Tuesday 11th March 1941 KEEN, William, Able Seaman, P/JX 174880, killed [SWINDON (RADNOR STREET) CEMETERY] Crewmember of Gate Vessel HMS Rogate, listed as killed today. I believe Portsmouth was subjected to a heavy air raid during the night 10th-11th March so was AB Keen killed ashore or onboard his vessel? Any ideas? Regards, Steve
William Keen (1898-1941) - Find A Grave Memorial ABLE SEAMAN WILLIAM KEEN Service Number: P/JX 174880 Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Navy H.M.S. Rogate Date of Death Died 11 March 1941 Age 43 years old Buried or commemorated at SWINDON (RADNOR STREET) CEMETERY Plot C. Grave 925. United Kingdom Country of ServiceUnited Kingdom Additional InfoSon of Richard and Annie Keen; husband of Violet Keen, of Swindon. Personal Inscription"PEACE, PERFECT PEACE"
Difficult to be sure as HMS ROGATE was one of the first gate vessels to be built on station at Portsmouth Harbour. The ship had been moored on her station since 1938 without entering Portsmouth harbour. His death is noted as Portsmouth, Hants rather than "at sea". But I suppose it depends on your definition of "at sea". Keep an open mind until something more substantial comes along. Regards Hugh
He was my Great Grand Father. He was killed ashore by a delayed time fused bomb the following morning after the bombing raid. He was recalled to service following retirement. Served on almost all the main capital ships including HMS Hood. Notably he was on HMS Warsprit at the battle of Jutland aged 17.
