Hi Everyone, I am trying to find out how/why a Sailor was buried in Dover, Kent, (Joint Grave) when he was either killed on the 29th May 1940 on HMS Jaguar. It seems that the ship was taking part in the evacuation of Dunkirk, so perhaps he was brought back during this, but have you any idea what happened please or any links that would help tell his story. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Able Seaman EDWARDS, EMLYN Service Number D/JX 130124 Died 01/06/1940 H.M.S. Jaguar Royal Navy Son of John H. Edwards and Esther Edwards, of Queensferry, Cheshire. INSCRIPTION - REST IN PEACE Buried at DOVER (ST. JAMES'S) CEMETERY Location: Kent, United Kingdom Number of casualties: 733 Cemetery/memorial reference: Row C. Joint grave 14. Any help would be gratefully received, Kindest regards, Mavis Williams
Best I Can do at the moment. From: HMS Jaguar, destroyer HMS Jaguar 29th May 1940. Deployed with HM Destroyers GRENADE and GALLANT to assess the strength of shore batteries at La Panne. Embarked 370 troops inside harbour at Dunkirk under air attacks and sustained damage when HMS GRENADE, berthed alongside, was hit by bomb and sank. On return passage to Dover came under further air attack and disabled by near miss. Unable to proceed and some troops transferred to another ship which established tow. Restored power and arrived at Dover under own steam. Tim Edited to add: EDWARDS, Emlyn, Able Seaman, D/JX 130124, Jaguar, 29 May 1940, bombing, killed. (From: RN Casualties in WW2 by Name - Ea)
Emlyn Edwards born 13th December 1911 enlisted on his birthday 13th December 1929 ships as document (up until 1939) Kyle
awarded the Greek Cross of Valour for work during the Greek earthquake in 1932 ship HMS Resolution (document ADM 171/61) Kyle
The grave photo shows a deterioration in its condition. Hopefully it has been/will be soon replaced Kyle
I rather think he enlisted 24 May 1927 as a Boy Seaman at HMS Impregnable (Training ship) and then served on the battleship HMS Emperor of India before being eligible to sign on for 12 years on his 18th birthday. Very many congratulations Kyle on finding these documents. Tim
OMG, you all amaze me!!!!! Especially you Kyle, thank you so much for all these documents and the photograph of his gravestone. They will add so much to his story. Amazing! Kind regards, Mavis
Apologies James but what is the TNA Website please? I suppose when you tell me I should know, but just in case??? Many thanks Mavis
Good morning Mavis, Don't kick yourself too hard, we all have to learn. TNA = The National Archives. Discovery | The National Archives Type the reference I gave previously into the search box and you'll see what James has led you to. Tim
Told you! I know I should have known it! It was the "T" that fooled me, I wish I had a penny for every time I have been on the website!! Thanks though for being patient! Kind regards, Mavis
