This picture was painted by the late Robert Blackwell and depicts the American oil tanker Ohio
and the refrigerated cargo ship Port Chalmers
just before the former was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Axum. The deadly salvo also hit the cruisers Cairo
and Nigeria.
Polite Notice:
Some people are tempted to buy a copy ofOperation Pedestalfrom other big global companies, purely because their website is conveniently placed (or targeted) either side of my (self-funded) small website. What potential buyers do not realise though, is that the copy from these bigger organisations will not be dispatched by them and will not be signed or dedicated (which the author does with pleasurefree of charge). All copies sent by the author have never seen the light of day (in other words they are 'brand new'). The author can also supplyThe Letter of Proceedingsfor any one ship involved in the epic operation free of charge.
The information on this website has taken an inestimable amount of time to produce and has been provided purely to help relatives directly involved in this famous convoy.
Operation Pedestal
AI Overview
Brian James Crabb’sOperation Pedestal: The Story of Convoy WS21S in August 1942(2014) is highly regarded as a comprehensive, well-researched, and readable account of the critical World War II naval operation. Reviewers praise its mix of technical detail and personal accounts, with some calling it one of the best accounts available.
Key Takeaways and Reviews:
Comprehensive & Detailed:The 236-page book is praised for being a thorough study of the convoy, including numerous photographs, appendices, and rolls of honour.
Highly Recommended:Described as "excellent" and a "very readable account," it is frequently recommended for both casual readers and serious students of the Second World War.
Evocative Narrative:The book is noted for its ability to bring the story of the convoy to life through eyewitness accounts, highlighting the "desperate" nature of the mission to Malta.
Distinction from Others:While other authors like Peter C. Smith and Max Hastings have covered this topic, Brian Crabb's work is valued specifically for its detailed focus on the convoy's story.
The book is seen as a fitting tribute to the crews of the merchant vessels and the Royal Navy escort who braved intense Axis attacks.
http://www.briancrabbmaritimebooks.co.uk
Operation Pedestal
Operation Pedestal can be purchased direct from the author. The cost is £28.00p, including 2nd Class postage and packing within the United Kingdom. A copy of any one ship's 'Letter of Proceedings' can be added, free of charge, upon request.
Journal for Maritime Research Volume 17, Issue 1, 2015 Pages 74-75 Published online: 28 April 2015
Book Review
Operation Pedestal: The Story of Convoy WS21S in August 1942, by Brian Crabb, Donington, Shaun Tyas Publishing, 2014, 262 pp., £24 (hardback) ISBN 978-1-907730-19-1
Brian Crabb's treatment of the Pedestal convoy to Malta in August 1942 is comprehensive in its scope and makes for a very readable account of this important naval operation. At 236 pages long including various appendices, the book is fairly short, but this in no way detracts from its appeal to the casual reader or usefulness to serious students of the Second World War. The text is engagingly written and rich in both technical detail and eyewitness accounts by the participants. Most of the latter are drawn from the Allied perspective, but much attention has been paid to putting across the experiences and tactical issues faced by the Germans and Italians as well. While the main portion of the book deals with the complex narrative of Pedestal, due attention is given to the strategic context and the place of these events in the wider war in Europe. Unfortunately, the narrative is occasionally disrupted by minor spelling mistakes which, while not serious, can cause momentary confusion by changing the meaning of a sentence. For example, the phrase 'access the damage' occurs once when it should read 'assess the damage'. The book is well illustrated throughout with photographs, maps and convoy formation diagrams. As added 'chrome', the chapter and section headings boast attractive and accurate profile illustrations of some of the ships involved in Pedestal: the merchant vessel drawings are reminiscent of those found in Duncan Haws'Merchant Fleetsseries and the warships adapted illustrations fromJane's Fighting Ships. The bibliography is very impressive and comprises a good mix of primary and secondary sources. The entries here are clear and consistent and are a valuable resource for anyone wishing to conduct further research on this subject. The introduction and first two chapters provide a detailed background to the fighting in the Mediterranean theatre, and the particular importance of Malta as a strategic asset for the British. The problems of keeping the island base supplied in the face of Axis air superiority are analysed, as is British planning for Pedestal and Axis preparations to attack the convoy. Chapter two comprises an assessment of the Allied merchant ships chosen to participate, along with some of the escorting warships. This section goes into a fair amount of technical detail, including a discussion of the merits of the tankerOhio's design with reference to a simplified general arrangement plan of the ship (17). Impressively, the text does not become bogged down in jargon and presents no difficulties for readers unfamiliar with ship technology. Chapters 3–11 comprise the main narrative part of the book. These cover the departure of the convoy from the Clyde on 2 August up to the arrival of the last straggler, the tankerOhio, at Malta on 15 August. The progress of the convoy and the intense series of air and sea attacks it endured are dealt with in detail, with dates and times given in GMT for clarity. The two convoy formation plans and four route maps really come into their own here, and are well placed to support the narrative of the events. Not unexpectedly, the experiences of some ships are covered in more detail than others, and this seems in part due to the variable availability of information and source material. With regard to the final stage of the convoy's journey after 12 August, the events that befell some of these ships (particularly the stragglers) form important milestones in the narrative and thus merit the closer attention given them by the author. Chapter 11 concludes with the reception of the cargo at Malta and of the men who delivered it, and perhaps fittingly closes by describing the final disposal of the doughtyOhioin 1946. Contrary to expectation, the last two chapters of the book do not contain a 'sum up' of the success of the 'Pedestal' convoy. This is not strictly necessary as the subject is dealt with earlier in the book. The arrangement of these chapters is however a little odd. The subjects of Chapters 12 and 13 are, respectively, the controversial trial of Captain Drew of HMSManchesterand the narrative of the return of the escort ships of Force X to Gibraltar after seeing the bulk of the 'Pedestal' convoy safely into Malta. The fact that the events described in Chapter 12 took place months after those in Chapter 13 somewhat upset the narrative flow, and it would probably been better had 'The Long Run Home' appeared before 'Travesties of Justice' in the text. The appendices show an impressive depth of research, and greatly enhance the book's usefulness. The topics covered by include Rolls of Honour for both Allied and Axis personnel, general information and potted histories of the participating merchant ships, honours and awards issued to Allied personnel, orders of battle for both sides, brief biographies of key personnel and details of contemporary parallel operations to name but a few. The author's stated reasons for embarking on this publication aside, it is clear that this work is a labour of love and the product of intensive research. In Operation Pedestal, Brian Crabb has achieved a very good balance between detail and readability, and despite some very minor issues with the text, this book is highly recommended to anyone with the interest in the Second World War operations in the Mediterranean theatre in general, or the Pedestal convoy in particular.
HARD FOUGHT CONVOY RUN TO MALTA Review by Francis Beaufort
The famed 'Pedestal' convoy to Malta in August 1942 was an epic running fight across contested waters in the Mediterranean at a time when the outcome of World War Two was still in the balance. In 'Operation Pedestal'(Shaun Tyas, £24, hardback) Brian James Crabb starts with an account of operational planning that went into marrying thirteen cargo ships and a tanker with the most powerful of escort forces ever assembled by the British (and with aircraft carriers as an integral part). The Axis powers threw everything they could at Pedestal and nine merchant ships were sunk, along with three naval vessels (including the veteran carrier HMSEagle). Six warships were crippled (including the carrier HMSIndomitable). Only four cargo ships and the tankerOhiomade it to Grand Harbour. Yet, despite this level of damage, the effort was worth it, as Malta - and the naval forces operating from it - remained a thorn in the side of the Germans as their grip on North Africa loosened. Attempting to subdue the brave little island was a serious drain on Axis forces. Through dedicated and exhaustive research, in 'Operation Pedestal' Crabb provides details on anything and everything important in the telling of this story. While impressive, there is a danger so many layers of information become overwhelming and get in the way of the story. For instance, when given information on attacking aircraft, we would perhaps like to know whether its German or Italian, what type, and possibly (in broad Geographic terms) from where it has flown. Do we really need to know the squadron, where the airfield is located, and even the name and rank of the pilot? However, in this respect the book is perhaps aimed at the avid information-gathering enthusiast, a researcher, or even aviation artist. The narrative forms 156 pages, while the generous appendices are contained in a further 67, including the names of those killed in action (very fitting) and a list of enemy vessels sunk and damaged by Malta-based British submarines between January 1941 and May 1942 (not strictly necessary). Best of all are the vivid eyewitness accounts that run throughout 'Operation Pedestal'. Summarising the gravity of losses from Axis attacks on the convoy - too early in the narrative is an error, removing a vital ingredient of suspense. Crabb concludes his 'Pedestal' account with a chapter on the Admiralty-held Courts of Enquiry that were convened afterwards. Here, for the record, Crabb settles some injustices with regard to the loss of HMSManchesterand HMSSussex, something that he is to be highly commended for. There are many excellent photographs in the book (plus other illustrations. not least some very tidy ship profiles by the author). For the serious naval enthusiast this book offers a deeply satisfying high level of detail, mixed in with well-chosen and skilfully used eyewitness contributions; a fitting tribute to one of the key British convoy victories of World War Two.
If you only read one book about Operation Pedestal make sure it is this one. Mark Hirst 15 January 2015
Letter written to Brian James Crabb by Alan S. Mallett and received on 31 December 2014:
'I write to congratulate you on your book 'Operation Pedestal', which I recently acquired. I think the printing and production generally is First Class, and you have clearly done a vast amount of research into the operation which shines forth right the way through. Your biggest problem will be surpassing it in your next book!'
Review on Amazon Books website:
I first heard of Operation Pedestal in April 1951, immediately before my eleventh birthday, when I was lucky enough to travel 14 days from Cape Town to Southampton on board RMSPretoria Castle, commanded by Captain Richard Wren DSO. Wren rapidly became aware of my interest in shipping and Union-Castle Line and not only allowed me access to the bridge but gave me a very full account ofRochester Castle's participation in Pedestal, indeed that was where I learnt a number of new words of which my parents did not approve! This story has fascinated me ever since and Brian Crabb has done a fantastic job of research into the origins, execution, and outcome of this epic operation. Quite the best of the many books I have read on the subject over the years. The presentation is excellent, the writing flows and is easily read, the illustrations are comprehensive and the ultimate fate of the surviving ships is covered. As a Union-Castle fan I might have been disappointed that Wren, his ship and crew perhaps did not receive the cover of some of the others, but on reading the whole this disappointment does not stand up, for Brian has, rightly, concentrated on the far greater challenges that so many of the others, especially those that did not survive, and of course ofOhio, had to face. This book is a well balanced account of Operation Pedestal, and I commend it to everyone. I count myself privileged to have met Captain Wren, and to have learnt of the valour which he and his crew, and indeed his colleagues in the other 13 merchant ships, the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm exercised in this key battle. Buy it!
Review by Alan S. Mallett
14 January 2015
RAVE REVIEW FROM READER STEVEN WATTS, REGARDING NEW BOOK ABOUT 'OPERATION PEDESTAL' by Brian James Crabb:
AN EXCELLENT READ, AND METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE THE DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF 'OPERATION PEDESTAL.' by Steven Watts - December 2014.
OPERATION PEDESTAL
The Story of Convoy WS21S - August 1942 by Brian James Crabb
This book reveals the true story of Operation 'Pedestal' a convoy that had to get through to Malta, which was undergoing severe rationing at the time and was the key to the battle for the Mediterranean and North Africa.
Thirteen modern cargo ships and the new American oil tankerOhiowere selected for their speed, size and reliability. On the second day of entry into Mare Nostrum the aircraft carrierEaglewas struck by four torpedoes and sunk within eight minutes byU 73, followed by crippling damage toIndomitablefrom the air the following day, reducing the Allied air cover by half. The convoy was repeatedly attacked by aircraft, submarines and E-boats, resulting in the loss of the cruisersCairoandManchesterand the destroyerForesight. Nine of the cargo ships were sunk, while six naval vessels were put out of action for differing periods of time. However, despite the determined efforts by Axis' forcesPort Chalmers,Rochester CastleandMelbourne Starreached Malta on 13 August. The following day Captain Riley, who had nursed his shipBrisbane Staralong the African coast alone after torpedo damage to her bows, made a solo dash from Sfax and also arrived successfully with a sizeable cargo. Meanwhile, the precious tankerOhiowhich had been torpedoed and bombed to a standstill, was eventually towed, nursed and coaxed into Valletta's Grand Harbour on the 15th, against all odds. Her voyage is legendary and Captain Dudley Mason was deservedly awarded the George Cross for his action.
Many brave men were lost during this heroic and most bombarded convoy of the Second World War; awards were numerous, including another brave act by a crew member of HMSLedburywho dived into the burning sea to rescue a young man who had survived the sinking ofWaimarama; he was awarded the Albert Medal, an equivalent to the George Cross. All are recorded at the back of this book. There is also a comprehensive list of those lost in 'Pedestal', although the sizeable list of Axis personnel lost is incomplete, due to sensitivity over access.
Cased hardback (full-colour, laminated), x + 262 pages, with 107 illustrations, appendices, index etc., 252 x 192 mm.
This beautiful new book has been available from 1 April 2014. The actual cost of the book is £24, plus postage, depending on where in the world you live. All copies supplied by the author can be signed and dedicated.
The current postage cost (2nd Class) within the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands is £4.00p.
or by telephone: 01275 844229 (or 00441275844229 from abroad) or mobile number: 07811 582082.
So, you might ask yourself, what is the difference between buying this book from Amazon or, anywhere else, on other websites. The answer is quite simple: When ordered from the author, your copy will be personally signed, dedicated to whoever you want; and, if requested, have the 'Letter of Proceedings' for any Royal or Merchant Navy ship involved in this famous convoy added free of charge with any order. Suggestion: Bite the bullet: Because this book is selling very fast and will not be reprinted. (Over half of the copies have been sold since May 2014). Believe me, you will not be disappointed. BJC.
