Our Glorious Dead - Research for fundraising book

Ip73 welcome to the forum, the following is what I have been able to find out about Eric Cank, but I am sure that you can add to the personal details as this is still work in progress

In Memory of
Stoker 1st Class ERIC CANK
D/KX 151731, H.M.S. Itchen, Royal Navy
Who died age 28
On 23 September 1943

Son of Walter and Catherine Cank, of Widnes, Lancashire; husband of Margaret Cank, of Widnes.

Remembered with honour
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

It is believed that Eric Cank was born in 1923, although this can be debated on the basis that the CWGC entry relating to Eric, suggests that he was born in 1915. His Parents Walter Crank is believed to have originated from Widnes whilst his Mother Mrs Catherine Crank (nee Cafferty) is thought to have come from the Wigan Area, but settled in Widnes after their marriage in 1910.

Enlisting in the Royal Navy at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, Eric rose to the rank of Stoker 1st Class, eventually serving aboard HMS Itchen, a River Class Frigate (Corvette) built by Fleming & Ferguson Ltd at Paisley, Scotland. Launched on the 28th January 1942, she was 2nd vessel to take the name of Itchen.

In the North Atlantic off the Southern cost of Greenland during the night of the 19th-20th September 1943 the destroyer Escapade was badly damaged following the premature explosion of a hedgehog bomb during an attack on a U-Boast contact near ONS-18, resulting in damage so extensive that she had to return to the United Kingdom. Before the U-boats of group Leuthen were in their final intended positions, U-270 reported her position as ON 202. However, whilst reporting in to U-boat Command, her transmission was intercepted by HMS Lagen using her High Frequency Direction finding equipment (HF/DF). Lagen was then able to pinpoint the exact positon of U 270 and attempted to carry out a depth charge attack. Unfortunately one of the failings of ASDIC was that when within 200 yards of the target contact was lost. This gave the target U-boat an opportunity to evade the attack and escape.

It was during this period, at 0305 hours, at position 57.09N/27.28W, that a GNAT fired by U 270 hit Lagen. Lagen was seriously damaged, having lost her propellers and rudder, along with 30 feet of her stern. Twenty-nine of her crew were also killed during the explosion. This was one of the first major successes of the new German weapon. Gatineau turned to assist in the attack on U 270, which had by now disengaged. GNATS were also fired at Gatineau and HMS Polyanthus by U 402, but fortunately neither vessel was hit. HMS Lagen was eventually towed back to the United Kingdom by the tug Destiny, arriving on the 24th September, but was so badly damaged that she was declared a total loss and scrapped.

Six miles from the convoy U 386 was attacked by a Ventura aircraft of 120 squadron, piloted by Flight Officer J. Moffat. U 238 was driven away from the convoy by the corvette HMS Polyanthus, one of a well-known pair of ships known as the Anthus Sisters, Polyanthus and Dianthus. U 238 then shadowed the corvette for three hours following her back to the convoy, where at 0540 she torpedoed two merchant ships. The Frederick Douglas, commanded by an African American, Adrian Richardson, was hit in the after cargo hold, unfortunately some of the crew panicked and failed to close the engine room hatch and then prematurely launched the lifeboats, all crew were rescued. It's possible if these men had remained on board, like their Captain, the ship may have been saved. She then remained afloat until torpedoed a second time by U 645 late in the evening ESE of Cape Farewell (57.03N/28.08W). The second ship the Theodore Dwight Weld (57.03N/28.08W), sank straight away taking 33 crew with her. Both were Liberty ships of 7176 tones, both vessels were in ballast. Survivors of the Frederick Douglas were picked by be the rescue ship Rathlin.

In an attempt to simplify operations the orders was given at noon (by Admiral Max Horton, commanding Officer Western Approaches, based in Liverpool), for both convoys to join, Commander M.J.Evans, RN aboard HMS Kepple, being placed in overall command. His task of combining the two convoys was made more difficult when Kepple obtained an ASDIC contact and sighted the periscope of U 386 close off her starboard side. After carrying out four depth-charge attacks, Commander Evans ordered the French crewed corvette Roselys to carry on with the attack, allowing Commander Evans to concentrate on the difficult task of combining the convoys. U 386 sustained damage during the attacks. The difficulties of combining both groups of ships was also made more difficult by false radio messages sent out by U-boat radio operators along with general heckling. The manoeuvre eventually being completed just before darkness fell. Commander Evans later recorded that "the two convoys had gyrated majestically around the ocean, never appearing to get much closer to each other, and watched appreciatively by a growing swarm of U-boats."

