in the Inner Garden and Grounds of the Keifuku-Kyu Palace', near Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph of Shotoku Palace, near Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph of Chinese Pagoda, near Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph of the Banqueting Hall in the Keifuka Palace Grounds, near Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Pagoda Park which was made in the 14th century', near Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Wei-Hai-Wei at sunset for which it is noted', China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The United Services Club at Wei-Hai-Wei during the winter', China, 1937


Photograph of the Royal Navy canteen, Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph of the main road, Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph of the main road, Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'British, American and French men of war, lying at the Naval Anchorage. China Fleet Club and Seamen's Institute are seen on the waterfront at the left', Hong Kong Harbour, 1937


Photograph of Aberdeen, Hong Kong's fishing village, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Chinese burial showing method of carrying the coffin', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph of a snake charmer in the street, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph of Happy Valley Racecourse and Sports Ground, with ships in the distance, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Chinese family having chow', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The charmer gathers his audience', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A Mohamedan Temple', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the numerous Chinese temples seen at Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'After the catch: the hunters with a 12 foot python, it was caught while sleeping off the effects of a hearty meal', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The same python after being skinned, note: the hearty meal, a whole deer which came out of the inside', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A fishing village on the tropical shores of Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A Malayan leopard in the jungle, note: how its skin mingles with the undergrowth', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A native woman emptying one of the cups, note: how the [rubber] tree is cut', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Natives gathering rubber in the rubber plantations at Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A typical native village on the outskirts of Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A village amid the coconut palms, note: how all the nuts are built on piles', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Twilight on the shores of a tropical island', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Twilight in the tropics', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'In one of the parks on the outskirts of Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Government houses of the Federated Malayan States', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Mohamed Ali Temple at Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the G.P.O. building, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Capitol Theatre, note: the two extremes in transport, first the ox-drawn cart, second, the traffic lights and crossings and cars', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'St. Andrews Cathedral which is the only English church in Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Raffles Monument which was erected in memory of the founder of Singapore', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of Raffles Monument from the rear, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Raffles Square which is the private parking place', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Singapore Harbour with the G.P.O. on the right', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The seafront with the G.P.O. on the right', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Junk harbour', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Washing day or so it seems, but this is a typical everyday scene', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The floating dock undergoing repairs and painting', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the floating dock, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of Raffles Square, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the floating dock, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Junk harbour from the opposite end', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The method of tapping a tree for rubber', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A native of the plantation', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A main road through the plantation', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A native woman cutting bananas', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A native beauty of the South Sea Islands', c. 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The way pineapples grow', Malaysia, c.1937


Photograph, captioned 'Fan palm grove', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A close up of one of the fan palm', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of Raffles Post Office, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the entrance to Hindo Temple, Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Deer in the Rajah of Johore's Zoological Gardens', Singapore, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the main street, Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the exterior of the General Hospital, Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A chink with his wares which he carries around on his shoulders', Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the Signal Tower, overlooking the Harbour, Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the General Post Office, on the right, Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the piers with the signal tower and fort in the background', Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The city park or in other words the fun fair', Malacca, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of Penang Harbour, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the entrance to the Snake Temple, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The altar inside the Temple of Snakes, note: the live snakes coiled around the trees', Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the entrance to the Botanical Garden, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the reservoir in the Botanical Garden, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Postcard with photograph of Buddha, New Pagoda, Ayer Itam Temple, Penang, Malaysia, c.1937


Photograph of a Chinese temple in Pitt Street, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the plant house in the Botanical Garden, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of an entrance to the Ayer Itam Temple, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the entrance to the Ayer Itam Temple, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the Business Sea Front, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the Victoria Shipping Pier, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the exterior of the Supreme Court, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph of the Esplanade and Municipal building, Penang, Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The fishing village of Tanjong Tokong on the outskirts of Penang', Malaysia, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A lovely scene of the Legaspi Landing Stage', Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph of the Pier Road, Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Santa Ana cabaret, the largest dance hall in the world. They have 500 dancing hostess' on their paybooks, note: the band at the far end', Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph of the G.P.O. from the river, Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The local transport used by the natives', Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph of the front entrance to the G.P.O., Manila, Phillipines, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Delight , half leader', off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Diamond , lying a smoke screen', off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Daring doing her stuff', off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Note how the smoke clings to the water', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Doing our share towards the screen', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'In the thick of it', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight , off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Just leaving the screen, note: the boat on the left just emerging out of it', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Hands on the upper deck, during a gas attack', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Looking down upon the bridge and fo'csle, note: the spray washing over the bows', on board ship, H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Hands at action stations, the gun's crew closed up ready to reload', on board H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Hands at action stations, 'Y' Gun's crew caught on the point of reloading', on board H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'How the target looks after the days firing', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photographs, captioned 'Two remarkable close-up snaps of the shell-sprinkled target', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A tin fish, or torpedo, just caught leaving the tubes', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the tin fish just before it entered the water', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Hard over to starboard during high speed manoeuvres', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'How the slew looked from the stern', taken from H.M.S. Delight, off Wei-Hai-Wei, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Illuminations of the Combined Forces Tattoo, taken on the Racecourse on the night of the coronation', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Massed Band of Royal Marines, selected from ships of the China Fleet', Combined Forces Tattoo, Racecourse, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Naval Dockyard at Night', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank during the preparations', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank when finished', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'As it [Naval Dockyard] looked during the daytime', Hong Kong, 1937


