Hi All, I've just been told a family story about a relative that was blown up on HMS Ajax at the battle of the river plate. Thanks to the veteran's association and the Ajax archivists I've found that's not quite right but that someone with his name did serve on HMS Ajax in 1942. I've done a quick google search and found that HMS Ajax was being refitted for most of 1942 but that on one of the first voyages she was blown up - on the 1st of Jan 1943. I'm guessing this may be the real incident behind the family story. What I'm wondering is where do I go next? I haven't done much research on WW2 and even less on Navy Personnel. Is there a was I can get more information about that incident or confirm he was on board? I don't know anything other than his name - Matthew Beck. Thanks for the help, Michael
Not sure if this helps ........ Losses HMS Ajax 13 December 1939 River Plate action Ajax, light cruiser BASHFORD, Cyril, Corporal, CH/X 959, killed BURRELLS, Albert, Marine, CH/X 1688, killed CLEMENTS, James, Marine, CH/X 654, killed FARLEY, William, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 151605, killed FOLLETT, Harry, Sergeant, CH/X 688, killed FRANCOM, Ernest, Steward, C/LX 21835, killed LAMBARD, William, Marine, CH/X 1663, killed HMS Ajax losses 1 January 1943 Ajax, bombing BENTLEY, John, Stoker 2c, C/KX 151399, MPK BURNS, James K, Stoker Petty Officer, C/KX 80887, MPK DEPLEDGE, Dennis S, Act/Engine Room Artificer 4c, C/MX 76658, MPK MCKENZIE, Benjamin, Stoker 2c, C/KX 153069, MPK MCKINNEY, Colin M, Marine, CH/X 106659, DOW TAYLER, William A, Ty/Stoker Petty Officer, C/KX 78904, MPK YORK, Charles E, Lieutenant (E), MPK Family History - Royal Navy personnel killed and died 1914-2008
You may get some information through contacting people at this website: HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association HMS AJAX EDIT: Just noticed you say you've contacted the veterans's association, which I assume is what I just posted So please ignore my two cents
Thanks a lot for the advice and help. I've just realised I didn't say he survived the war, I'm not sure if the family meant he was on board when it was bombed or if he was on board and wounded. Sorry I should have made that clear at the start. Michael
Hi Shiny, Whoch resources did you end up using to find the Ajax info? Have a pal whose grandad's headstone makes a point of stating that he served on it, thought I would see if I could dig anything up. Thanks
Hi MongoUK, Sorry for the late reply, I didn't get an email alert to say you had commented. I sent an email to the veterans association, the link is in comment 3 above (by Orwell1984) they replied and told me he isn't listed on the crew at the time of the battle but did join them a month or so after. They were very helpful and definitely worth getting in touch if you haven't already. Good luck and sorry again for the late reply. Michael
Michael Looking at this page I dont see a Matthew Beck Royal Navy Casualties - killed and died - in World War 2 by Name - Be BECK, Anthony C, Able Seaman, C/JX 169866, Walney, 8 November 1942, ship loss, killed BECK, Edgar R, Ordnance Artificer 4c, C/MX 54016, Laforey, 30 March 1944, ship loss, MPK BECK, Gordon L, Able Seaman, P/J 100121, Glowworm, 8 April 1940, ship loss, MPK BECK, Harold J, Stoker 1c, C/KX 126703, Niger, 6 July 1942, ship loss, MPK BECK, Harry, Ty/Leading Cook (O), D/MX 69005, Tynedale, 12 December 1943, ship loss, MPK BECK, Harry J, Able Seaman, RFR, P/J 109278 B 183391, Acasta, 8 June 1940, ship loss, MPK BECK, Leonard F, Stoker 1c, C/KX128561, Arethusa, 18 November 1942, torpedoed, killed BECK, Moyle K, Leading Seaman, V/61565 (RCNVR), Trentonian (RCN), 22 February 1945, ship loss, MPK BECK, Noel D, Lance Bombardier, RA, 4693720, 3 Maritime Regt, RA, 24 June 1944, MPK BECK, Norman A, Air Fitter (E), FAA/FX 75656, Glorious, 8 June 1940, ship loss, MPK BECK, Richard A, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 378265, Brontosaurus, 19 June 1943, drowning, killed BECK, Richard E, Leading Seaman, C/JX 133132, Imogen, 16 July 1940, ship loss, MPK BECK, Robert, Marine, P/X 3610, Aurora, 7 May 1940, bombing, killed BECK, Walter R, Able Seaman, RNVR, P/SD/X 1442, Excellent, 7 April 1941, Britannia, DOW Cant find him in here either UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 results for Matthew Beck TD HMS Ajax, British light cruiser, WW2 1 9 4 3 January 1st Damaged by air attacks during escort of coastal convoy and later by 1,000lb bomb during air raid at Bone. Two boiler rooms put out of action and a third damaged. 7th Towed to Gibraltar for temporary repair Would suggest obtaining service records There are some records for a Matthew Beck in the Navy for WW1 but suspect this isnt the same man
This is the link for obtaining the service records.What you get depends on wether he died more than 25 years ago, and/or if you are immediate NOK, are willing to say you are, or can get immediate NOK permission. Be prepared for a long wait at the moment. Request records of deceased service personnel Death certificate/proof of death (and dob) is usually required for those that survived the war. With a little more detail of him many on this forum can usually trace a death cert record.
TD, I believe that the Matthew Beck in question is stated to have SURVIVED, perhaps maybe wounded, or just one of the crew on board at the time.... See Post #4 So it's a Crew List we probably need, for a Beck who joined the ship after the River Plate action...........
I understand that just showing that he isnt listed as died Original post says he was 'blown up' nothing to say he died or survived - service records will show the details TD
For information, Royal Navy ship's do not have crew lists as such that you can go and look up in the archives. Most you will find will be unofficial i.e. those made up by associations and would be subject to omissions. The RN used different ways to account for the crew but his service record should state if he served aboard and and when. Regards Hugh
Hi Shiny, Are you still looking into your inquiries? My Dad was on Ajax at this time. Good info at: HMS Ajax, British light cruiser, WW2 (naval-history.net)