During the afternoon the 9th Escort Group arrived to reinforce the convoy escorts. After midnight fierce fighting ensued astern of the convoys in the area where the two groups had met. It was during this fighting, whilst investigating a reported U-boat sighting, that U 305 torpedoed HMCS St. Croix at 1756 hrs (57.00N/31.10W). Despite developing a heavy list St Croix remained afloat enabling an orderly evacuation to be carried out. Then at 1956 she was struck by a second torpedo, also fired by U 305. There was a massive explosion and the ship sunk within three minutes. Her Commanding Officer A.H.Dobson, who after the first torpedo had struck had sent the message "Am leaving the Office", and many of her crew went down with her. Although in the vicinity HMS Itchen was unable to pick up survivors as she had to continue with the search for the U-boat. Between the two attacks on St. Croix, U 305 had also fired a torpedo at HMS Itchen, however it exploded in the ships wake causing no significant damage. Due to HMS Itchen being involved in thh search for U 305, HMS Polyanthus was ordered to the area to carry out a search for survivors in her place. However, she never reached the area, at 2236 she was struck by a GNAT fired by U952. Of the crew, 7 officers and 77 ratings were lost, including the commanding officer Lieutenant Aitken, R.N.R. The number of survivors is unclear, one source suggesting five, another reports that HMS Itchen only picked up one crewmember from Polyanthus. Itchen also picked up 5 officers and 75 ratings from St. Croix, who by the time of their rescue had been in the water for 14 hours. U-229 made an unsuccessful attack on HMS Icarus.

At 1050 hrs a Liberator of 120 squadron (FAM917), piloted by F.L.JK Moffatt, DSC, sighted U338 on the surface at a distance of five miles. Moffatt attacked with cannon and depth charges, all of which undershot. U338 signalled to other U boats in the areas "remaining on surface to repel aircraft", but received no assistance and Moffatt was able to continue with his attack using machine guns. At 1112 hrs the U boat submerged and Moffatt attacked again, this time using the new Mk 24 mine. In reality this was a new homing torpedo (FIDO), but was referred to as a mine for security reasons. Moffatt also called for assistance from the Corvette Drumheller, which also carried out a depth charge attack. However is is likely that U338 had already been sunk by Fido. Following the Drumheller attack the Liberator returned to the convoy and continued with its patrol before returning to Reykjavik at 2020hrs. There were no survivors from the 51 crew of U338.

From 2100 hrs onwards until 0600 the following morning there was almost constant U Boat activity. During which U305 carried out an unsuccessful attack on HMS Itchen and U229 also attacked but missed an unidentified vessel, and U645 carried out an unsuccessful attack on HMCS Gatineau. However, all attacks were driven off with two U
Boats being damaged by gunfire and one by depth charges. An attack on an unidentified vessel by U260 failed due to a dud torpedo.

Having survived the attacks of the 19th-20th September on the 23rd September 1943 HMS Itchen was hit by a torpedo from a U-boat whilst still on convoy duties. During the attack the frigates forward magazine blew up and 227 men, including 81 survivors the Itchen had rescued from HMS Polyanthus and the Canadian destroyer HMCS St. Croix, went down with HMS Itchen.

There were only 3 survivors from this attack, 2 from Itchen and one from Canadian vessel. Stoker 1st Class Eric Cank perished with his ship, and having been lost at see has no known Grave. He is remembered with Honour at the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

 

Cancelled, wrong thread

 

Ip73 welcome to the forum, the following is what I have been able to find out about Eric Cank, but I am sure that you can add to the personal details as this is still work in progress

In Memory of
Stoker 1st Class ERIC CANK
D/KX 151731, H.M.S. Itchen, Royal Navy
Who died age 28
On 23 September 1943

Son of Walter and Catherine Cank, of Widnes, Lancashire; husband of Margaret Cank, of Widnes.