Photographs, captioned 'A few of the buildings on Coronation night, at Hong Kong', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Harbour Front with the Star Ferries Pier on the right', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The China Fleet Club Seamen's' Institute taken from Royal Naval Dockyard', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Sergeants' Mess of the Seaforth Highlanders at Murray Barracks', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Hong Kong from the Harbour, note: the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Eagle, outlined with electric lights', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A scene in the Chinese Quarters during the procession', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A human dragon which was the main feature of the afternoon', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Decorated motor vans and banner bearers, note: the crowds on the sidewalks with umbrellas as sun shades', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A few of the motor tableaus, like one sees at an English carnival', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph of Hong Kong hit by a typhoon, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A few of the ships off Queens Pier', after a typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The remains of a hut on the quay', after a typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned, 'The remains of Douglas Pier', after a typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Another of wrecked piers', after a typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photographs of S.S. Asama Marn which was washed up on the rocks, after a typhoon; it belonged to the NYK [Nippon Yusen Kaisha] line, Japan, off Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The S.S. Victoria , belonging to an Italian Line, which was swept aground in shallow water, and was refloated, a fortnight after the mishap [typhoon] after the stores and tanks had been taken off', Hong Kong, 1937


Photographs, captioned 'No! this is not the dockyard slips, but it's the way the Ann Lee was left after being caught in the typhoon', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the B. & S. Line, S.S. Talamba , British which was caught just outside Hong Kong Harbour, as they were trying to reach shelter' [typhoon], Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Another ship smashed [typhoon] upon the beach within sight of the safety of the harbour', Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'This ship was not hauled ashore, as one may imagine, it was left behind after the storm [typhoon], Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The S.S. Hong Ping damaged and still afloat', after typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The [S.S. ] Hong Ping looking from the stern, note: the stern lines out to keep it steady', after typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The S.S. Ham Hai aground in shallow water', after typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'S.S. Tymeric a British merchant packet high and dry stern first', after a typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'An old hulk which broke its moorings and finished up high and dry which is the right place for it', after typhoon, Hong Kong, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Delight , leaving [S.S. Empress of Asia] after embarking Welsh Fusiliers for Shanghai War Zone', Woo-Sung Flats, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Two roses between the thorns', aboard S.S. Empress of Asia, Wood-Sung Flats, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph of Royal Welsh Fusiliers transferring from S.S. Empress of India to H.M.S. Delight, Woo-Sung Flats, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Disembarking refugees from the war zone, Shanghai', from S.S. Empress of Asia to H.M.S. Delight , Woo-Sung Flats, Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A bit of loppy weather before entering the river, note: the soldiers [Royal Welsh Fusiliers] lying about the deck', off Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'H.M.S. Duchess returning to the city after evacuating refugees', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'The Japanese flagship Idzuma anchored on the Bund, Shanghai', used to bombard Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of their [Japanese] gunboats anchored along the river', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A Japanese destroyer compare the British with these', used to bombard Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'A modern cruiser and destroyer lying near the Japanese wharf which was later burned to the ground', used to bombard Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of their [Japanese] modern destroyers', used to bombard Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Another of their [Japanese] obsolete cruisers', used to bombard Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'This blaze marks the end of one of the gas companies', Singapore, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'This was an oil tank', Singapore, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Just a few of the ghastly street scenes after the [Japanese] air raids at Shanghai, China, 1937


Photographs, captioned 'A few more of the grim scenes caused by [Japanese] air raids, note: the grim tasks of the police and military forces who had to separate the injured from the dead', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the many Chinese villages on the banks of the Whampoo River, which were destroyed by fires caused by exploding bombs from [Japanese] aircraft', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Wharf owned by Japanese firm, note: gunboats alongside', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'Pootung Village at the mouth of the Whampoo River, was the first Chinese village to be deserted', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photograph, captioned 'One of the mills where Chinese troops took refuge, note: the shell holes in the walls and roof, from the Japanese boats on the river', Shanghai, China, 1937


Photographs, captioned 'Snaps of the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt', c.1937


Photograph of a map with the movements of H.M.S. Delight , 15 December 1935 - 6 May 1938


Photograph, captioned 'A close up of the Great Wall of China', c.1937
(1 volume, cloth bound)

Receipts for souvenirs (Ref: D/X 1510/3-9,16)

Receipt for one damascene necklace purchased by J.C. Armstrong, H.M.S. Delight, in Hong Kong, 2 February 1936
(1 paper)


Receipts from Greenburgh Bros., Naval and Civilian Tailors and Outfitters, Portsmouth, to J.C. Armstrong, 1 March 1934 - 10 December 1936
(11 papers)