Nautilus International Telegraph
October 2014
Book Review
A Welcome Addition to the Annals of the Merchant Navy at War
Operation Pedestal by Brian James Crabb, £24.00, plus postage ISBN: 978 19077 30191 Email:
Merchant Navy war veterans quite rightly object when their contribution is overlooked or downplayed – and it is a sad truth that some remembrance events still are not getting it right. But the Merchant Navy certainly has not been forgotten by the history books. Many a month sees a new wartime narrative arrive at theTelegraphoffices, and this time the topic is Operation Pedestal, the convoy to relieve the stricken island of Malta in 1942. Author Brian Crabb is a former Merchant Navy engineer, and his father Percival 'Buster' Crabb took part in Operation Pedestal as a Royal Navy stoker. Having found that research into the Second World War helped him to feel closer to his late father, Brian took up historical writing twenty-two years ago, and for his fifth book he has turned to the Allies' gruelling effort to bring lifesaving supplies through some of the heaviest bombardment of the war. Nine years in the researching and writing, Operation Pedestal is very thorough, with background information, blow-by-blow accounts of events, witness testimonies and dramatic photographs. Appendices record those lost on both sides, as well as listing the honours awarded for bravery, and giving technical information such as ship particulars. It's a book which would probably best be enjoyed by Second World War history buffs rather than newcomers to the subject, but that is not a criticism, this is a grown-up history telling a painful and heroic story in the detail it deserves.
by Andrew Linington
[By far, the best account written so far about this famous convoy - RDC].
Sea Breezes Christmas Bookshop November 2014 Book of the Month Operation Pedestal The Story of Convoy WS21S in August 1942 by Brian James Crabb Operation Pedestal was a British operation to get desperately needed supplies to the island of Malta in August 1942, during the Second World War. Malta was the base from which surface ships, submarines and aircraft attacked Axis convoys carrying essential supplies to the Italian and German armies in North Africa. In 1941-42 Malta was effectively under siege, blockaded by Axis and naval forces. To sustain Malta, the United Kingdom had to get convoys through at all costs. This book reveals the true story of Operation Pedestal. Many brave men were lost during this heroic convoy of the Second World War; awards were numerous, and all are recorded at the back of the book. A riveting read that throws fresh light on this, the most bombarded convoy of all of the Second World War. Hardback, 262 pages and illustrated with black & white photographs.
Bristol Times– 23 September 2014
How Malta was saved from being starved into surrender
Operation Pedestal
If you don't know what Operation Pedestal was, then you might at least have seen the 1953 filmThe Malta Storystarring Alec Guinness and Jack Hawkins. The film used real footage of the German and Italian air attacks on the island, which the Axis powers were desperate to seize as it was an important base for British air and naval operations in the Mediterranean. As the Axis campaign went on, the island was bombed mercilessly, and supplies of everything from food and fuel to medicines ran low. As local author Brian Crabb writes: 'From 2 April to 10 May 1942 ... Nearly 7,000 tons of bombs were dropped in and around the city and harbour of Valletta ... At times the island's airstrips resembled the surface of the moon, festooned with craters from the constant bombardment. Over 10,000 houses were demolished, the island's reservoirs were destroyed and many food stores and gun emplacements flattened. Valletta's harbour was soon in total disarray; most of the cranes and installations were battered beyond repair, while wharfs were gutted and most of the surrounding warehouses reduced to rubble. Ships lay damaged or sunk in the harbour.' In August 1942, Britain made a desperate attempt to lift the siege by despatching a convoy of 14 fast, reliable, modern cargo ships with a huge escort of Royal Naval vessels. The convoy would in fact be covered by two naval forces, comprising in total two battleships, three aircraft carriers, seven cruisers and more than 30 destroyers. This was Operation Pedestal, and while the Alec Guinness movie concentrates on the plight of Malta and its garrison and islanders, the story of the convoy remains one of the most remarkable episodes of the entire Second World War. The convoy and its escorts were pounded relentlessly by German and Italian aircraft, dropping bombs and mines. They were also attacked by submarines and torpedo boats. The only thing that stopped it being any worse was the fact that the ships of Mussolini's blustering 'tin pot' regime were desperately short on fuel, so the Italian navy could not venture out in anything like the force it could have mustered. By any conventional standards, Operation Pedestal was a disaster. Shortly after it entered the Mediterranean the CarrierEaglewas sunk by a U-boat. The carrierIndomitablewas forced to withdraw by bomb damage the next day, drastically reducing the air cover available to the convoy. There were further naval losses, and nine of the cargo ships were lost. But the pay-off was that five of the merchant ships got through, most famously the American-built tankerOhio, which was painstakingly towed into Valletta even though she was only being kept afloat by Royal Naval vessels lashed to her. For the disastrous losses in ships and men, Malta had been saved from being starved into surrender. British aircraft were now there in sufficient numbers to protect the island from air attack, and in the longer term Malta was secure as a base to stop the Italian and German armies in North Africa being supplied. Without Operation Pedestal, victory at El Alamein might not have been achievable. The whole story is told in meticulous detail by Brian Crabb in a new book, which came out a few months ago,Operation Pedestal: The Story of Convoy WS21S. The book has taken him nine years to research, and all that hard work certainly shows. If you are interested in the most minute technical specifics about the ships and aircraft involved on both sides, it's all there. That, for most readers though, will probably not be the point. This is above all a tale of triumph in the most demanding circumstances, and for some reason one which doesn't seem to get as much attention in popular memory of the Second World War as it deserves. Mr Crabb has done as much work on the human side of the story as he has on the machines, producing where possible eyewitness accounts (the story of how destroyer HMSLedburyrescued men from a burning sea, and then went on to nurseOhiosafely into Valletta is the stuff of legend) and even court proceedings. Between all this, and a huge number of contemporary photographs and later paintings, it's probably safe to say that this book will be the last word on this incredible and heroic episode for many years, and probably decades, to come. Operation Pedestal: The Story of Convoy WS21S is available from the author Brian Crabb, 24 Exeter Road, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 6YF; telephone: 01275 844229 or email:
The price is £24.00 plus £4.25p 2nd Class postage in the United Kingdom.
Review by Eugene Byrne
SHIPPING – Today & Yesterday
Book Review
November 2014
Operation Pedestal. The story of convoy WS21S in August 1942
by Brian James Crabb
This book reveals the true story of Operation 'Pedestal', the convoy to relieve the desperate plight of Malta in August 1942. Thirteen modern cargo ships and the new American oil tankerOhiowere selected for their speed, size and reliability, protected by a large escort of Royal Navy warships. But on only the second day after their entry into the Mediterranean, the aircraft carrierEaglewas sunk, followed by crippling damage toIndomitablefrom the air the following day. However,Port Chalmers,Rochester CastleandMelbourne Starreached Malta on 13 August. The following day, a damagedBrisbane Starwas also nursed into harbour. But the best news of all was the arrival of the crippled oil tanker,Ohio, on the 15th. She had been bombed to a standstill, but was kept afloat by the Royal Navy and towed to Valletta, against all odds. Her voyage is legendary. The book tells a gripping, heroic story, accompanied by a generous selection of photographs and a host of technical detail. This is an outstanding book about this famous convoy, accompanied by some incredible photographs. I would highly recommend it to all our readers.
Ships Monthly Book Review October 2014
Book of the Month
Operation Pedestal. The Story of Convoy WS21S in August 1942
Brian James Crabb
Published by Shaun Tyas, 1 High Street, Donington, Lincolnshire, PE11 4TA [or contact the author direct at]
This book reveals the true story of Operation Pedestal, the convoy to relieve the desperate plight of Malta in August 1942, which involved thirteen modern cargo ships and the new American oil tankerOhio. They were selected for their speed, size and reliability, and were protected by a large escort of Royal Navy warships. But on only the second day after their entry into the Mediterranean, the aircraft carrierEaglewas struck by four torpedoes and sunk byU 73, followed by crippling damage toIndomitablefrom the air. The convoy was repeatedly attacked by aircraft, submarines and E-boats. Nine cargo ships were sunk, and [two cruisers and a destroyer were also lost]. However,Port Chalmers,Rochester CastleandMelbourne Starreached Malta [on 13 August, followed byBrisbane StarandOhioon 14 and 15 August respectively]. Many brave men were lost during this heroic and most bombarded convoy of World War Two, and all are recorded in this well researched and thorough book, which tells the story of the convoy, accompanied by a fine selection of photographs and a host of technical details.
Book review by Nicholas Leach, editor ofShips Monthly
Book Review
Britain at War September 2014 - Issue 89
OPERATION PEDESTAL
'THE BATTLEMENTS of Malta were black with thousands of people, all cheering and shouting and there were bands playing everywhere. It was the most amazing sight to see all these people, who had suffered so much, cheering us.' These were the words of Lieutenant-Commander Roger Hill the captain of the destroyer HMSLedburyas the survivors of Convoy WS21S limped towards Malta's Grand Harbour. It was, he said, the happiest day of his life. He had helped bring succour to the beleaguered little island. Other than the ill-fated PQ17, this was probably the most famous convoy of the Second World War. The story of WS21S has every element one could wish; dogged determination, horror, pathos and the final triumphant finale. Its drama is matched by its scale. To protect the fourteen merchant ships taking essential supplies to the Mediterranean island, the Royal Navy committed four aircraft carriers, two battleships, seven light cruisers, and thirty-two destroyers. Of these, one of the aircraft carriers was sunk during the operation as were two light cruisers and one destroyer. Three other warships were damaged. Though the naval ships came under heavy and repeated attack from on, above and below the surface, it was the merchant ships that were the principle targets of the Axis aircraft and vessels. Only five of those fourteen reached Malta. Those ships took 29,000 tons of general cargo into the Grand Harbour along with petrol, oil fuel, kerosene and diesel fuel. It meant that the island's defenders could continue to fight and the Maltese could continue to support them. Yet it was only enough to last for little more than two months – but it was enough, just enough. Brian Crabb tells this tale well. He opens his account of Operation Pedestal with a detailed examination of the planning undertaken. The most dangerous part of the journey from Gibraltar to Malta was the stretch of water between Sicily and Tunisia, known as the Narrows. There were only two possible routes through this dangerous area, both between Sicily and Cape Bon on the Tunisian coast, divided by the small island of Pantelleria. The best chance of passing through this perilous area in the time available was during the moonless period between 10 and 16 August. With Malta on the verge of collapse, if the convoy could not get through in August, there would be no other opportunity. Almost every available resource was therefore committed to the operation. Speed was obviously another major factor and the merchant ships selected for the convoy had to all be capable of at least fifteen knots. The most important of these ships was the oil tankerOhio. Her sister shipKentuckyhad been sunk on the previous attempt to take fuel to Malta in Operation Harpoon. This left justOhioas the only fast, modern tanker in service. It was simply a case that ifOhiodid not reach Malta, the island would run out of fuel. The significance of this was that it would mean the end of its operations against Axis shipping crossing the Mediterranean taking supplies and equipment to Rommel in North Africa. The consequences of failure were almost incalculable. Brian Crabb details all the ships involved in WS21S, the journey down to Gibraltar, and gives an exciting account of the desperate race through the Mediterranean, highlighted with accounts from those that took part. It is, as I have said, a story with every element one could wish for and laid out in fine style in this excellent book.
I have just finished reading your 'Operation Pedestal' book and must say what a great job you have done – much better than Peter Smith's book in my opinion. Co-incidentally I also had the June copy of 'Britain At War' magazine which includes the article 'Rough Justice' to hand – my brother and I share it and it had only recently been passed to me. This Court Martial of Captain Drew always rankled my Uncle, who was one of the torpedomen who set the scuttling charges and subsequently ended up in Vichy hands - he thought Drew been very unfairly treated. I seem to recollect that HMSManchesterhad been dived on in recent years and the damage she sustained, reviewed, resulting in a vindication of Drew's actions – sadly too late for him to be aware of it. May I ask if I may use the splendid diagrammatic maps as illustrations in the talk I'm preparing with suitable accreditation of course. I would not dream of doing so without your agreement.
My kind regards
David Slade
Reader's Reviews continued:
Meticulously Researched Blow by Blow Account:
Operation Pedestal is the most detailed account that I have read about the vital but costly convoy that relieved the siege of Malta in August 1942. Brian Crabb's meticulous research gives an almost minute by minute account of the action, complemented by descriptions of the process of putting together the convoy and the aftermath of inquiries and courts martial resulting from the losses of RN warships, notably the cruiser HMSManchester. As in his other books, Brian Crabb is very concerned to cover the human aspects of war at sea with many personal recollections and anecdotes from people who took part in the action. He also includes a comprehensive roll of honour of all those lost on the allied side and, as far as possible, the axis too. The book is lavishly illustrated with informative captions accompanying every photograph, map or line drawing. I was particularly interested to see pictures of HMSIndomitablenoting the large forward lift that enabled her to strike down (store below deck) Sea Hurricanes, unlike her sister carrier HMSVictorious, which also took part in Operation Pedestal. This is a great read for anyone interested in World War Two at sea.
Review written by Clive Owen, ex- Army Major (31 August 2014 - re: Amazon Books website).