Remembered with honour
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

It is believed that Eric Cank was born in 1923, although this can be debated on the basis that the CWGC entry relating to Eric, suggests that he was born in 1915. His Parents Walter Crank is believed to have originated from Widnes whilst his Mother Mrs Catherine Crank (nee Cafferty) is thought to have come from the Wigan Area, but settled in Widnes after their marriage in 1910.

Enlisting in the Royal Navy at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, Eric rose to the rank of Stoker 1st Class, eventually serving aboard HMS Itchen, a River Class Frigate (Corvette) built by Fleming & Ferguson Ltd at Paisley, Scotland. Launched on the 28th January 1942, she was 2nd vessel to take the name of Itchen.

In the North Atlantic off the Southern cost of Greenland during the night of the 19th-20th September 1943 the destroyer Escapade was badly damaged following the premature explosion of a hedgehog bomb during an attack on a U-Boast contact near ONS-18, resulting in damage so extensive that she had to return to the United Kingdom. Before the U-boats of group Leuthen were in their final intended positions, U-270 reported her position as ON 202. However, whilst reporting in to U-boat Command, her transmission was intercepted by HMS Lagen using her High Frequency Direction finding equipment (HF/DF). Lagen was then able to pinpoint the exact positon of U 270 and attempted to carry out a depth charge attack. Unfortunately one of the failings of ASDIC was that when within 200 yards of the target contact was lost. This gave the target U-boat an opportunity to evade the attack and escape.

It was during this period, at 0305 hours, at position 57.09N/27.28W, that a GNAT fired by U 270 hit Lagen. Lagen was seriously damaged, having lost her propellers and rudder, along with 30 feet of her stern. Twenty-nine of her crew were also killed during the explosion. This was one of the first major successes of the new German weapon. Gatineau turned to assist in the attack on U 270, which had by now disengaged. GNATS were also fired at Gatineau and HMS Polyanthus by U 402, but fortunately neither vessel was hit. HMS Lagen was eventually towed back to the United Kingdom by the tug Destiny, arriving on the 24th September, but was so badly damaged that she was declared a total loss and scrapped.

Six miles from the convoy U 386 was attacked by a Ventura aircraft of 120 squadron, piloted by Flight Officer J. Moffat. U 238 was driven away from the convoy by the corvette HMS Polyanthus, one of a well-known pair of ships known as the Anthus Sisters, Polyanthus and Dianthus. U 238 then shadowed the corvette for three hours following her back to the convoy, where at 0540 she torpedoed two merchant ships. The Frederick Douglas, commanded by an African American, Adrian Richardson, was hit in the after cargo hold, unfortunately some of the crew panicked and failed to close the engine room hatch and then prematurely launched the lifeboats, all crew were rescued. It's possible if these men had remained on board, like their Captain, the ship may have been saved. She then remained afloat until torpedoed a second time by U 645 late in the evening ESE of Cape Farewell (57.03N/28.08W). The second ship the Theodore Dwight Weld (57.03N/28.08W), sank straight away taking 33 crew with her. Both were Liberty ships of 7176 tones, both vessels were in ballast. Survivors of the Frederick Douglas were picked by be the rescue ship Rathlin.

In an attempt to simplify operations the orders was given at noon (by Admiral Max Horton, commanding Officer Western Approaches, based in Liverpool), for both convoys to join, Commander M.J.Evans, RN aboard HMS Kepple, being placed in overall command. His task of combining the two convoys was made more difficult when Kepple obtained an ASDIC contact and sighted the periscope of U 386 close off her starboard side. After carrying out four depth-charge attacks, Commander Evans ordered the French crewed corvette Roselys to carry on with the attack, allowing Commander Evans to concentrate on the difficult task of combining the convoys. U 386 sustained damage during the attacks. The difficulties of combining both groups of ships was also made more difficult by false radio messages sent out by U-boat radio operators along with general heckling. The manoeuvre eventually being completed just before darkness fell. Commander Evans later recorded that "the two convoys had gyrated majestically around the ocean, never appearing to get much closer to each other, and watched appreciatively by a growing swarm of U-boats."