Receipt for one dressing set with postage balance, purchased by J.C. Armstrong, H.M.S. Delight, in Hong Kong, 28 March 1936
(1 paper)


Receipt for one tea set [purchased by J.C. Armstrong] in Kobe, Japan, 2 May 1936
(1 paper)


Receipt for a coffee set, purchased by J.C. Armstrong [H.M.S. Heron ] in Hong Kong, 30 May 1936
(1 paper)


Receipt for one coffee set, purchased by J.C. Armstrong, H.M.S. Delight , in Hong Kong, 3 October 1936
(1 paper)


Receipt for one stirling cigarette case, purchased by J.C. Armstrong, H.M.S. Delight, in Hong Kong, 31 October 1936
(1 paper)


Receipt for a tea set, sent from Kobe, Japan, by Stoker J.C. Armstrong, to his wife Mrs. J.W. Armstrong, 4 Gladstone Street, Lemington-on-Tyne, Northumberland, 2 June 1938
(1 paper)

Station card (Ref: D/X 1510/10)

Station card issued by the Royal Naval Barracks for Stoker John C. Armstrong, n.d., c. 1937
(1 booklet, cloth-backed)

Records concerning the death of J.C. Armstrong (Ref: D/X 1510/11-14,17-25)

Post Office telegram, with envelope, sent to Mrs. Lydia Armstrong, 29 Cook Street, Chester-le-Street, reporting that her husband, John C. Armstrong, Leading Stoker PK/X 84345 is missing, presumed killed on war service, by Commodore, Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, Hampshire, 26 May 1941
(2 papers)


Letter from Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, to Mrs. L. Armstrong, 29 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street, confirming that her husband, Leading Stoker John C. Armstrong, P/KX 84345 has been reported missing, presumed killed, while on war service, 30 May 1941
(1 paper)


Certificate of the Inspector of Seamen's Wills, ref: D.N.A. - Wills 4988/1941, Bath, Somerset: an application by Mrs. Lydia Richmond Armstrong, 29 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street (now residing at 36 Ramsey Street, Chester-le-Street) for the effects of her husband, the late John Cyril Armstrong, died 24 May 1941, Leading Stoker, Royal Navy, O.N. P/KX 84345, 21 April 1942
(1 paper)


Letter accompanying an Inspector's Certificate in the case of John Cyril Armstrong, from the Admiralty, D.N.A. (Wills), Bath, Somerset, sent to Mrs. L.R. Armstrong, 2 October 1951
(1 paper)


Certificate of the death of John Cyril Armstrong, leading stoker, P/KX 84345 Royal Navy, late of H.M.S. Hood, sent from the Director of Navy Accounts (Branch 3), Admiralty, Bath, 4 July 1941
(1 paper)


Covering letter, sent with D/X 1510/17, to Mrs. L.R. Armstrong, from T.J. Winnall, Director of Navy Accounts, (Branch 3), Admiralty, Bath, 4 July 1941
(1 paper)


Envelope, which probably held D/X 1510/17 and D/X 1510/18, addressed to Mrs. L.R. Armstrong, 29 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, postmarked 5 July 1941 and 8 July 1941,
(1 paper)


Card with information from the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, n.d. [1941]
(1 card)


Letter from King George VI, Buckingham Palace, London, to Mrs. Lydia Armstrong, expressing sympathy [on the death of her husband], 15 August 1941
(1 paper)


Envelope, addressed to Mrs. Lydia Armstrong, 29 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, which probably contained D/X 1510/21, postmarked 15 August 1941
(1 paper)


Letter to Mrs. L.R. Armstrong, 29 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street, from the Ministry of Pensions, informing her of an increase to her pension, 4 November 1941
(1 paper)


Certificate of the service of John Cyril Armstrong, P/KX 34345, in the Royal Navy, which lists the names of the ships in which he served: H.M.S. Victory, H.M.S. Curacao, H.M.S. Tamar II (Delight), H.M.S. Dolphin, H.M.S. Caledonia, M.T.E. Rosyth, H.M.S. Lynx, H.M.S. Hood, 12 June 1934 - 24 May 1941
(1 cloth)


Letter, addressed to Mrs. L. Armstrong, 32 Ramsay Street, Chester-le-Street, from her daughter, Mary, while on a visit to London, postmarked 4 August 1953
(1 paper)

Diary of a voyage from London to Egypt (Ref: D/X 1510/15)

Diary kept by an unidentified individual, describing a journey to Egypt, on the S.S. Arabia from Tilbury Docks, with stops at Gibraltar and Marseilles, France, and landing at Port Said, Egypt; describing the surrounding area and visits to, among others, the Pyramids and the Sphinx; describing the voyage home on the S.S. Egypt to Plymouth, England, via Brindisi, Italy; Marseilles, France; September 1908 - June 1909 The diary describes the conditions of life for the local population and for British travellers and, at the end, lists phrases in Arabic and Egyptian with their English equivalents.
(1 volume, cloth bound)