Book Reviews and Reports:
North Somerset Times14 May 2014 - Report by Tracey Fowler
Naval historian writes book on Dad's convoy
A Portishead writer has seen nine years hard work come to fruition. Operation Pedestal, by retired garage owner Brian Crabb, has recently been published revealing the true story of a 1942 Malta-bound convoy, which was vital for getting supplies to feed and fuel the island. It involved one of the largest naval escorts of the Second World War, splitting essential goods between 13 fast cargo ships to increase the chances of them reaching their destination [with a percentage of the cargo]. Nine of the merchant ships were sunk en route, along with an aircraft carrier, two cruisers and a destroyer, the remainder [including the American oil tankerOhio] completed the journey. Brian's interest in convoy WS21S is fuelled by the fact his dad, Percival, served in HMSKenya, one of the ships that escorted the convoy. The author researched all the names of the Allied and Axis' men lost and compiled a list of all the honours and awards that were given, details of which can be found on his website. This beautifully illustrated hardback book is available from the author at a cost of £25 [and can be delivered by the author, providing the address is local] by emailing bustercrabb548@gmail.com or for more details visit www.briancrabbmaritimebooks.co.uk or telephone: 01275 844229 or 07811582082 To view report in theNorth Somerset Times' website go to: www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/.../book/_charts_disaster_stricken_convoy_1_3598778
NAVY NEWS
July 2014
Book Review
Heroes on all sides in Malta epic
Most convoy battles are faceless, nameless affairs in endless, forbidding stretches of ocean. But Convoy WS21S has passed into history – albeit under the code name for the operation, Pedestal. The story has been told many times over the years. But there is still plenty of new material to be found, even after more than seven decades. Brian Crabb's father served as a stoker on board HMSKenya(the cruiser was torpedoed but survived), prompting his interest in the battle of August 1942. But Operation Pedestal: The Story of Convoy WS21S (Shaun Tyas, £24 ISBN 978-1-907730-191) isn't a memoir or an autobiography. It's a very comprehensive, detailed and heavily illustrated account, based on wide-ranging research in The National Archives, with a heavy input from the Italians (whose role in the Mediterranean is often underplayed in favour of the Germans), as well as the Luftwaffe. The log of the Italian submarineAxumcharts a few devastating minutes which saw three ships – escortsNigeria,Cairoand soon-to-be-legendary tankerOhio– torpedoed. As a result, Axum was subjected to a sustained two-hour-long depth charge attack before surfacing to see the results of her deadly attack: 'A big ship in flames, another burning with much smoke, a third ship already burnt out.' So bright were the flames that they lit up the outline of Renato Ferrini's submarine. He dived and left the scene. Elsewhere, it was air attacks which delivered fatal blows. The merchantmanWaimaramaexploded after being hit by up to four bombs from dive-bombers, leaving behind what the commanding officer of the escorting destroyerLedbury, Roger Hill, described as 'a great pylon of flame and black smoke on the sea.' His ship closedWaimarama's last position, but didn't expect to pick up any survivors given the cataclysm which shook the ship and the oil burning on the surface of the Mediterranean. Instead, he found some merchant men in the water andLedburyspent two hours rescuing them. Hill wrote: 'I cannot speak too highly of the sheer guts of these men. They were singing and encouraging each other and, as I went through them explaining that I must get the ones nearest the flames first, I received cheerful answers of 'That's all right, sir. Go and get the other chaps...' What's striking throughout this volume is the heroism on all sides. The Italian submariners, British submariners, Merchant seamen, Royal Navy sailors, German, Italian and Fleet Air Arm aircrews. Heroic acts and feats of endurance were performed by all. The commander of an Italian E-boat who sankGlenorchywas cheered through the streets of Trapani in Sicily for his exploits – and presented with a garland – in much the same way that the Maltese welcomed the batteredOhiointo Grand Harbour Helmut Rosenbaum inU 73slipped through the escorts to sink the aircraft carrierEagle– earning the German equivalent of the Victoria Cross for his actions. The 16 inch guns of the battleshipRodneyspewed a wall of fire and steel through which enemy dive-bombers flew, while Fleet Air Arm pilots grappled with their foe in the Mediterranean skies – the Axis often had faster aircraft, and almost always appeared in superior numbers. Admiral Sir Edward Syfret, commanding Pedestal, described their performance in a single word: 'Grand.' Syfret's judgement isn't the only bit of choice Royal Navy understatement. Fed up with being the victim of constant air attacks, HMSPathfinder's commanding officer Commander Gibbs decided to take the offensive, heading towards Italian torpedo-bombers with every weapon on the destroyer blazing until the ship 'was almost within a biscuit toss' of the enemy formation. The Italians scattered and dropped their torpedoes at random, while a delightedPathfinderturned away with a feeling, wrote Gibbs, that she'd 'hit a boundary.' At great cost, of course, Pedestal got through. At a pretty bleak moment for the Allied cause – Rommel was at the gates of Cairo, Hitler deep in the Caucasus and about to invest Stalingrad – it provided a fillip to flagging morale, not least in Malta. 'The battlements of Malta were black with thousands of people, all cheering and shouting and there were bands playing everywhere.' Roger Hill wrote: 'It was the most amazing sight to see all these people who had suffered so much cheering us.' This is an excellent addition to the body of Pedestal literature – as well as a very detailed account of the battle, liberally sprinkled with first-hand descriptions from those who were there, there are more than a dozen appendices.
Please Note: You can contact the author direct by emailing:
BRIAN CRABB, who used to live in 156 Nibley Road, Shirehampton, has spent the last nine years writing and researching a new book entitled: Operation Pedestal. The Story of Convoy WS21S. This was a convoy sent to reach and relieve Malta in August 1942, accompanied by the biggest Royal Navy escort assembled at any point in the Second World War. The convoy suffered heavy losses when repeatedly attacked by Axis aircraft, submarines and E-boats, and hundreds of men lost their lives, including a number with links to the local area. 21 year old Able Seaman William Henry Johnson, who was a DEMS gunner on board the MVWaimarama, had been recently married to Dorothy May Johnson of 10 Barrow Hill Road. His parents lived in Avonmouth. He was tragically killed, when MVWaimarama, which was carrying high explosives, blew up and caught fire in spectacular fashion, after being bombed by a Junkers 88 dive bomber on 13 August. The author's late father, Percival Crabb, who was born in 26 Priory Road, was serving in the 6 inch cruiser HMSKenyaduring this epic convoy. She was torpedoed in the bows by the Italian submarineAlagi, but managed to carry on. This hardback book covers every detail of this legendary convoy and is lavishly illustrated. It has a Roll of Honour for both Allied and Axis' men lost and much more. The book costs £24, which is a generous price compared to other books of similar size. If anyone is interested in purchasing a copy, the author will deliver it personally, providing the address is local. To order a signed copy simply phone 01275 844229 or 07811 582082 and ask to speak to the author. To see a photograph of the final moments of the MVWaimaramago to the Photo Gallery
Book Review
The New BridgeBi-Monthly News Magazine for Avonmouth Residents and Industry. August/September 2014 No. 39.
New Book Discovers Fate of Avonmouth Born Son
A new book entitled 'Operation Pedestal.
The Story of Convoy WS21S in August 1942' by Brian James Crabb reveals that Able Seaman William Henry Johnson RN was lost in the MVWaimaramaon 13 August 1942; he was the son of William Henry and Alice Johnson, who lived in Avonmouth. William, a DEMS gunner on boardWaimarama, was killed during a fatal attack by a German Junkers 88 dive bomber, leaving a young wife, named Dorothy May Johnson, who lived at 10 Barrow Hill Road, Shirehampton. The ship, which was carrying high-explosives, exploded and caught fire in spectacular fashion, as a convoy, consisting of thirteen fast modern cargo ships and the British-crewed American oil tankerOhio, bravely tried to reach Malta in August 1942. Nine of the cargo ships, includingWaimarama, were sunk; not to mention an aircraft carrier, two cruisers and a destroyer. The book uncovers the true facts about this convoy, which was known by the Admiralty, to be about to endure massive and continuous attacks by the Axis' forces. Selection of the fourteen merchant ships depended on size, reliability and speed; for this was a 14-knot convoy. The author's interest, in a book that has taken nine years to research and write, stems from his late father Percival Crabb, who was born in 26 Priory Road, Shirehampton, and served in the 6 inch cruiser HMSKenya, which formed part of the largest Royal Naval escort ever assembled during the Second World War. A Roll of Honour not only names all the Allied personnel lost, but the Axis personnel too. Such was the vastness of the research, the author had to index it, to gain easier access to the detailed information held at The National Archives in Kew. This hardback book, which is lavishly illustrated, costs £24.00 (a price somewhat lower than books of similar size and content). Copies can be ordered by telephoning the Shirehampton-born author at 01275 844229 or 07811 582082. Signed copies can be delivered by the author, providing the address is local.
ROLL OF HONOUR
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) LIST OF KNOWN ALLIED DEAD
LOST AS A RESULT OF OPERATION 'PEDESTAL'
Abbreviations used:
(A): Air Branch. C: Chatham (Chats). CO: Commanding Officer. DEMS: Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship. D: Devonport (Guzz). Div: Division. dra: death recorded as. (E): Engineer Specialist. FAA: Fleet Air Arm. Lt: Lieutenant. MID: Mentioned in Despatches. NAS: Naval Air Squadron. NP: Discharge Book (Merchant Navy only) 'Not Produced'. (O): Officer's Cook or Steward (rating). Off No: Official Number. P: Portsmouth (Pompey). (Pens): Pensioner. RMB: Royal Marine Band. RNASBR: Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve. SBA: Sick Berth Attendant. (T): Torpedo.
HMSEagle– 11 August 1942
Royal Navy
Surname Christian Name/Names (Age) Rank/Port Division/Official Number:
Anderson Sydney (24) Able Seaman D/JX 221093 Askew Alfred John (42) Signalman P/J 76275 Atkinson Edward James (23) Able Seaman D/JX 165648 Atkinson Eric Samuel (27) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 84087 Baggett Alfred Richard Evis (22) Able Seaman C/JX 206241 Baker Thomas William (22) Able Seaman D/JX 165164 Baldwin Edward George (26) Shipwright 3rd Class P/MX 48803 Barnden John Thomas Hayward (35) Chief Petty Officer Cook P/M 39111 Barrett Arthur Reginald George (32) Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class P/MX 52909 Baynes Thomas James Alfred (23) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 104486 Bond Arthur James (40) Chief Stoker P/K 59033 Brooks Ernest (33) Leading Stoker P/KX 78444 Brown John Walter (35) Chief Petty Officer Supply P/MX 45910 Brunton Louis Walter Laurence (29) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 104488 Butcher Benjamin (37) Leading Stoker P/K 61306 Butler Sidney Charles (19) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 298280 Callingham William Owen (24) Able Seaman D/JX 165604 Wales Clark John Maurice (26) Leading Stoker P/KX 96082 Coombes Ronald Charles (22) Shipwright 4th Class P/MX 59129 Coyne Daniel Patrick (21) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 134693 Cutland Percy Gordon (40) Chief Shipwright P/M 23062 Dagnell Bertie Reginald (32) Leading Seaman P/J 113905 Daine Harold Brownhill (20) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 136558 Darley Fred (23) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 63911 Davidson John Henry Cyril (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294858 Davies William (29) Assistant Steward P/LX 28815 Davis Frederick Thomas (27) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 82982 Dawson Oscar Neilson (21) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 107984 Dixon Gordon Crozier (25) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 190681 Donnell Charles Maurice (18) Ordinary Seaman P/SSX 36264 Donnelly Henry (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 295153 Scotland Eason Jack (23) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294987 Edwards Robert George (19) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 135126 Eggington John Hubert (20) Steward P/LX 28000 Farr Nelson Victor (22) Leading Stoker P/KX 93651 Gemmell Alfred (19) Ordinary Seaman P/SSX 35655 Scotland Goulding Thomas James (35) Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class P/X 959 EB Grainger George Thomas(28) Sick Berth Attendant P/MX 82722 Grant Ronald George (21) Leading Stoker P/KX 99097 Gray Henry (22) Able Seaman P/JX 175581 Scotland Haithwaite Leonard Alwyn (20) Ordnance Artificer 5th Class P/MX 126692 Hall Robert (22) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 117523 Hamilton William John (25) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 106713 Handley Henry George William (19) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 136681 Hargest William Henry (23) Lieutenant (E) Wales Harvey John Dewar (26) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 86404 Scotland Harwood Douglas Michael (28) Joiner 2nd Class P/MX 51725 Hayward Bertram Cecil (25) Telegraphist P/JX 205820 Hearne Joseph Percy (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 295077 Heyman George (35) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 119314 Hill John (32) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 78692 Holland Albert (35) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 77069 Northern Ireland Hooper Reginald (28) Ordinary Seaman D/JX 217160 Hunter Thomas Scott (23) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 136328 Jerred Ronald James (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294997 Jones James Henry (23) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 97473 Jones Percival George (39) Petty Officer Cook (O) P/L 14612 Judd Noel Arthur James (19) Stoker 2nd Class C/KX 136483 Kane John Martin (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 295172 Scotland Law Alec Arthur (29) Supply Assistant P/MX 68545 Law Alexander (21) Scotland Ordinary Seaman P/JX 295167 Lawson John George (21) Steward P/LX 26811 Lett Ronald Frederick (22) Electrical Artificer 4th Class P/MX 79046 Levett John Henry (20) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294985 Lilley Arnold Leonard (25) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 106721 Llewellyn William Henry (19) Able Seaman C/JX 208340 Wales MacCarron Bernard (22) Leading Stoker P/KX 95666 Maddicks William George (41) Able Seaman P/J 90218 Mandeville Geoffrey Fortescue (41) Commander (E) Irish Republic Marsh Clarence (39) Chief Stoker P/KX 75145 Mason John (41) Chief Stoker P/K 59647 Scotland McDonald Arnold (21) Stoker 1st Class D/KX 118399 McGrath Daniel Joseph (22) Stoker 2nd Class P/K 138263 Irish Republic McGuckin William Charles (25) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 106677 McMahon John Robert (19) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 135020 Mead William Charles Edward (19) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294998 Merry Francis William (25) Telegraphist C/SSX 32446 Miles Harold (21) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 97982 Milson Robert Albert (29) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 101347 Moody Cyril George (25) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 116581 Moore James (27) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 119957 Morey Arnold Harris (24) Leading Writer P/MX 59945 Morris Stanley John (24) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 136032 Moses Alfred Herbert (32) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class C/MX 69267 Nicholls John (21) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 136545 Northeast Alfred John Chapman (39) Petty Officer Steward P/L 13791 Oates Jack Richard (18) Leading Signalman C/JX 161693 O'Brien Albert James (20) Supply Assistant P/MX 70880 O'Mahony Edmund (26) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class D/SMX 32 Parker Victor Robert Wolfe (34) Able Seaman C/J 109498 Pearson William Stuart Anthony (21) Able Seaman P/JX 274399 Scotland Pickard Benjamin (34) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 78294 Pounder Walter Connor (35) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 122259 Pycraft James William (22) Able Seaman P/JX 148379 Radley William George (22) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 106069 Reed William (19) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 297990 Reynolds John Burridge (36) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 119316 Robson Daniel Stephenson (22) Stoker 2nd Class C/KX 116685 Robson Stephen (33) Able Seaman P/JX 273145 Russell Leslie Frank (21) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294890 Searle Sidney Charles (36) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 135117 Sheed Francis (29) Leading Seaman P/SSX 21605 Smith Albert (24) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 97984 Smith Francis John Robert (36) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 78366 Smith Thomas Hill (26) Shipwright 3rd Class P/MX 49322 Snelgrove James (25) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 113178 Southwell James Harold (38) Chief Stoker P/K 59855 Stevens William Henry (39) Petty Officer Sick Berth P/MX 46745 Symes William Herbert (23) Leading Stoker P/KX 96927 Taylor Albert (34) Able Seaman D/JX 217131 Taylor James (30) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 88688 Taylor James (21) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 135070 Scotland Thompson Edward (23) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 135067 Thompson John Alfred MID (41) Chief Mechanician P/K 57369 Tierney Patrick Joseph (27) Steward D/LX 26342 Tiller James Alfred (28) Petty Officer P/JX 149033 Tingle Arthur George (21) Leading Cook (O) D/MX 64823 Trory William Edward (25) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 110220 Twigg Joseph (20) Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 135136 Urwin Joseph (20) Joiner 4th Class P/MX 79489 Venvell Thomas Edward (44) Chief Painter P/M 35259 Wade William (31) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 273489 Waite John Henry (45) Chief Ordnance Artificer 2nd Class P/M 36229 Ward Frank (27) Steward P/LX 24497 Warren Edward Charles (30) Yeoman of Signals P/J 131813 Waugh David (28) Able Seaman P/SSX 19673 Scotland Wead James Richard (21) Leading Stoker P/KX 96121 Northern Ireland Welch Reginald Gordon (38) Able Seaman P/J 95227 Welch Wilfred Rupert (24) Able Seaman P/JX 169862 White Dudley Norman (22) Able Seaman P/JX 184974 White William Charlton (22) Able Seaman P/SSX 22093 Wilson Edward Ronald (29) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 80930 Withers Reuben RNASBR (35) Leading SBA P/SBR/X 7684 Wonderley John Joseph (22) Able Seaman D/JX 217233 Wood Laurence Harry (19) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 297983 Wren Jack (27) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 120481
Total: 136
Royal Marines
Cox John Arthur (18) Musician RMB/X 1235 Creese Herbert (25) Marine PO/X 1364 Dacre Albert Reginald Peter (21) Corporal PO/X 2685 Fensham Colin Arthur (18) Musician RMB/X 1132 Fitton Donald (27) Musician RMB/X 1654 Granger Roy (20) Marine PO/X 103104 Hands William Arthur (20) Marine PO/X 4671 Hartley Wilfred Cyril (18) Musician RMB/X 1253 Humphries Stanley Leslie (26) Musician RMB/X 1443 Lunnon Kenneth Aubrey Ronald (22) Marine PO/X 100762 Millne William Augustus (21) Musician RMB/X 1599 Parsons Arthur (25) Marine PO/X 102125 Partridge John Samuel (20) Musician RMB/X 1664 Ray Benjamin (29) dra 12 Aug 42 Marine PO/X 1187 Regan Michael (23) Marine PO/X 2428 Smith Ronald William (19) Musician RMB/X 1133 Witchell Desmond Terry (18) Musician RMB/X 1228
Total: 17
Fleet Air Arm
Dinsdale James Leslie (24) Air Mechanic 1st Class (A) RN FAA/FX 76211 Hake Jack (23) PO Air Mechanic (A) RN FAA/FX 80030 Heeley William Arthur (22) Leading Air Fitter (O) RN FAA/FX 80376 Hudson Alfred James (22) Air Fitter (E) RN FAA/SFX 1312 Mayland Arthur Richard (21) Leading Air Mechanic (E) RN FAA/SFX 131 Tyrrell Lawrence William (22) Air Mechanic 1st Class (O) RN FAA/SFX 2362 Williams Charles Valentine (22) Engine Room Artificer 4 RN FAA/FX 83260
Total: 7
In Air Combat
Hankey Michael (26) MID Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR
Michael Hankey (801 NAS) was airborne at the time of the sinking of Eagle on 11 August 1942. He was flying Hurricane V7229 and landed on Victorious. On 12 August he flew off Victorious, but failed to return, being shot down by an enemy aircraft, causing him to crash into the sea.
Total: 1
Miscellaneous
Vaggers Denys John (18) Canteen Assistant NAAFI
Total: 1
Total ship's company lost: 162
HMSForesight– 12 August 1942
Royal Navy
Evans Harry Reginald (48) Lieutenant Jones Christopher William (23) Leading Seaman dra 24 Aug 42 Wales D/JX 143141 Mellors Stanley (29) Stoker 1st Class dra 11 Aug 42 D/KX 105795 Shelley Samuel Beynon (31) Petty Officer D/JX 130785 Wales Woods Victor (20) Able Seaman P/SSX 33778
Total ship's company lost: 5
HMSIndomitable(damaged) 12 August 1942
Royal Navy
Bailey Edward Joseph (22) Steward P/LX 24131 Blacker Charles Edwin (28) Steward dra 14 Aug 42 P/LX 26507 Bray John Osborne (29) Steward P/LX 25415 Cass Frank Thomas (25) Assistant Steward P/LX 26297 Hempstead Leslie George (22) Petty Officer Steward P/LX 22611 Maxfield George Arthur (22) Able Seaman P/JX 190700 Richardson William Barnett (23) Leading Writer P/MX 62236 Stewart William Hamilton (22) Steward P/LX 23665 Tanner George Alexander (32) Paymaster Lieutenant (S) Wales Vasey Frank (30) Joiner 4th Class D/MX 75043 Venables John Henry (22) Leading Stoker P/KX 92576 Wilde Reginald Stanley (22) Able Seaman P/SSX 28650
Total: 12
Royal Marines
Ahearne John Patrick (20) Marine PO N/X 101841 Wales Arlow Henry (28) Marine PO N/X 102354 Northern Ireland Bidwell Leonard John (22) Corporal PO E/X 100771 Binns James William (24) Marine PO N/X 101733 Clark Henry (34) Marine PO A/22127 Farrow Denis William (23) Marine PO N/X 3541 Frankpitt James (22) Corporal PO A/X 2683 Fraser David (26) Marine PO E/X 102655 Scotland Gardner Raymond (22) Marine PO E/X 100387 Golbourn Alfred George (22) Marine PO A/X 101726 Gourley Robert Gray (26) Sergeant PO A/X 1637 Scotland Greenwood Kenneth Gordon (22) Corporal PO N/X 2765 Harding Thomas Henry (22) Marine dra 22 Aug 42 PO/X 2345 McCheyne George (22) Marine PLY/X 100456 Patten Harold York (22) Marine PO A/X 101730 Rowsell Leslie Maurice (22) Marine PO E/X 101731 Ryan Daniel William (29) Marine PO N/X101857 Scott Hugh Kelly (21) Marine PO E/X 101561 Northern Ireland Simpkins Henry George (43) Marine (Pens) PO I/22479 Summers Harold Ernest George (46) Colour Sergeant (Pens) PO A/22042 Welch Victor (29) Marine PO I/X 101860 Williamson Andrew (25) Marine PO A/X 1701 Wood Joseph Maurice (28) Sergeant PO A/X 1035
Total: 23
Fleet Air Arm
Cunliffe-Owen Hugo Leslie 'Boy' (21) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (880 NAS)Downing George Edward (26) Air Mechanic 1st Class (O) FAA/SFX 711 Freeman John Herbert (36) PO Leading Air Fitter (E) RN dra 15 Aug 42 FAA/F 55055 Gray Frederick Louis Alfred MID (27) Air Artificer 4th Class dra 15 Aug 42 FAA/FX 76784 Lindley Ernest (24) Air Mechanic 1st Class (A) RN FAA/SFX 674 Lindsay William Campbell (22) Scotland Air Mechanic 2nd Class RN FAA/FX 81744 Measures George Frederick (25) Lieutenant (A) RNVR (827 NAS) Park Richard Bruce DSC (25) Lieutenant (A) RN (827 NAS) Protheroe William Loyd 'Willy' (21) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (827 NAS)Sainsbury John Maurice (25) Leading Air Mechanic (O) FAA/FX 79980 Squires Francis Arthur (19) Air Mechanic 2nd Class (A) RN FAA/SFX 2513 Taylor Thomas Lewis Norman (25) Leading Air Mechanic 1st Class (O) dra 21 Aug 42 FAA/SFX 704 Williams Leonard Chenery (31) Lieutenant RN
Total: 13
In Air Combat
Cruickshank John Imlay (23) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR Scotland John Cruickshank (880 NAS) was badly wounded while flying Sea Hurricane V7311. He was shot down by a Messerschmitt 110 while attacking a Heinkel He111. The Bf110 was shot down by Hawker Hurricane 2435.
Johnston Robert Louis (29) MID Lieutenant RN Robert 'Sloppy' Johnston (CO of 806 NAS) was badly wounded while flying Grumman Martlet AJ136 and attacking a Junkers 88. Upon landing back on Indomitable without wing flap control, the arrester hook broke and the aircraft went into the sea, killing the pilot.
Judd Francis Elton Christopher DSC (33) Lt Commander RN South Africa Francis 'Butch' Judd (880 NAS) was flying Hawker Hurricane Z7088. He attacked a Heinkel 111 of 6/KG26, but had his starboard wing shot away. The aircraft dived into the sea from 500 feet, killing the pilot.
Lucas John Michael (21) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR John Lucas (800 NAS) while flying Hawker Hurricane V7100, left a patrol to attack an enemy aircraft and failed to return; cause of death unknown.
Total: 4
Total ship's company lost: 52
HMSCairo– 12 August 1942
Royal Navy
Bye Alfred William (41) Petty Officer Stoker P/K 59924 Comben Stephen Charles (26) Leading Stoker P/KX 97442 Earnshaw Joseph (37) Petty Officer Stoker P/K 66079 Gomes Alfred Frederick (19) Cook (S) P/MX 80515 Halsey William Arthur MID (41) Able Seaman P/J 54128 Lamb Frank Bruce (28) Leading Stoker P/KX 82691 Lambert Harry James (22) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 97981 Mackay Charles (23) Leading Stoker P/KX 90354 Scotland Mitchell Walter Lowman (37) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 294640 Packwood-Leddy William (26) Leading Steward P/LX 25664 Wright Norman Alfred (39) Chief Stoker P/K 62732
Hutt Edwin Algernon (24) Leading Stoker P/KX 97474 dra 2 Nov 42 (Buried in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. Plot 2. Row E. Joint Grave 5.)
Total: 12
Royal Marines
Crago Alfred Charles (31) Marine PO/X 794 Dalling Reginald Alfred (20) Marine PO/X 4000 Durnford Laurence George (20) Marine PO/X 104075 Hadlow Thomas (24) Marine PO/X 2448 Henderson William DSM (23) Marine PO/X 2707 Scotland Mittens Richard Stanley Albert (25) Marine PO/X 3465 Mullineux Richard (37) Corporal PO/21786 Redman William Charles (25) Marine PO/X 1857 Slark Kenneth John (19) Marine PO/X 4840 Wallace Samuel (32) Marine PO/X 102898 Wellings George Hosier (28) Sergeant PO/X 1030 Whale William Ebenezer (33) Marine PO/X 648
Total: 12
Total ship's company lost: 24
HMSNigeria(damaged) 12 August 1942
Royal Navy
Alsop Christopher Terence (24) Able Seaman C/SSX 18142 Aris John Copeland (20) Ordinary Telegraphist C/JX 207145 Armstrong Kenneth (18) Ordinary Seaman C/JX 162936 Betts Charles George (22) Leading Telegraphist C/SSX 24984 Box John Thomas (19) Able Seaman C/JX 162491 Boyce Gordon Charles (18) Ordinary Telegraphist C/JX 161695 Brawn Cecil George (26) Petty Officer C/JX 137301 Bray Paul Eric Neville (20) Able Seaman C/SSX 32645 Burns Edgar Ernest (23) Able Seaman C/JX 127408 Castle William Ernest Alfred (19) Able Seaman C/JX 163153 Coleman Herbert Edwin Charles (19) Able Seaman C/JX 161579 Coote Eric Hendy (29) Able Seaman C/JX 129556 Coxon Kenneth Norman (24) Telegraphist C/JX 178385 Culver Eric Roy (19) Able Seaman C/JX 163530 Ebbage Herbert Thomas (26) Leading Seaman C/JX 149934 Fox Ernest (39) Able Seaman C/JX 237564 Grose Henry (19) Scotland Ordinary Seaman P/JX 300867 Hart Reginald Thomas (28) Able Seaman C/JX 259672 Hoare James (22) Able Seaman C/JX 145018 Ingoldby Patrick Roger (17) Midshipman Irving Norman (19) Able Seaman C/JX 162859 Isaac Douglas John (19) Able Seaman C/JX 159891 James Gordon Patrick (20) Stoker 2nd Class C/KX 135445 Johnstone Cecil Frederick (32) Ordinary Seaman C/JX 269805 Jones Arthur Leonard (39) Chief Petty Officer Stoker C/K 61374 Ker Claude Buchanan (18) Midshipman Lebbing Clifford Henry (24) Able Seaman C/JX 181550 Martindale John Thomas (31) Ordinary Seaman C/JX 319702 Martyr Alfred Arthur (35) Warrant Electrician McInnes James Friels (18) Ordinary Seaman C/JX 348948 Scotland Page Albert Raymond (20) Supply Assistant C/MX 63741 Perry Alfred James (37) Petty Officer C/J 103979 Reeves Arthur William (19) Able Seaman C/JX 164154 Roberts Henry George (20) Able Seaman C/JX 259485 Robinson George William Albert (28) Petty Officer Telegraphist C/JX 133413 Skoyles Henry William (30) Petty Officer C/JX 128664 Smith Arthur Sidney (22) Stoker 1st Class C/KX 104577 Tuffill John Daniel (17) Midshipman Waller Herbert Arthur (20) Able Seaman C/JX 158008 Wicks Thomas Albert (26) Able Seaman C/JX 135502 Wiley Edmund (28) Leading Seaman C/SSX 14420 Wilkinson Cyril (19) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 296899 Wilson John McEwan (30) Able Seaman C/JX 129367
Green John Frederick (22) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class dra 5 Sept 42 C/MX 66721 (Buried in Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery. Plot 2. Row D. Joint Grave 8.)
