I recently visited the far north of Scotland and near Durness, in the Cape Wrath area found a Commonwealth War Grave at Balnakeil Church yard.The name on the headstone was as above, with the date of death given as 27th Feb 1943. The seamans number was P/323996 and he was19 years old.I thought that perhaps he was a local lad who was buried near his home but from CWG info his parents were from Surrey.Wished I had taken photo but am left speculating if LCTs were in the area practicing beach landings on some of the sandy beaches of the north.
If you Google LCT training it would appear there was training in Scotland The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project :: View topic - Sutherland's Second World War Dead A-L LCT.363 JONES, Peter H, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 329996, died Royal Navy casualties, killed and died, February 1943 JONES, PETER H. Rank: Ordinary Seaman Service No: P/JX 329996 Date of Death: 27/02/1943 Age: 19 Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M.L.C.T. 363 Grave Reference: Cemetery: DURNESS OLD CHURCHYARD Additional Information: Son of Henry and Hilda Jones, of Norbury, Surrey.
Hi, LCT 363 was a Mark 3 LCT. At that time she was probably fitted with anti-torpedo nets and used as close protection for warships at Scapa Flow. She came under the command of Orkenys and Shetland Command, Scapa. Special Service (Under A.C.O.S) and was part of 6th LCT Flotilla. State “C”. Scapa. Administered by B.D.O. Lyness State “C” - Craft unfit for operations but fit for training or administrative use only. A.C.O.S. - Admiral Commanding Orkney and Shetlands B.D.O. - Boom Defence Office. The IWM website has a few photos online showing a LCT Mk 5 fitted out for this role. A 20919, Admiral Sir Lionel Wells and Lady Wells with Olga and her keeper, P/O Dowdeswell. Regards Danny
Not a nice way to go - see attached UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 Name: Peter Howard Jones Event: Death Birth Date: 4 Nov 1923 Birth Place: Portsmouth, Hants. Death Date: 27 Feb 1943 Death Age: 19 TD
His death wasn't entered by the Scottish Registrar in the Minor Records (where deaths at sea are normally found) that I can see. I think they still do military exercises at Durness. It's a beautiful area, but remote.
I was up at Durness today and took a photo of the grave. Unfortunately the file is too big to share on here...