During the afternoon the 9th Escort Group arrived to reinforce the convoy escorts. After midnight fierce fighting ensued astern of the convoys in the area where the two groups had met. It was during this fighting, whilst investigating a reported U-boat sighting, that U 305 torpedoed HMCS St. Croix at 1756 hrs (57.00N/31.10W). Despite developing a heavy list St Croix remained afloat enabling an orderly evacuation to be carried out. Then at 1956 she was struck by a second torpedo, also fired by U 305. There was a massive explosion and the ship sunk within three minutes. Her Commanding Officer A.H.Dobson, who after the first torpedo had struck had sent the message "Am leaving the Office", and many of her crew went down with her. Although in the vicinity HMS Itchen was unable to pick up survivors as she had to continue with the search for the U-boat. Between the two attacks on St. Croix, U 305 had also fired a torpedo at HMS Itchen, however it exploded in the ships wake causing no significant damage. Due to HMS Itchen being involved in thh search for U 305, HMS Polyanthus was ordered to the area to carry out a search for survivors in her place. However, she never reached the area, at 2236 she was struck by a GNAT fired by U952. Of the crew, 7 officers and 77 ratings were lost, including the commanding officer Lieutenant Aitken, R.N.R. The number of survivors is unclear, one source suggesting five, another reports that HMS Itchen only picked up one crewmember from Polyanthus. Itchen also picked up 5 officers and 75 ratings from St. Croix, who by the time of their rescue had been in the water for 14 hours. U-229 made an unsuccessful attack on HMS Icarus.

At 1050 hrs a Liberator of 120 squadron (FAM917), piloted by F.L.JK Moffatt, DSC, sighted U338 on the surface at a distance of five miles. Moffatt attacked with cannon and depth charges, all of which undershot. U338 signalled to other U boats in the areas "remaining on surface to repel aircraft", but received no assistance and Moffatt was able to continue with his attack using machine guns. At 1112 hrs the U boat submerged and Moffatt attacked again, this time using the new Mk 24 mine. In reality this was a new homing torpedo (FIDO), but was referred to as a mine for security reasons. Moffatt also called for assistance from the Corvette Drumheller, which also carried out a depth charge attack. However is is likely that U338 had already been sunk by Fido. Following the Drumheller attack the Liberator returned to the convoy and continued with its patrol before returning to Reykjavik at 2020hrs. There were no survivors from the 51 crew of U338.

From 2100 hrs onwards until 0600 the following morning there was almost constant U Boat activity. During which U305 carried out an unsuccessful attack on HMS Itchen and U229 also attacked but missed an unidentified vessel, and U645 carried out an unsuccessful attack on HMCS Gatineau. However, all attacks were driven off with two U
Boats being damaged by gunfire and one by depth charges. An attack on an unidentified vessel by U260 failed due to a dud torpedo.

Having survived the attacks of the 19th-20th September on the 23rd September 1943 HMS Itchen was hit by a torpedo from a U-boat whilst still on convoy duties. During the attack the frigates forward magazine blew up and 227 men, including 81 survivors the Itchen had rescued from HMS Polyanthus and the Canadian destroyer HMCS St. Croix, went down with HMS Itchen.

There were only 3 survivors from this attack, 2 from Itchen and one from Canadian vessel. Stoker 1st Class Eric Cank perished with his ship, and having been lost at see has no known Grave. He is remembered with Honour at the Plymouth Naval Memorial.



Dear englandphil

Eric Cank was my maternal grandfather and all the information you have above is correct. The number of the U-boat that sunk the Itchen was unfortunately '666'. It is also true that his age is incorrect on the Plymouth Naval Memorial - he was 20 when he was killed, not 28. I have written to the Naval Records office to try and sort this out.

If you wish to discuss the matter further, please PM me.

Thanks,

chippy75

 

Hi
I've just come across your forum by googling my Grandfathers name. This is him:

ERIC CANK Stocker 1st Class D/KX 151731 Royal Navy H.M.S. Itchen, 23rd September 1943 PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Panel 82, Column 1

He was a stoker not a stocker!

I never got to meet him as he was killed a few months before my Mum was born leaving my Gran to bring her up by herself.
We've tried a few times in the past to research his naval history but have never got very far. Its fantastic to see his name listed but was wondering would anyone have any info/pictures etc about him or the ship he was on?

Thanks

Aah, I see my sister has laready been on just before me! englandphil - Please let us know if you want any further information!

