I think we now have a "close enough" translation. Any corrections from the other site will be posted later.

"Ontvangt" dit klein gedenkenis
Als de boodschapper
Van mijne wenschen

Corrected from "Ontracht"

Receive this small token of remembrance
As the messenger
Of my wishes

Paul.

Another first line could read:_

"Accept this small remembrance"

or

"Accept this small sign of remembrance"

Paul.

Thanks Paul,

Its all so interesting. I have found numerous photos of my late uncle who was on HMS Fitzroy plus a photo of my late father holding a model of the Fitzroy which my uncle made for him (there was 10+ years difference in their age).

All we need to know now is where the photo with the monument was taken and if anyone recognises the chap in the other photo.

If I find any more pics will post them - as I seem to be able to upload or download them fairly easily.

Glad that we were able to get something sorted out with the phrase at least.

Can you see what is actually on the plinth of the monument/statue with a magnifying glass? What can be seen of the buildings in the background makes me think that it is on the Continent somewhere.

Paul.

Sorry Paul, have tried to see what is says but to no avail, have even had my 14yr old son take a look (his eyes are better than mine) but he can't figure it out. All my Mum can remember is that he was in Holland and Belgium and that when he was stationed in Belgium he lived on a farm. I have found three photos of young girls (18/19) and Mum thinks that these are the daughters of the farmer where she stayed.

I have just received this translation:-

Accept this small token of remembrance
As the messenger
Of my wishes

As for HMS Fitzroy, she was sunk after detonating a mine, May 27th 1942. See here:-

http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-22MS-OldHunt-Sutton.htm

If you look at the following site, it gives her Battle Honours:-

http://www.captainclassfrigates.co.uk/honours/bhon.html

HMS Fitzroy was replaced, as far as I can see, by an American built ship of the same name, look here for details:-

http://www.captainclassfrigates.co.uk/ships/buckley.html

Click on her name and it will show you build details.

At least one member of the crew was MID - HOBBS
Charles Aldbrough, LS, HMS Fitzroy (Improved Hunt (Aberdare) Class M/S), 9 Jun 42, MID

Charles Aldbrough, PO, HMS Fitzroy (Improved Hunt (Aberdare) Class M/S), 30 Jul 42, MID

Minesweeping - First MID awarded for bravery, determination and fortitude in important minesweeping operations Orkneys & Shetland Oct 41.

Second MID awarded after ship mined and sunk East Coast 27 May 42.

If you scroll to the bottom of this page:-

http://www.mcdoa.org.uk/ww_ii_awards_for_rn_minesweeping_H.htm

There is an alphabet you can search through.

Good hunting.

Paul.

If you can upload the relevant photographs that my be connected to Belgium, I will have a go on the same site to see if any Belgian members can help.

Paul.

Thanks for all the info Paul will have a look later.

The photo which could be Belgium is the one with the monument, the others I mentioned are of three young girls but nothing else, they are taken in a studio of some sort and simply have their names on the back, these are written in pencil and faded but the best I can read is "Pharailda Virbist - 15 jaar" "Clementina Virbist - 11 jaar" and Louisa Virbist - 17 jaar"

Would it be South African?

On looking up the word "jaar" it turns out to be dutch for year and this would tie in with grandad being in Belgium/Holland.

Thanks for your reply though

If you can, post both sides of the photo. I will move them across to the other site to see if any of the Belgian members can throw any light on the subject.

Paul.

Here goes, it may not come out too well as its written in pencil

I have posted edited images of the plinth and the Div flash to see if they yield any results. Nothing concrete from the name yet, although I have had a couple of replies.

If you can and wish to, post the other side of Pharailda's photo.

Paul.