Total: 44
Royal Marines
Clarke John Albert (27) Musician RMB/X 1420 Conn Frederick William James (29) Musician RMB/X 1556 Morey William Cecil (35) Musician RMB/2944 Phillips Jack Albert (34) Musician RMB/X 1836 Powell Richard (25) Band Corporal RMB/X 479 Ray William David George (23) Musician RMB/X 555 Ridout Albert Edward (33) Bandmaster 1 RMB/2877 Rope Aaron (31) Musician RMB/3044 Walter Arthur Victor (22) Musician RMB/X 650
Total: 9
Total ship's company lost: 53
HMSVictorious
Fleet Air Arm/In Air Combat
7 August 1942/Operation 'Berserk'/809 Naval Air Squadron
Elson James Frederick (24) Leading Airman FAA/FX 78368 Taylor Colin George (21) Sub Lieutenant RNR
12 August 1942
Churchill Robert Alec Farquhar (31) Lieutenant RN Robert 'Buster' Churchill (884 NAS) was flying Fairey Fulmar X8800. He was shot down, with his co-pilot Alan Nunn, while attacking a Cant Z1007bis. Both men were killed.
Nunn Alan (22) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR Alan Nunn (884 NAS) was killed with Robert Churchill.
Evans Charles John (21) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR Wales John Evans (809 NAS) was flying Fairey Fulmar DR721. He was shot down by enemy fighters, which dived out of the sun. The pilot and co-pilot John Stewart were killed.
Stewart John (22) Leading Airman RN FAA/FX 77310 John Stewart (809 NAS) was killed with John Evans.
Nihill John Harry O'Carroll (21) Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR John Nihill (809 NAS) was flying Fairey Fulmar BP785. He was shot down while attacking a SM79. The pilot and his co-pilot Walter Regan were killed.
Regan Walter Richard (26) Leading Airman RN FAA/JX 228503 Walter Regan (809 NAS) was killed with John Nihill.
Total ship's company lost: 8
MVGlenorchy(R570) – 12 August 1942
Merchant Navy
Cowley Eric Ernest (40) Second Engineer Officer 67439 Isle of Man Fletcher Charles William (22) Greaser R 208501 Foreman Thomas Wilkinson (21) Junior Engineer Officer NP Leslie George DSC (55) Master 394194/039706 McQuilliam William (37) Greaser R 80768 Threlfall James (51) Chief Engineer Officer 726146 Wood John Winston (28) Junior Engineer Officer R 219433
Total crew lost: 7
DEMS – 7/4 Maritime Regiment – 13 August 1942
Seal Herbert Richard (36) Gunner RA 11260275
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 1
Total ship's company lost: 8
MV Deucalion (R572) – 12 August 1942
DEMS – 7/4 Maritime Regiment
Hutchinson Alexander (32) Gunner RA 1835498 Northern Ireland
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 1
Total ship's company lost: 1
SSClan Ferguson– 12 August 1942
Merchant Navy
Anderson James (20) Greaser NP Scotland Blair Alistair (27) Third Engineer Officer R 172954 Scotland Bruce Hugh Gilbert (54) Surgeon NP Scotland Connell Robert (33) Fireman/Trimmer R 229656 Scotland Crawford William (20) Fireman/Trimmer NP Scotland Grant William McLean (21) Sixth Engineer Officer R 170656 Scotland Hollywood John (29) Greaser R 206022 Scotland McCrory William James (40) First Radio Officer 1045009 Ryan Michael (35) Fireman/Trimmer SE 00456 Irish Republic Stewart Alexander (56) Fireman 896019 Scotland Wilde John Robert MBE (58) Chief Engineer Officer 932285
Died while interned in North Africa as POW Beavan Hayden Edward (18) Fireman/Trimmer R 260482 dra 7 Sept 1942 Wales (Buried in Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave No. 16. C. 9.)
Total crew lost: 12
HMSManchester– 13 August 1942
Royal Navy
Coyle James Holland (22) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 119971 Dunning Thomas William Frederick (32) Petty Officer P/J 114798 Frankland Leonard Musgrave (23) Sub Lieutenant (E) RNVR Godden Leslie John (22) Leading Stoker P/KX 94509 Hodgkinson Francis Ronald (22) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 119880 Noble William Henry (20) Stoker 1st Class P/KX 114857 Scotland Powis William Arthur (35) Petty Officer Stoker P/KX 78723 Smith Charles Frederick (37) Chief Mechanician P/K 64666 Toogood William Claude (22) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class P/MX 60360 Isle of Wight Whitehead Ronald Gordon (22) Able Seaman P/SSX 25152
Turner Bert (21) dra 14 Aug 42 Stoker 1st Class P/SKX 202 (Buried in Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery: Prot. Sec. (Men's) Plot F Coll. Grave 102.)
Died while interned in North Africa as POW Bristow William Ernest (42) dra 7 Sept 42 Leading Seaman RNR P/X 6696C(Buried in Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria, Grave ref. 2 J 21)
Greaves Norman (22) dra 19 Oct 42 Stoker 2nd Class P/KX 130745 (Buried in Dely Ibrahim War Cemetery, Algeria, Grave ref. 2 J 10)
Total ship's company lost: 13
MVMelbourne Star(R571)
Royal Navy – 12 August 1942
Gilpin William George (31) Australia Able Seaman RANR F 2141 dra 12 Aug 42
Total RN personnel lost: 1
Royal Artillery – 208 Bty 58 HAA Regiment
Wallace Arthur (27) Gunner 1585821
DEMS – 7/4 Maritime Regiment – 13 August 1942
Bache Harold (32) Bombardier RA 826511 Ince Howard Richard MID (22) Second Lieutenant RA 197630 Stewart John (21) Gunner RA 1476971 Northern Ireland Turner John (37) Gunner RA 4262702
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 5
Merchant Navy – 13 August 1942
Brown Andrew (28) Greaser NP Cochrane Patrick (28) Greaser R 117696 Kelly John Thomas (23) Greaser R 259529 Scotland Morgan Dennis (18) Steward's Boy R 249723 McCann Peter (23) Greaser R 196075 Owen William (18) Sailor R 228782 Wales Walker Daniel (39) Greaser NP Scotland Welch Harry (46) Assistant Steward 782456
Total crew lost: 8
Total ship's company lost: 14
MVWaimarama(R574) – 13 August 1942
Merchant Navy
Annetts Gilbert Charles R. (40) Fifth Engineer Officer R 179936 New Zealand Atkins Charles Frederick (21) Third Refrigeration Engineer Officer R 215785 Baines William Peter (44) Steward 1132733 Bell John Colin (18) Sailor R217815 Betts George Robert (25) Able Seaman R193527 Falkland Islands Bird Walter (20) Assistant Steward R 259963 Bolton Ralph Kearsley (33) Second Officer R65089 Bowdrey Robert Joseph (56) Assistant Steward 602891 Bowyer Arthur Charles (33) First Electrician R 87367 Caley Ronald Herbert Alfred (26) Third Electrician R 195067 Calvert Leonard Ernest (18) Deck Boy NP Clarke Hugh (45) Able Seaman NP Dickell Ralph Henry Charles (47) Fireman 852786 Evans Henry MM (50) Greaser 597696 Gallacher John (42) Cook 1029200 Gallagher Patrick (49) Greaser 1065213 Gladwell Frederick (19) Ordinary Seaman R 193769 Hayward Leslie Albert (34) Able Seaman R 210057 Hutchinson William Mackay (40) Fourth Engineer Officer R 205052 Australia Jones Alan Richard (24) Able Seaman R 125208 Wales Jones Edward Ian (27) Third Engineer Officer R 156867 Lane Maurice Arthur (24) Seventh Engineer Officer R 233194 New Zealand Lee Arthur (25) Ordinary Seaman R 255351 Little Ernest William (51) Chief Steward 731884 McBride John Stewart (22) Eighth Engineer Officer R 256687 Isle of Wight MacDonald Ian (29) Third Officer R 140876 New Zealand McLean Malcolm (52) Able Seaman 1087522 Scotland MacLeod Allan (52) Boatswain 1060989 Scotland Margitson John Stuart (44) RNVR Chief Engineer Officer MB 1437/1066669 USA Marshall Reginald Ernest (44) Second Engineer Officer R 176979 Meaghan, George Thomas (47) Greaser 1042964 Mooney Gerard (29) Greaser R 145532 Mounsey Thomas James (33) Greaser R 72058 Murray Norman (30) Able Seaman R 146219 Scotland Neville Robert Francis (43) Storekeeper 1036418 Ody Vivian (24) Steward R 169335 O'Shaughnessy John (41) First Radio Officer 985934 Palmer Thomas Frederick (52) Chief Refrigeration Engineer Officer R 667870 Parr John Francis (20) Tenth Engineer Officer NP Parry David (19) Ordinary Seaman NP Wales Pearce Robert Strasenburgh (54) Master NP Phillips Stanley (15) Deck Boy R 104195 Powderham Andrew John (15) Deck Boy NP Price Hugh Longueville (21) Sixth Engineer Officer R 253244 Scotland Reid Henry Denis Clark (22) Fourth Officer R 254070 Richardson George (20) Greaser R 253523 Richardson James Joseph (25) Greaser R 128134 Roberts Harry Glyn (35) Able Seaman R 8367 Wales Roberts John (52) Wales Lamptrimmer R 231137 Rooff Arthur John (25) Second Refrigeration Engineer Officer NP Australia Ross Hugh Macbeth (19) Apprentice NP Scotland Saunders Joseph (18) Steward's Boy R 200943 Schofield Douglas (20) Sailor R 258586 Stephens William Alfred (28) Carpenter R 160179 Suleman Dawood (51) Donkeyman 982967 Thomas John Trevor (30) Electrician R 139884 Australia Thompson Robert (27) Greaser R 41937 Thorne Ronald Leslie (39) Steward R 44125 Wales Thowless William (36) Chief Officer R 22647 Belgium Town Robert Charles (20) Ninth Engineer Officer NP Willett John Raymond (20) Sailor NP Wright William (57) Chief Cook 759545
Wilson Robert Gordon (19) Second Radio Officer dra 13 Aug 42 NP (Buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave No. V. B. 7.)
Total crew lost: 63
Royal Army Medical Corps
Davies Emlyn (25) Private 7375939 Wales
Total RAMC lost: 1
DEMS – Royal Artillery
Bouttell Robert Victor (39) Gunner 11006690 Brennan James Edward (37) Gunner 11006695 Shepherd Edward Campbell (40) Gunner 11006804 Wilson Sidney Robert (39) Gunner 11006846
DEMS – 1/1 Maritime Regiment
Benham George (20) Gunner RA 2991096 Brown Lewis Colin (20) Gunner RA 3962370 Collins Ira Alexander (25) Gunner RA 13023760 Wales Thomas Edward John (22) Bombardier RA 4204243
DEMS – 7/4 Maritime Regiment
Bond Rupert (43) Gunner RA 1486380 Chitty John George (27) Lance Bombardier RA 5334597 Creen Joseph (32) Gunner RA 1543928 Taylor Sidney Harris (20) Gunner RA 6401656 Twist Thomas S. (34) Lance Sergeant RA 1768312 Wreford Arthur John (28) Gunner RA 1547418
DEMS – 130/4 Maritime Regiment
Crookshank Alexander Oldfield Second Lieutenant RA 217128
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 15
Royal Navy
Dearing Henry James (23) Leading Seaman C/JX 165663 Fensome Dennis Charles James (18) Signalman P/JX 166815 Hawthorn Walter George Victor (20) Yeoman of Signals P/JX 154008 Hitch Charles William (21) Able Seaman P/JX 266762 Hufton Frederick Hillier Jones (23) Signalman P/JX 186297 Kellaway Henry Charles (28) Able Seaman P/JX 249485 Morrow Victor James (27) Able Seaman RANR S 2223 Australia Withers Stuart Montgomerie (24) Lieutenant
Jones Arthur Ronald (19) dra 31 Aug 42 Able Seaman D/JX 335705 (Buried in Imtarfa Military Cemetery, nr Mdina, Malta. Coll. Grave No. 3. 3. 26)
DEMS
Hill Thomas (35) Able Seaman D/JX 268037 Johnson William Henry (21) Able Seaman D/JX 290968 Jordon Charles Frederick (20) Able Seaman D/JX 289712 Ormerod Jack (22) Holland Able Seaman D/JX 217058
Total RN personnel lost: 13
Total ship's company lost: 91
MVBrisbane Star– 13 August 1942
Merchant Navy
Corfield Edward (60) dra 13 Aug 42 Greaser 814918 (Buried in Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia. Grave No.11. D. 3.)
