HMS Pourquoi Pas ?

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by hendrix17, Oct 20, 2018.

  1. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

    Hi,

    I’ve just got my grandfathers navy record back. It notes “HMS Europa” and “HMS Pourquai Pas”. Can anyone tell me more about HMS Pourquai Pas. Seems like a foriegn name.

    Apologies if I’m being stupid , I’ve just started to research Navy related topics.

    Thank you
     
  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I think it might be best for other members if you posted a copy of the queried document.

    You may be reading the entry incorrectly - believe it or not it happens quite frequently:)

    Steve
     
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  3. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

  4. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    "Pourquoi pas" is French for "Why not?"
     
  5. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

    I heard a rumour he was on a minesweeper ship which blew up (he’s brother was on another ship in the fleet and witnessed it). He survived and was found at sea. I’m trying to confirm If there’s any truth in it. I find it unlikely.
     
  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

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  7. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

    124EA616-3876-4518-B2F2-D52DF748AB5E.jpeg

    John Frederick Barker LT/JX330887 1942-46
     
  8. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

    These photographs are all I have regarding his Navy Service. My mum lost contact with him when she was 9 and only new him as Jack Barker.
     
  9. DannyM

    DannyM Member

    Hi,
    Pourquoi Pas was classed as a Motor Fishing Vessel (MFV).

    In May 1944 she was in Portsmouth Command.

    In Service 20/4/42

    Out of service 8/11/45

    Former name was “Andre”. A Belgian fishing boat.

    Regards

    Danny
     
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  10. hendrix17

    hendrix17 Active Member

    Wow. How do you find this information so quickly?!
     
  11. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    Last edited: Oct 21, 2018
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  12. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  13. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Well done TD
     
  14. DannyM

    DannyM Member

    Hi,
    Had another look at docs I have and there were two vessels named “Pourquoi Pas” in service.

    French vessel requisitioned 23/10/40. Out of service 8/11/45

    Belgian vessel requisitioned 20/4/42. Out of service 10/9/46 - Ex “Andre”


    Regards

    Danny
     

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