 

Englandphil,

Thought you maybe interested in the following regarding four Widnes men who were actually Merchant Seamen, but are recorded on the civilian register.

Hopper Barge "D". 262grt (William Cooper & Sons Ltd) On the River Mersey loaded with a cargo of sand at the Eastham Channel the barge left her anchorage at 23.30 hours on the 15th January 1945 and had been heading for the West Bank Dock, Widnes. The barge never arrived. An extensive search was made and wreckage was eventually discovered three days later just over a mile from the Eastham pumping chimney. The wreck damage was found to be consistent of that from an external explosion. The Head Dock Gateman at Eastham informed the inquiry about midnight on the 15th January he had been awakened by an explosion. The final conclusion was that the barge had been sunk by an external explosion, probably that of a relic of the blitz three years earlier. The explosion theory was later substantiated when the body of the Chief Mate was found the following month and the Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from asphyxia, shock and multiple injuries following an external explosion" The body of the young boy rating was also discovered some considerable time later.

BOOTH, Boy Rating, ERIC. Hopper Barge "D". (Merchant Navy) 16th January 1945. Age 16. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Edgar Booth, of 105 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes, Lancashire.

BRENNAN, Fireman, MICHAEL. Hopper Barge "D". (Merchant Navy) 16th January 1945. Age 40. Husband of Mary I. Brennan, of 235 Upper Mann Street, Liverpool 8.

LEE, Master, RICHARD. Hopper Barge "D" (Merchant Navy). 16th February 1945. Age 48. Son of the late Capt. William Shaw Lee; husband of Alice Lee, of 118 Mersey Road, Widnes. on the River Mersey.


MURRAY, Chief Mate ROBERT. Hopper Barge "D" Merchant Navy. 16th January 1945. Age 54 of 28 White Street, Widnes. Body found at foreshore, Speke, opposite the airport 25th February 1945.

ROWE, Chief Engineer, ALBERT. Hopper Barge "D" Merchant Navy. 16th January 1945. Age 61. Husband of S. J. Rowe, of 56 Oakland Street, Widnes.

Non of the above named are commemorated as Merchant Navy casualties of WWII, though they do appear on the civilian register. I think this should be addressed by the CWGC and have sent details on the loss to the Commission. All five are recorded in the Deaths at Sea Register and I have copies of her last Crew Agreement from Kew. I also have a death certificate of Robert Murray and his occupation is recorded as "Steam Hopper mate" and his death and injuries are recorded as "owing to enemy action war operations" I am awaiting a copy of Eric Booth's death cert. A local paper in Widnes has offered to run a story in the hope I can find where the two bodies found were eventually interned as to have their graves marked accordingly as other men lost from these Steam Hoppers were. Hopefully the other names will be placed on Tower Hill Memorial where they rightly belong.

Any other help in finding anything on the above named or incident most welcome. Details of the loss of Hopper "D" are from my latest book "They Shall Grow Not Old...." due for publishing 2010.

Lest we forget!

 

Another Widnes man for your records.

MARTIN, Master, HENRY, S.S. Amlwch Rose (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 5th December 1940. Age 45. Son of John and Phoebe Martin, of Runcorn, Cheshire; husband of Adeline Martin, of Widnes, Lancashire.

 

Englandphil,

Thought you maybe interested in the following regarding four Widnes men who were actually Merchant Seamen, but are recorded on the civilian register.

Hopper Barge "D". 262grt (William Cooper & Sons Ltd) On the River Mersey loaded with a cargo of sand at the Eastham Channel the barge left her anchorage at 23.30 hours on the 15th January 1945 and had been heading for the West Bank Dock, Widnes. The barge never arrived. An extensive search was made and wreckage was eventually discovered three days later just over a mile from the Eastham pumping chimney. The wreck damage was found to be consistent of that from an external explosion. The Head Dock Gateman at Eastham informed the inquiry about midnight on the 15th January he had been awakened by an explosion. The final conclusion was that the barge had been sunk by an external explosion, probably that of a relic of the blitz three years earlier. The explosion theory was later substantiated when the body of the Chief Mate was found the following month and the Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from asphyxia, shock and multiple injuries following an external explosion" The body of the young boy rating was also discovered some considerable time later.