Total crew lost: 1
SSSanta Elisa(R546) - USA
Royal Army Ordnance Corps – 4 AA Div Workshops
Twyford Walter Thomas Cornelius (23) Lance Corporal 6346933
Total RAOC lost: 1
DEMS – 6/3 Maritime Regiment
Fairclough Thomas (32) Gunner RA 4467825 Taylor James Gordon (21) Gunner RA 1795139
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 2
SSOhio– 13 August 1942
DEMS – 7/4 Maritime Regiment
Brown Peter (38) Gunner RA 1823820
Total Royal Artillery personnel lost: 1
Royal Australian Air Force
Buntine Robert Athol (24) Flight Sergeant 403554 (Spitfire pilot – 1435 Squadron – shot down and killed by gunners on board MVDorset(R573) – 13 August 1942)
Fox Harry Donald (19) Sergeant (Wireless Op/Air gnr) 405353 (Killed in a Vickers Wellington – 221 Squadron – which crash-landed at Luqa, Malta, after being hit by flak during a second air raid on Comiso – 13 August 1942. He is buried in Malta (Capucchini) Naval Cemetery. Prot. Sec. (Men's) Plot F. Coll. Grave 9)
Total: 2
Royal Canadian Air Force
Smith Jerrold 'Jerry' Alpine (21) Pilot Officer J/6280 (Shot down and killed, after shooting down a Ju88 just north of Malta, while flying Spitfire BR366 – 126 Squadron – 10 August 1942)
Jay David Joseph DFC (22) Pilot Officer ------ (Shot down and killed by a Bf109, while protecting the 'Pedestal' convoy, flying Bristol Beaufighter T5101/W – 248 Squadron – 13 August 1942)
Total: 2
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Tanner John Harold (22) Flight Sergeant 41960 (Spitfire pilot – 126 Squadron – reportedly shot down and killed by a German Bf109 – 13 August 1942)
Total: 1
HMSKenya– 14 August 1942 (damaged, but still seaworthy)
Evans Harold (21) dra 15 Aug 42 Able Seaman D/SSX 28689 Jones Herbert Edwin Christopher (19) Able Seaman D/JX 160563 Payne William Harold (22) Leading Seaman D/JX 145448 Wales
Total ship's company lost: 3
Overall Total of Personnel lost: 457
Anomalies:
SSAlmeria LykesBrown Henry First Assistant Engineer Officer USA (Jumped from the window of a New York hotel – dra 5 September 1942)
HMSLedbury(Accident* – dra 19 August 1942)
Reid James Samuel (20) Ordinary Seaman P/JX 298953 Scotland *James Reid was tragically lost during the voyage back to Gibraltar, withPennandBramhamin company. Two twin-gun mountings on the stern ofLedburyhad been used to engage an enemy reconnaissance plane. A faulty shell fuse exploded as it exited the muzzle of one of the guns, killing him instantly.
SSOhio(Cause of death – peritonitis – dra 26 September 1942)
Banner Raymond (25) Assistant Steward (Buried in Ta' Braxia Cemetery, Pieta, Malta, plot 8 vault No. 6)
Overall Total: 3
ROLL OF HONOUR
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb)
LIST OF KNOWN AXIS' DEAD LOST AS A RESULT
OF OPERATION 'PEDESTAL'
PERSONNEL LOST IN ITALIAN SUBMARINES - 12 AUGUST 1942 (Translation from Italiana to English:
Capitano- Lieutenant. Capitano(Ingenere Meccanico) - Lieutenant (E). Sottotenente di Vascello- Sub Lieutenant. Sottotenente- Midshipman. Capo di Prima Classe- Chief 1st Class. Capo di Seconda Classe- Chief 2nd Class. Capo di Terza Classe- Chief 3rd Class. Sottocapo- Junior Chief. Sergente- Sergeant. Comune- Rating.
Dagabur
Surname/Christian/First Name: Rank:
Alfieri FrancescoComune Basso PrimoCapo di Seconda Classe Bertazzi AlessandroSottocapo Brondi BernardoCapo di Terza Classe Campagna FilippoSottocapo Cannia MatteoSergente Cascella FrancescoSergente Catalano DomenicoSottotenente di Vascello Cavallotti GuglielmoComune Cerami FrancescoSottocapo Ceresoli MarioSottocapo Cesarotti ErosSottocapo Corallo SalvatoreSergente De Hoffman GabrieleSottotenente Di Bella GiacomoComune Di Blasi UgoComune Di Lucia GiovanniComune Ellena ArturoComune Femmino GuiseppeSottocapo Filippini RenatoCapitano(Ingenere Meccanico) Gaggiott VincenzoCapo di Seconda Classe Galano AdamoComune Gatti AlfredoCapitano Ghezzi FedericoCapo di Seconde Classe Grapputo EvelinoSottocapo Lops DonatoCapo di Seconda Classe Marci RaffaeleCapo di Terza Classe Marzocchi GiuseppeCapo di Seconda Classe Mele BiagioCapo di Seconda Classe Midili AntonioSottocapo Modica SalvatoreSottocapo Napoleone AnielloComune Orlandi GiovanniComune Pasquero GiustinoCapo di Seconda Classe Pecori RenatoCapitano Pileddu EnricoComune Riva AdrianoComune Salemi SaverioSergente Salvenelli RenatoSottotenente Soffietti RenzoComune Stabile SalvatoreSottocapo Stefanini GennaroSergente Travain GuiseppeCapo di Prima Classe Vallorini NelloSottocapo Zaccaria AgostinoSottocapo
Cobalto
Gardella GiovanniTenente Volpe MarioComune
Giada
Nacca FrancescoSottocapo
Total Italian submariners lost: 48
LUFTWAFFE AIRMEN REPORTEDLY LOST
(Despite contact with many relevant German and Italian Archives, it has not been possible to confirm the deaths of those listed below. Although all were shot down during, or as a result of the 'Pedestal' convoy, some may have been rescued. The author, therefore, apologises for any errors.)
Surname/Christian/First Name (Age): Rank: Aircraft/Squadron Details:
Bastian WalterStabsfeldwebelJu88 (L1+EH) of II./LG1/1St. Bennebach OskarUnteroffizierJu87 (S7+BL) of III./StG3 Böhr GerhardUnteroffizierJu88 (L1+BL) of LG1 Deidlauf HelmutLeutnantJu88 (L1+GN) of II./LG1/5St. Dotterweich Adam (25)UnteroffizierJu88 of II./LG1/5St. Fiedler SiegfriedOberfeldwebelJu88 (L1+AP) of II./LG1/6St. Gerlich Axel (22)OberleutnantJu88 (L1+ON) of II./LG1/5St. Gössling HerbertUnteroffizierJu87 (CG+SK) of I./StG3 Hamann Hanns-Ernst (21)LeutnantJu88 (L1+HP) of II./LG1/6St. Hedrich HansLeutnantJu88 of II./LG1 Hronek FranzUnteroffizierJu88 (F6+FK) of 2(F)/122 Kopishchel ArnoFeldwebelJu88 of KGr.806 Kühn EdmundFeldwebelJu88 (L1+DN) of II./LG1/5St. Lagauer LeopoldOberleutnantJu88 (3Z+ES) of 8/KG77 Langer HugoFeldwebelBf109 of II./JG77 Limmertz HeinzOberfeldwebelJu88 (3Z+FM) of 4/KG77 Lüben WernerHauptmannJu88 (L1+YK) of II./LG1/2St. PietschLeutnantJu88 of KGr.806 Ritter Karl-Erich Pilot/LeutnantJu88 (M7+DH) of KGr.806 Seiler KurtUnteroffizierJu88 (F6+FK) of 2(F)/122 Schmiedgen Hans-JoachimUnteroffizierJu88 (F6+KK) of 2(F)/122 Streubel HelmutFeldwebelJu88 (3Z+ET) of KG77/9St. Vogt WernerStabsfeldwebelJu88 (L1+OH) of II./LG1/1St.
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) ROYAL NAVY
(Please Note: AllLondon Gazettedates are 10 November 1942, except where stated. Where an asterisk* appears it denotes that the same award has already been given to the same person for a different action).
HMSAshanti
Surname Christian Name/Names Rank Number Award
Onslow Richard George, Sir DSO Captain DSO* Symonds Kenneth Morland Lieutenant Commander (E) DSC Whitworth William Lieutenant Commander DSC Aird Matthew ER Artificer 4th Class C/MX 75689 DSM Dahne David Richard Stoker 1st Class C/KX 99292 DSM Hooke Herbert John Wilson Chief ER Artificer C/M 38845 DSM Allen George William Yeoman of Signals C/J 106735 MID Bailey Edward Anthony Savile DSO Lieutenant MID Buckeridge John Leslie Lieutenant MID Burrell Percival John William Leading Stoker C/KX 99508 MID Crees Charles John ER Artificer 4th Class C/MX 61414 MID Dockwra Harry Wallace Petty Officer C/JX 125035 MID
HMSBramham
Baines Edmund Francis Lieutenant DSO Milford Haven David Michael, Marquess of Lieutenant DSC Burr Richard ER Artificer 2nd Class RNR D/X 2868 DSM Maddocks Edward Able Seaman D/SSX 25326 DSM May George Ware PO Telegraphist D/JX 145868 DSM Wren William Charles Petty Officer D/JX 128072 DSM Dumaresq Vernon John George Ordinary Seaman D/JX 287707 MID Maxwell Charles Alexander Chief Engineer MID
HMSCairo
Hackett Percy Sick Berth Attendant P/MX 68170 DSM Scott Robert Leading Stoker P/KX 91001 DSM
HMSCharybdis
Bowles Gordon Fred Charles Ordnance Artificer 2nd Class D/MX 54018 DSM West George Edward Able Seaman (LTO) D/JX 204732 DSM Dibbs Frank William Wireman D/MX 74485 MID Humble Stanley Leading Seaman (RDF) P/JX 192889 MID Rusher John James Sherwood Lieutenant Commander MID Skelton William Falcon Lieutenant MID Webster John Stoker 1st Class D/KX 113187 MID
HMSEagle
Brabner Rupert Arnold MP DSO (801 Sqn) Ty/Act/Commander (A) RNVR (LG: 28.8.43) DSC Hutton Peter James (801 Sqn) Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (LG: 23.3.43) DSC Hankey Michael (801 Sqn) Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (LG: 23.3.43)Posthumous MID Owen Charles Edward Ansell Lieutenant Commander MID McDonald Douglas John Act/Sub Lieutenant (A) (LG: 23.3.43) MID
HMSFury
Houston James Able Seaman P/JX 295136 DSM Petter William Frank PO Telegraphist P/JX 128033 DSM Campbell Hugh Stoker Petty Officer P/KX 75662 MID Clegg Ian Mosley Lieutenant MID Leighton William John ER Artificer 3rd Class P/MX 59511 MID Payn Sydney Alfred James Stoker 1st Class P/KX 100687 MID
HMSIcarus
Beynon Thomas Hewitt Chief ER Artificer P/MX 51223 DSM Crossman James Darling PO Telegraphist P/JX 132635 DSM Burnley Maxwell Lawrence Lieutenant RANVR MID Hobbs Edmund Stoker Petty Officer P/K 58072 MID Roxburgh William George Petty Officer P/J 112088 MID Smith Adam Chief Stoker P/K 60289 MID
HMSIndomitable
Troubridge Thomas Hope, Sir Captain DSO Bruen John Martin DSC Lieutenant Commander (800 Naval Air Squadron) DSO Cork Richard John DSC Lieutenant Commander (880 NAS) DSO Fiddes Donald Brian Milner Lieutenant (880 NAS) DSO Boddam-Whetham Alfred Patrick Lieutenant (Deputy Deck Landing Officer) DSC Brooks Douglas Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR DSC Morgan Erick Henry Ty/Act/Lieutenant Commander (A) RNVR DSC Muir-Mackenzie Hamish Lieutenant (800 NAS) DSC Mylius Victor Ivor Henry Lieutenant Commander DSC Thompson Andrew John Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (800 NAS) DSC Warner George DSM Chief Petty Officer P/J 20817 DSM* Edwards Ernest William Ty/Petty Officer P/JX 156681 DSM Gill Thomas Francis ER Artificer 4th Class P/MX 57494 DSM Green George Act/Leading Air Mechanic FAA/FX 77217 DSM Horsburgh Harold Bertram Air Artificer 4th Class FAA/FX 75157 DSM Pryde Herbert Marshall Master at Arms P/M 39996 DSM Taylor Ronald Joseph John Leading Air Mechanic FAA/FX 75747 DSM Titcomb Ernest Arthur Robert Act/Petty Officer D/JX 129550 DSM Walker Frank Edgar Chief Petty Officer C/JX 67361 DSM Wright George William Marine RM PO/X 2311 DSM Gray Frederick Louis Alfred Air Artificer 4th Class FAA/FX 76784 Posthumous MID Johnston Robert Louis Lieutenant (806 NAS) Posthumous MID Judd Francis Elton Christopher DSC Lieutenant Commander (880 NAS) Posthumous MID Buckee Edgar Air Artificer 4th Class FAA/FX 75091 MID Child Maurice Ty/Lieutenant (AE) RNVR MID Grant Leonard Act/Leading Air Mechanic FAA/FX 76010 MID Swallow Ralph Geoffrey Commander MID Harris Stephen Noel Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (880 Sqn) MID Martyn William Haig DSC Lieutenant (A) (800 NAS - Senior Pilot) MID McDowall Redvers Donald Payton Ty/Act/Warrant Mechanician MID Price Ronald Russen Act/Fitter (E) RNSR FAA/FX1016 MID Ritchie Blyth Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (800 NAS) MID Patrick John Bryan Surgeon Commander MID
HMSIntrepid
Beazley Albert Petty Officer P/JX 133442 DSM Wix Robert Alfred Yeoman of Signals C/JX 132767 DSM English Ernest Edward ER Artificer 4th Class C/MX 60603 MID Glew James Able Seaman C/JX 176192 MID Swinnerton Walter James Stoker Petty Officer C/KX 79072 MID
HMSIthuriel
Evans John Philip Olgivie Lieutenant RNVR DSC Gray Andrew Ty/Sub Lieutenant RNVR DSC Lawrence Sidney James Ordinary Seaman P/JX 321486 DSM Perkins Donald Able Seaman P/JX 202476 DSM Lindsay John Edward Leading Seaman (LTO) P/JX 140620 MID Maitland-Makgill-Crichton David Hugh DSC Lieutenant Commander MID Saunders Jack Able Seaman P/J 73260 MID
HMSKenya Russell Alfred Spalding Captain DSO Johnston David Selby Lieutenant DSC Barker Joseph Frank Ty/Act/Petty Officer D/JX 137121 DSM Edwards Albert Victor Act/Petty Officer D/JX 133610 DSM Ford John Act/ER Artificer 4th Class D/MX 74509 DSM Ladner Richard Owen Supply Assistant D/MX 72516 DSM Buxton Walter Petty Officer D/JX 128781 MID Hare Richard George Wyndham OBE Lieutenant Commander MID Horton Ernest Chief Stoker D/K 66843 MID Lansdowne Cyril Henry Act/PO Telegraphist D/JX 125996 MID Moss Robert Ty/Instructor Lieutenant MID Rouch George Ordnance Mechanic 4th Class D/MX 90212 MID Ryan Clement Joseph Ty/Sub Lieutenant RNVR MID Smith Frederick Barnett Petty Officer D/J 106093 MID Weston Arthur Chief Yeoman of Signals D/J 97337 MID
HMSLaforey
Hutton Reginald Maurice James Captain DSO Wilson John DSM Yeoman of Signals P/JX 132176 DSM* Durham Philip Edward Lieutenant MID Hazell Rowland Percy Telegraphist P/SSX 28787 MID Spencer Albert Edward Chief Yeoman of Signals P/J 90111 MID
HMSLedbury
London Gazette15 December 1942:
Walker Charles Henry Petty Officer (Cook) P/MX 49348 Albert Medal (bronze)
Citation:
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the ALBERT MEDAL for great bravery at sea to:
Petty Officer (Cook) Charles Henry Walker, P/MX 49348, HMSLedbury.
