Hello everyone, I’m hoping you can help me. My Great Uncle served in WW2 with the Royal Marines. Limited conversation with my late Nanna tells me that he was likely on board the HMS Prince of Wales when it tragically sunk. I believe that there may also have been a sighting of him at HMS Sultan but I guess like most people, the info I have is very limited. I’ve always felt very strongly connected to my Great Uncle and I’m desperate to know more. His name was Ernest Gee (Ernie). He had a Sister Lillian who married William (Bill Ashcroft) and he was born in Wigan/Billinge Lancashire. I’ve sourced records of someone I think may be him but I’m desperate for any more info I can find. I’m in the process of requesting his records but reading through other posts here tells me that people can often find and share some really useful things. Here are the details of the person I think could be my Ernie: GEE, Ernest, Able Seaman, D/JX 221179, Sultan, 16 February 1942, Singapore evacuation, MPK ex crew of HMS Prince of Wales and likely died defending or escaping HMS Sultan. He has a memorial at Plymouth panel 101, column 2. THANK YOU in advance for any help you can give. Charlotte
HMS Sultan was the shore base for the RN in Singapore and is where the survivors from the Prince of Wales and Repulse went. AB Ernest Gee is listed as a survivor from the Prince of Wales, however this person is an Able Seaman not a Royal Marine. Date of death of 16 Feb 42 suggests an attempted escape from Singapore by boat. Many attempting this were sunk in the process. Tim
Thanks Tim. if I request this persons record will I likely obtain other info that will help me to confirm that it’s my Great Uncle. For example, just even place of birth would help I think. My military knowledge is poor at the moment but I’m trying to improve! My apologies, I think I meant Royal Navy, not Marine. I’m assuming that Able Seaman is a recognised rank in the Royal Navy? Genuine apologies for the lack of knowledge at this point in my process. THANK YOU.
If those details you gave are correct, then his death is recorded in the British Army & Navy, BMD register below. Date of birth 20 November 1917. Cause of death (number 2.) is given as "Missing - death on War Service presumed" Paul
No problem. We all have to start somewhere and I'm sure you're more knowledgeable on subjects about which I know nothing. The info that will be supplied with RN Service Records is unlikely to help you. From Paul's Post #4 it shows this man was born in Wigan and gives his date of birth. Ancestry or Find My Past is probably the next step to check that he had a sister Lillian, but I think you're on the right track. Able Seaman is a recognised rate in the RN falling between Ordinary Seaman and Leading Seaman. Tim
Paul, thank you. I really think that this could be him. Thank you this means a lot to me. if I request his records, am I likely to get much more information? I’d love a picture but from what I understand it’s doubtful I’ll ever find one. Thank you again
This is a good site with memoirs of Ralph Robson, a Prince of Wales crew member, who was temporarily on HMS Repulse when it was sunk & it describes what happened when the survivors of both ships landed in Singapore. Ralph's Story - World War 2 - Royal Navy Prince of Wales and Repulse