BOOTH, Boy Rating, ERIC. Hopper Barge "D". (Merchant Navy) 16th January 1945. Age 16. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Edgar Booth, of 105 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes, Lancashire.
BRENNAN, Fireman, MICHAEL. Hopper Barge "D". (Merchant Navy) 16th January 1945. Age 40. Husband of Mary I. Brennan, of 235 Upper Mann Street, Liverpool 8.

LEE, Master, RICHARD. Hopper Barge "D" (Merchant Navy). 16th February 1945. Age 48. Son of the late Capt. William Shaw Lee; husband of Alice Lee, of 118 Mersey Road, Widnes. on the River Mersey.


MURRAY, Chief Mate ROBERT. Hopper Barge "D" Merchant Navy. 16th January 1945. Age 54 of 28 White Street, Widnes. Body found at foreshore, Speke, opposite the airport 25th February 1945.

ROWE, Chief Engineer, ALBERT. Hopper Barge "D" Merchant Navy. 16th January 1945. Age 61. Husband of S. J. Rowe, of 56 Oakland Street, Widnes.


Non of the above named are commemorated as Merchant Navy casualties of WWII, though they do appear on the civilian register. I think this should be addressed by the CWGC and have sent details on the loss to the Commission. All five are recorded in the Deaths at Sea Register and I have copies of her last Crew Agreement from Kew. I also have a death certificate of Robert Murray and his occupation is recorded as "Steam Hopper mate" and his death and injuries are recorded as "owing to enemy action war operations" I am awaiting a copy of Eric Booth's death cert. A local paper in Widnes has offered to run a story in the hope I can find where the two bodies found were eventually interned as to have their graves marked accordingly as other men lost from these Steam Hoppers were. Hopefully the other names will be placed on Tower Hill Memorial where they rightly belong.

Any other help in finding anything on the above named or incident most welcome. Details of the loss of Hopper "D" are from my latest book "They Shall Grow Not Old...." due for publishing 2010.

Lest we forget!

Billy, fantastic 1st Post.

I have Eric Booth down on my Roll of Honour, but as you say as a civilian casualty, and had connected his death with that of Richard Lee, but not that of Albert Rowe, as the CWGC have his date of death as 15th Jan, whilst the others are down as the 16th, and the CWGC hve Robert Moores Date of death as 25th Feb 1945, over a month later.

I didnt have any information on the circumstances of death, so this is great news.

Eric Booth is buried at Widnes Cemetery. I do have a photograph of the familt headstone, albeit from Memory not a good one. Let me know what information you need and I will see if I can help.

Robert Murray is also buried at Widnes Cemetery, but I will need to see if I have a photograph of the headstone. WW2talk member Izzy, has previously supplied some info for me on a couple of these men which I will need to look at when I am at home.

 

Phil out of intrest one of the casualties that im researching died on Hopper F when it hit a mine just off Dingle Oil Jetty in the River Mersey All the Crew are commemorated apart from 1 who has a grave on the Tower Hill Memorial to the missing of the Merchant Marine. This might help Billy Strengthen his case for getting them mentioned as Merchant Navy Personel.

 

ERNEST THOMPSON Sapper 1991559 Royal Engineers 7 Bomb Disposal Company 27th March 1941 PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY Sec. C. Cons. Grave 17890.


Ernest Thompson was killed by a delayed action bomb.

Just for background, below is a list of the others involved - notice there was another named Thompson -
THOMPSON , ERNEST Sapper199155927/03/1941 34Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17890.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
THOMPSON , DAVID Serjeant191122627/03/1941 38Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17878.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
BALL , LAWRENCE JOSEPH Lieutenant12301427/03/1941 33Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17892.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
ROSS , DAVID Lieutenant15432427/03/1941 34Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17891.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
PALMER , DOUGLAS ALFRED Sapper189442527/03/1941 23Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17886.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
FISHWICK , THOMAS RAFFLE Sapper199172427/03/1941 22Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec C. Cons. Grave 17888.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
STEVENS , ALBERT WILLIAM Driver194563027/03/1941 20Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17884.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
SULLIVAN , REGINALD Driver194548027/03/1941 33Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17880.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY

 

Thanks Chris, greatly appreciated

Phil

ERNEST THOMPSON Sapper 1991559 Royal Engineers 7 Bomb Disposal Company 27th March 1941 PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY Sec. C. Cons. Grave 17890.