During a convoy to Malta [Operation 'Pedestal'] a vessel [MVWaimarama] was hit by bombs in an air attack [13 August 1942] and burst into flames fore and aft. An escorting destroyer [HMSLedbury] went very close, lowered her whaler and picked up survivors in the sea. Petty Officer Walker seeing a man [Alan Fran Bernett] in difficulties dived over the destroyer's side and rescued him. The heat was intense and he knew that his ship might have to turn away at any moment. Both rescued and rescuer were picked up.
Hill Roger Percival Lieutenant Commander DSO Hollings Herbert Anthony John Lieutenant DSC Musham Charles Edward Ty/Act/Gunner DSC Meakin Douglas Leading Seaman P/SSX 21909 DSM Preston George Walter Ordnance Artificer 3rd Class P/MX 49240 DSM Sida Reginald Alfred Edward Ordinary Seaman P/JX 297259 DSM Burden William Thomson Able Seaman P/SSX 29942 MID Guy Robert David Able Seaman P/JX 176413 MID James Arthur Edward Able Seaman P/JX 165645 MID Mitchell Edward Ordinary Seaman P/JX 297193 MID Prior Albert John Able Seaman P/JX 171415 MID Wren John Henry Petty Officer P/J 114065 MID
HMSNelson
Syfret Edward Neville Sir CdG CB MID Vice Admiral (LG: 8.9.42) KCB Dunnill Reginald Ty/Act/Leading Seaman RNVR P/LD/X 5434 MID English William Gordon Able Seaman P/SSX 21747 MID Pine Melbourne Addis Ty/Act/Leading Seaman P/JX 156986 MID Sellers Norman William Malin Ty/Sub Lieutenant RNVR MID
HMSNigeria
Burrough Harold Martin Sir CB DSO Rear Admiral (LG: 9.9.42) KBE Jones Frederick William OBE Engineer Commander DSO Livingston James Barrett Act/Lieutenant Commander DSC Horrocks John Chief ER Artificer C/M 38836 DSM Rayfield Sidney Ty/Leading Stoker C/KX 88957 DSM Rowland Arthur Henry Hall Chief Shipwright C/M 36857 DSM Starling Sidney Harry Mechanician 2nd Class C/KX 85937 DSM Barritt William Regulating PO C/M 40178 MID Cassidy Michael Alphonsus Act/Chief ER Artificer C/MX 46900 MID Edwards William Arthur Act/ER Artificer 4th Class C/MX 77566 MID Ings Albert Henry Ordnance Artificer 4th Class C/MX 60286 MID Lock William Turner Lieutenant (E) MID Paton Stuart Henry DSC Captain (LG: 16.4.43) MID Tucker Reginald Stanley ER Artificer 4th Class C/MX 52279 MID
HMSPathfinder
Malins Charles Wickham Lieutenant DSC Colley John Frederick Able Seaman D/JX 145029 MID Gibbs Edward Albert DSO Commander MID Hopkins Frederick Robert Chief ER Artificer D/MX 46022 MID Mercer Richard Harvey Lieutenant (E) (LG: 24.11.42) MID Srodzinski Charles Stanislaus Chief Petty Officer D/JX 145829 MID (LG: 24.11.42)
HMS Penn
Swain James Hamilton Lieutenant Commander DSO Marten George Grosslin Lieutenant DSC Lankaster Arthur William Chief Stoker C/KX 62967 DSM North Frank CGM Chief ER Artificer C/M 11514 DSM Witham Albert Wallis Richard Chief Petty Officer C/J 105117 DSM Smeal James Edward Patrick Lieutenant Commander (E) MID Wellstead William Henry Ordnance Artificer 3rd Class C/MX 54845 MID
HMSRodney
O'Connor John Albert Ty/Leading Seaman D/JX 150839 MID Say Leonard Vivian Ordnance Artificer 4th Class D/MX 60566 MID Thickett Harold Able Seaman D/JX 160237 MID Wells-Cole Charles Peter Neville Lieutenant MID Williams Denis Edward Leading Seaman D/JX 152752 MID
HMSRye
Pearson John Andrew DSC Act/Lieutenant Commander RNR DSC* Farquhar Burnett Ronald Able Seaman P/JX 162474 DSM Fleetham Harold Able Seaman P/SSX 25474 DSM Prior Ronald Leading Seaman P/JX 149077 DSM Parkin Philip Charles Ty/Lieutenant RNVR MID
HMSSomali
Duguid James ER Artificer 4th Class P/MX 58327 DSM Cooper Frank Henry Isaac Chief Yeoman of Signals P/J 87227 MID Lee Moses James Lieutenant MID Robertson William Henry Able Seaman P/JX 148466 MID
HMSSpeedy
Doran Andrew Edward Lieutenant Commander MID
HMSSt Angelo
Jerome Henry Joseph Alexander Savil Act/Commander DSO
HMSTartar
Tong Frederick Henry Ordinary Seaman D/JX 256665 DSM Hollingworth Robert Chief Petty Officer RNR D/6999C MID Joyce Stanley William Petty Officer D/JX 128540 MID
HMSUnbroken
Mars Alistair Campbell Gillespie Lieutenant (LG: 22.12.42) DSO
HMSVictorious
Lyster Arthur Lumley St George, Sir CVO DSO Rear Admiral (LG: 8.9.42) CBE Bovell Henry Cecil CBE Captain DSO Coke Charles Playfair Commander DSO Savage Edward Graham DSC Lieutenant (809 Naval Air Squadron) DSO Borthwick William Jason Maxwell Ty/Act/Lieutenant Commander RNVR DSC Carver Rodney Harold Power Lieutenant (885 NAS) DSC Hallett Nigel George Lieutenant (884 NAS) DSC Napper Arthur Bevan Ty/Act/Lieutenant (A) RNZNVR DSC Pennington Frank Athol Joseph Ty/Lieutenant (A) RNZNVR (884 NAS) DSC Barrick Leonard Francis PO Airman (884 Sqn) FAA/FX 76495 CGM Dawson Charles Frederic Ty/Act/Leading Airman (809 NAS) P/JX 235011 DSM Green Arthur Edward Chief PO Air Fitter FAA/FX 75950 DSM Robinson Harold Fletcher Corporal RAF 571562 DSM Sawyer Alfred William Henry Air Artificer 2nd Class FAA/FX 75964 DSM Churchill Robert Alec Farquar Lieutenant (884 NAS) Posthumous MID Brandreth Thomas Tarleton Lieutenant Commander (E) MID Edwards Sanford James Kingsley Lieutenant RNR MID Paterson Brian Lieutenant (A) (885 NAS) MID Garland Anthony McDonald Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A) MID Grose Richard John Hicks Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (809 NAS) MID Morrison Hugh Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNZNVR MID Richardson Robert Murray Ty/Act/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNZNVR MID Long Andrew Scott Ty/Sub Lieutenant (A) RNVR (885 NAS) MID
Total awards given to RN/FAA personnel: 199
ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY SHIPS
RFABrown Ranger
Ralph Donald Benjamin Charles DSC Captain DSC* London Gazette16 February 1943: Cunningham John Chief Officer MID Goodwin Oscar Chief Engineer MID
RFADingledale
London Gazette1 December 1942: Duthie Robert Tait Captain DSC
London Gazette16 February 1943: Carlyle Malcolm N. Chief Engineer MID South John Leslie Chief Officer MID
Total awards given to RFA personnel: 6
MERCHANT/ROYAL NAVY & ARMY
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) SSAlmeria Lykes(USA)
Fry Albert Edward Bombardier 4th MAA RA 1609901 DSM Huckle Albert Leslie Gunner 4th MAA RA 992248 DSM Stephenson Thomas William Sergeant 4th MAA RA 393432 DSM
MVBrisbane Star
London Gazette8 September 1942:
Riley Frederick Neville Captain DSO Dobbie James Junior Second Engineer Officer DSC Nicol Allan Ramsay Chief Engineer Officer DSC Abel David Act/Able Seaman RN P/JX 265817 DSM Barrett George William Act/Able Seaman RN C/JX 291000 DSM Coady Henry Act/Able Seaman RN P/JX 266618 DSM Mills John William Harold Act/Yeoman of Signals RN P/JX 152725 DSM Moulton Charles Albert Leading Telegraphist RN P/SSX 31447 DSM Blackburn Henry Act/Able Seaman RN C/JX 312620 MID Woodhouse Stafford Roy Able Seaman RANR S/2864 MID
London Gazette8 December 1942:
Wilkinson Cyril Eldridge Lieutenant 2nd MAA RA DSC Priest William Benjamin Bombardier 4th MAA RA 3863121 DSM Wake Oswald Anthony Bombardier 4th MAA RA 1556576 DSM
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Pretty Arthur James Junior Third Engineer Officer MID
London Gazette23 February 1943:
Horton Charles Second Officer DSC White Robert First Officer DSC Nylander Alexander Carpenter DSM Wilson Frederick Boatswain DSM
SSClan Ferguson
London Gazette29 September 1942:
Lofthouse Frank Stewart DSC# Captain (Civ) OBE Miller John James# Chief Officer (Civ) MBE Wilde John Robert# Chief Engineer Officer (Civ) MBE
# For services during many Medterranean convoys, including 'Pedestal'.
London Gazette30 March 1943:
Allson Albert Geoffrey Apprentice DSM Black Arthur Huntington# Second Officer DSC
# Also, for saving the life of a survivor.
Ungazetted award by Lloyd's:
Allson Albert Geoffrey Apprentice Lloyd's Bravery Medal Lofthouse Frank Stewart DSC Captain Lloyd's Bravery Medal
MVDeucalion
Brown Ramsay Captain DSC Campbell John Chief Engineer Officer DSC Collins Edward Charles Norman Yeoman of Signals RN D/JX 141176 DSM
London Gazette8 December 1942:
Morrow Martin John Sergeant 4th MAA RA 1573203 DSM
London Gazette26 January 1943:
Lawley William Able Seaman DSM McCaughey William Boatswain DSM Owen Norman Warden Carpenter DSM
(Owen was involved in supplying ammunition to the hoists onBramham; he also assisted with the prevention of further flooding and the repeated reconnection of broken tow ropes onOhio)
Mead Percy Raymond Ty/Act/Leading Seaman RN C/JX 213038 MID
London Gazette2 February 1943
Gregson John Sedgwick Apprentice Albert Medal
Citation:
The KING has been graciously pleased to award the ALBERT MEDAL to: Apprentice John Sedgwick Gergson, MVDeucalion.
