I am researching my father, Frederick Reardon, Royal Naval service; he was a Thames Lighterman and was a member of the crew of the “Woolwich Ferry” pre-WW2 until March 1943 when he reported to HMS Glendower which I assume was a Transit Base as he was only there 2-days, from there he was sent to HMS Dinosaur for 6-months presumably for Basic Training (was issued with Army Battle Dress, brown boots and Naval Caps & Collar) then for the rest of his service, 2-years 6-months, he was listed at/on HMS Copra and was discharged from HMS Rosyth in March 1946.
I think he was on LCT’s and/or Barges and was with the Canadians and Americans, (seemed to have spent some time in “Port Sunlight” prior to D-Day) his Flotilla arrived in support on D-Day + 3 and was sunk off one of the beaches by a mine or shell, was allocated another vessel that was swamped and beached in the “great storm”. I think he later ended up on shore and harbour parties in and around Arramanches and Cherbourg until late 1945 when issued with Tropical Kit and was scheduled for Japan until Paid Off in March 1946. Therefore does anybody know what and where were HMS Glendower, Dinosaur and Copra? How do I find out what flotilla or vessels he served in as his Service Record does not show them, just HMS Copra?

GLENDOWER - training establishment at Pwllheli

DINOSAUR - combined operations base at Troon (used the Golf club)

COPRA - was the 'parent' organisation for the crews of landing craft; the offices were actually located in Chelsea Court, London, SW7...with 'outposts' at Southend and Largs. It looked after the pay, drafting etc. for the men assigned to landing craft. See: http://www.combinedops.com/COPRA.htm

It may well be very difficult to track down exactly which craft your father served on, as I believe there was poor recording of individual men and craft.

Have a look at this site:
http://www.combinedops.com/index.htm