Ernest Thompson was killed by a delayed action bomb.

Just for background, below is a list of the others involved - notice there was another named Thompson -
THOMPSON , ERNEST Sapper199155927/03/1941 34Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17890.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
THOMPSON , DAVID Serjeant191122627/03/1941 38Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17878.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
BALL , LAWRENCE JOSEPH Lieutenant12301427/03/1941 33Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17892.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
ROSS , DAVID Lieutenant15432427/03/1941 34Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17891.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
PALMER , DOUGLAS ALFRED Sapper189442527/03/1941 23Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17886.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
FISHWICK , THOMAS RAFFLE Sapper199172427/03/1941 22Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec C. Cons. Grave 17888.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
STEVENS , ALBERT WILLIAM Driver194563027/03/1941 20Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17884.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY
SULLIVAN , REGINALD Driver194548027/03/1941 33Royal EngineersUnited KingdomSec. C. Cons. Grave 17880.PLYMOUTH (WESTON MILL) CEMETERY

 

Phil out of intrest one of the casualties that im researching died on Hopper F when it hit a mine just off Dingle Oil Jetty in the River Mersey All the Crew are commemorated apart from 1 who has a grave on the Tower Hill Memorial to the missing of the Merchant Marine. This might help Billy Strengthen his case for getting them mentioned as Merchant Navy Personel.

Thanks Izzy,

I have those men on file from Hopper "F"and will be using to put forward the case for those lost from Hopper "D"

Tower Hill Panel 57.

BATES, Chief Engineer Officer, STANLEY HOWARD, S.S. Hopper F (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 13th May 1941. Age 45. Husband of Laura Isabel Bates, of 242 Halewood Road, Lancs.

MOLLOY, Cabin Boy, PETER, S.S. Hopper F. (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 13th May 1941. Age 15, of 44 Chesterton St. Garston, Liverpool 19

THOMAS, Second Engineer Officer, HUGH, S.S. Hopper F (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 13th May 1941, of 33 Elm Road, Liverpool.

WILLIAMS, Fireman, MORRIS, S.S. Hopper F. (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 13th May 1941. Age 58. Son of Evan and Ann Williams; husband of Kate Williams, of Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey.

Buried ashore.

PARKINSON, Able Seaman, JOHN, S.S. Hopper F. (Liverpool). Merchant Navy. 13th May 1941. Age 49. Son of Robert and Mary Ellen Parkinson; husband of Jane Parkinson, of Lancaster. Buried Lancaster Cemetery. Grave D. Last place of abode 38 Sandback St. Liverpool.

 

Hi Englandphil I have information on my great uncle Alan Charlesworth, including photos. There was also an article in the Widnes weekly news which I can email to you. Also have information on my uncle Alfred Stokes if you need that. Hopefully the WWN article is attached.
View attachment WIDNES WEEKLY NEWS.doc

 

After years of searching on and off I stumbled across John Summerfield Rice name on your website courtesy of philengland. Thank you very much. Graham Littler

 

After years of searching on and off I stumbled across John Summerfield Rice name on your website courtesy of philengland. Thank you very much. Graham Littler

Graham, email on its way

P

 

I am the great grand-daughter of Master Richard Lee who died in January 1945 after his Hopper D was blown up. If I can help in any way in getting him and his shipmates the right recognition, please reach out to me.

 

Hello Phil
I have some personal information on Clarence Carter, who was my first cousin and my mothers nephew.
Also on John Taylor who is buried alongside some of his Widnes school members opposite the crematorium in Widnes Cemetery. I have a good photo of John in his RAF uniform l. John was a relative by marriage and I called him Uncle John.
I also have a photo of James Rowley attending my first cousins Wedding during the war. He was the adopted only child of James and Agnes Rowley who were the very closest friends of my family.
Lastly there is Charles Edward Roscoe. I was a very little girl when his son and wife came to live opposite to us and I played with young Eddie.
As I was told then, Eddies Dad had been killed by the ‘land mine’ that hit the estate around Claremont Drive off Derby road. I have a huge borrowed photograph of that devastation. We were told that Eddies Dad was on leave from the Air force but I can’t find evidence of that.