The ship [Deucalion] was set on fire by the explosion of a torpedo during an attack by enemy aircraft. The flames spread rapidly and almost immediately orders were given to abandon ship. One of the ship's gunners, however, was pinned under a raft. Apprentice Gregson immediately went to his assistance and help free him. The gunner had sustained severe injuries and, as it was impossible to get him into a boat or onto a raft, he was dropped overboard. Gregson dived into the sea after him, and, in the darkness, towed his helpless shipmate to a ship [HMSBramham] which picked them up, a distance of about 600 yards. But for Apprentice Gregson's gallant and determined action, undertaken with complete disregard of his personal safety, the injured man would have had little chance of survival.
London Gazette9 February 1943
Bracewell Peter Postlethwaite Apprentice MID Ogilvie James Simpson Chief Officer MID Price James Michael Fourth Officer MID Ward Walter Edward Second Engineer Officer MID
Ungazetted award by Lloyd's:
Brown Ramsey Captain Lloyd's Bravery Medal Gregson John Sedgwick Apprentice Lloyd's Bravery Medal
MVDorset
Tuckett Jack Collier Captain DSC Fern James Gregory Leading Signalman RN P/JX 141451 DSM
London Gazette26 January 1943:
Spence Thomas Chief Engineer Officer DSC Trotter John Chief Officer DSC Anderson William Rutledge Able Seaman RANR PM/1678 DSM Gordon Patrick Alexander Trimble Apprentice DSM
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Andrews Walter Johnson Second Engineer Officer MID Bush Robert George Third Officer MID Newman Francis Wade Second Officer MID
Ungazetted awards by Lloyd's:
Anderson William Rutledge Able Seaman RANR PM/1678 Lloyd's Bravery Medal Gordon Patrick Alexander Trimble Apprentice Lloyd's Bravery Medal Spence Thomas Chief Engineer Officer Lloyd's Bravery Medal Trotter John Chief Officer Lloyd's Bravery Medal Tuckett Jack Collier Captain Lloyd's Bravery Medal
MVEmpire Hope
Williams Gwilym Captain DSC Bennett Ernest James Leading Signalman RNVR C/LD/X 4161 DSM Cain John Leading Telegraphist RN D/JX 152740 DSM
London Gazette26 January 1943:
Conolly Gerard Vincent Third Officer DSC Leffler Henry Ramsay Chief Engineer Officer DSC
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Sendall Cyril William Second Officer MID West John Edward Fourth Engineer Officer MID Winyard Harold Chief Officer MID Young David Cadet MID
London Gazette16 February 1943:
McCallum Donald* Cadet BEM (Civ) * For saving a lifeboat, when the ship was sinking, by going down a fall and inserting a plug.
MVGlenorchy
London Gazette23 February 1943:
Skilling Benjamin Hunter Second Officer DSC Collier Louis James Able Seaman DSM Simon Ronald Mackie Third Officer MID Leslie George DSC Captain Posthumous MID
London Gazette5 February 1946:
Upton William* Deck Boy Commendation
MVMelbourne Star
London Gazette8 September 1942:
MacFarlane David Rattray OBE Captain DSO
London Gazette10 November 1942:
Blandford Harry Chief Engineer Officer DSC Parsons Leslie Thomas Chief Officer DSC Claydon John Charles Lance Bombardier 4th MAA RA 1595504 DSM Cook John Boatswain 1081741 DSM Fairclough Jack George Bombardier 4th MAA RA 1488978 DSM Fleming James Able Seaman DSM Greenwood Alexander Able Seaman DSM McWilliam Frederick Lamptrimmer DSM O'Connor Herbert Ship's Steward DSM Bache Harold Bombardier 4th MAA RA 826511 Posthumous MID Ince Howard Richard Second Lieutenant 4th MAA RA Posthumous MID
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Almond Charles William Chief Refrigeration Engineer Officer MID Knight George Douglas Third Officer MID McNeilly Hugh Storekeeper MID Richards William Edward Second Officer MID Whiton Ralph Donkeyman MID
SSOhio
London Gazette8 September 1942:
Mason Dudley William Captain George Cross
Citation:
The KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to:
Captain Dudley William Mason, Master, SSOhio.
During the passage to Malta of an important convoy Captain Mason's ship suffered most violent onslaught. She was a focus of attack throughout and was torpedoed early one night. Although gravely damaged, her engines were kept going and the Master made a magnificent passage by hand-steering and without a compass. The ship's gunners helped to bring down one of the attacking aircraft. The vessel was hit again before morning, but though she did not sink, her engine room was wrecked. She was then towed. The unwieldy condition of the vessel and persistent enemy attacks made progress slow, and it was uncertain whether she would remain afloat. All next day progress somehow continued and the ship reached Malta after a further night at sea. The violence of the enemy could not deter the Master from his purpose. Throughout he showed skill and courage of the highest order and it was due to his determination that, in spite of the most persistent enemy opposition, the vessel, with her valuable cargo, eventually reached Malta and was safely berthed. (The award is dated 4 September 1942.)
Wyld John Chief Engineer Officer DSO Barton Denys Evelyn Lieutenant RN DSC Gray Douglas Hunter Chief Officer DSC
London Gazette8 December 1942:
Labern Reginald Henry Holswatt Act/Bombardier 4th MAA RA 6202472 DSM
London Gazette22 December 1942:
Murray Thomas Purvis Fourth Engineer Officer DSC McKilligan Hector James Second Officer DSC Sless Henry Seventh Engineer Officer DSC Stephen Joseph Ross MBE Third Officer DSC Dolan Peter Fireman DSM McConalogue John Greaser DSM McConalogue William Joseph Greaser DSM McLaughlin William Greaser DSM Meeks Francis Watson Chief Steward DSM Pilling Alexander Ty/Act/Leading Seaman RN P/JX 185564 DSM Woods Albert Greaser DSM
Ungazetted award by Lloyd's:
Mason Dudley William Captain Lloyd's Bravery Medal
MVPort Chalmers
Pinkney Henry George Bacon MBE Captain DSO Bentley Stanley George Lewis Chief Engineer Officer DSC Bettess Richard Second Officer DSC Dadson Arthur Harvey Quartermaster DSM Hills William Edward Storekeeper DSM McKenzie Charles Act/Leading Seaman RNR P/X 18574A DSM Smith John Hely Able Seaman DSM Stewart Robert Carpenter DSM Sunderland Lawrence Bombardier 4th MAA RA 1518732 DSM Whitcher Alexander Leonard Leading Signalman RN P/JX 135581 DSM
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Craig William Barth Chief Officer MID Douglas William Peacock Boatswain MID Smith Charles Henry Senior Second Engineer Officer MID
MVRochester Castle
London Gazette8 September 1942:
Wren Richard Captain DSO Binfield Edward John Lieutenant Commander RNR DSC Culpin Arthur James Chief Officer DSC Massee George Corporal RM CH/ 21556 DSM Pierson Arthur Sergeant 4th MAA RA 1487381 DSM Turney Joseph Act/Able Seaman RN C/JX 335638 DSM
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Icke Kenneth Second Radio Officer MID Lochhead David Cargill Broadwood Cadet MID
London Gazette14 September 1943:
Dryden Henry Norman Second Officer DSC Mattocks Frank Edgar Chief Engineer Officer DSC Hesse John James Able Seaman DSM Inglis Percival Able Seaman DSM Swain Ronald Deck Boy DSM Brebner Peter Frederick Herbert Intermediate Fourth Engineer Officer MID Knight Cyril George Engine Room Storekeeper MID Knowles Thomas Michael Kenneth Second Radio Officer MID Lee Jeffrey Barrett Senior Fourth Engineer Officer MID Leeds Robert Ferguson Cadet MID McDonald Ian Forbes Junior Second Engineer Officer MID Thompson Marriott Electrician MID White Horace Frederick Chief Steward MID
SSSanta Elisa(USA)
Dales Francis Alonzo 'Lonnie' Cadet/Midshipman (USA) MM/DSM Larsen Frederick August Jnr. Junior Third Officer (USA) MM/DSM
London Gazette8 December 1942:
Jones Alfred George Lance Sergeant 4th MAA RA 1487527 DSM
MVWaimarama
London Gazette9 February 1943:
Jackson John Third Radio Officer MID Pearce Robert Strasenburg Captain Posthumous MID
London Gazette16 February 1943:
Treves Frederick William Cadet BEM (Civ)
Ungazetted award by Lloyd's:
Treves Frederick William Cadet Lloyd's Bravery Medal
MVWairangi
Chalmers Alexander Chief Engineer Officer DSC Gordon Henry Robert Captain DSC
London Gazette9 March 1943:
Dawson George Barton Third Engineer Officer MID Moffatt Bristow Forbes Chief Officer MID
Total awards given to personnel serving in mercantile ships: 151
Total awards given to personnel involved in Operation 'Pedestal': 356
Please Note: All the lists on this website have been checked and researched by Brian James Crabb. If anyone wishes to use them in a publication, the author would appreciate consent to use part or all of this detailed work. Thank you. BJC - 25 October 2014.
ESCORTING BRITISH NAVAL FORCES AND FLEET AIR ARM SQUADRONS DEPLOYED FOR OPERATION 'PEDESTAL'
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) Code names:
Force F The whole Force Force P Convoy and escort. UK – rendezvous Force MVictorious,Argusand escort. UK – rendezvous Force JEagleand escort. Gibraltar – rendezvous Force KIndomitableand escort. Freetown – rendezvous Force G Carriers and escort, after rendezvous for 'Berserk' Force R Oilers and escort Force WAbbeydaleand escort, for 'Berserk' Force X Escort through to Malta Force Z Force F less Force X Force Y Convoy and escort. Malta – Gibraltar. 'Ascendant' The (letter/number) refers to the pennant number of the ship.
FORCE Z
Battleships
Nelson(28) Captain Humphrey Benson Jacomb (flag of Acting Vice Admiral Sir Edward Neville Syfret CdG CB MID) Rodney(29) Captain JamesWilliam Rivett-Carnac DSC
Aircraft Carriers
Victorious(38) Captain Henry Cecil Bovell CBE (flag of Rear Admiral Sir Arthur Lumley St George Lyster CB CVO DSO) Indomitable(92) Captain Sir Thomas Hope Troubridge (flag of Rear Admiral DenisWilliam Boyd OBE DSC) Eagle(94) Captain Lachlan Donald Mackintosh DSC
Cruisers
Sirius(C82) Captain PatrickWilliam Beresford Brooking Phoebe(C43) Captain Charles Peter Frend Charybdis(C88) Captain George Arthur Wallis Voelcker
Destroyers
Laforey(F99) Captain (D) 19th Destroyer Flotilla, Capt Reginald Maurice James Hutton Lightning(F55) Commander Hugh GreavesWalters DSC Lookout(F32) Commander Cecil Powis Frobisher Brown DSC Quentin(G78) Lieutenant Commander Allan Herbert Percy Noble DSC Tartar(F43) Commander St John Reginald Joseph Tyrwhitt DSC Eskimo(F75) Commander Edward Gerard le Geyt Somali(F33) Commander Edmund Neville Vincent Currey DSC Wishart(D67) Commander Humphrey Gilbert Scott Zetland(L59) Lieutenant John Valentine Wilkinson Ithuriel(H05) Lt Commander David Hugh Maitland-Makgill-Crichton DSC Antelope(H36) Lieutenant Commander Errol Norman Sinclair Vansittart(D64) Lieutenant Commander Thomas Johnson DSC
Additional ships for detached escorts:
Keppel(D84) Commander John 'Jack/Jackie' Egerton Broome Westcott(D47) Commander Ian Hamilton Bockett-Pugh DSO Venomous(D75) Commander Hugh William Falcon-Stewart Malcolm(D19) Acting Commander Archibald Boyd Russell Wolverine(D78) Lieutenant Commander Peter William Gretton OBE DSC Amazon(D39) Lt Cdr Lord Teynham (Christopher John Henry Roper-Curzon) Wrestler(D35) Lieutenant Reginald William Beecroft Lacon DSC Vidette(D48) Lieutenant Commander Eric Norman Walmsley DSC
OPERATION 'BELLOWS'
Aircraft Carrier
Furious(47) Captain Tom Oliver Bulteel
OPERATION 'BERSERK' Argus(I49) Captain George Tothill Philip DSC
FORCE W
AbbeydaleCaptain Alfred Edwards MN Burdock(K126)Lieutenant Commander Eric Hope Lynes RNR Armeria(K187)Lieutenant Martin Todd RNR
FORCE R
Corvettes
Jonquil(K68) Lt Commander Robert Edward Heap Partington RD RNR Spiraea(K08) Lt Commander Robert Stevenson Miller DSC RD RNR Geranium(K16) Lieutenant Commander Alan Foxhall RNR Coltsfoot(K140)Lieutenant the Hon William Keith Rouse RNVR
Tug
Salvonia(W43) Ty/Lt George Moorhead Melville Robinson RNVR
RFA Fleet Oilers
Brown RangerCaptain Donald Benjamin Charles Ralph DSC DingledaleCaptain Robert Tait Duthie
FORCE X
Cruisers
Nigeria(C60) Captain Stuart Henry Paton (Flag Officer 10th Cruiser Squadron, Rear Admiral Sir Harold Martin Burrough CB DSO) Kenya(C14) Captain Alfred Spalding Russell Manchester(C15) Captain Harold Drew DSC Cairo(I87) Acting Captain Cecil Campbell Hardy DSO
Destroyers
Ashanti(F51) Captain (D) 6th Destroyer Flotilla, Cdr Sir Richard George Onslow DSO Intrepid(D10) Commander Charles Arthur de Winton Kitcat Icarus(D03) Lieutenant Commander Colin Douglas Maud DSC Foresight(H68) Lieutenant Commander Robert Augustus Fell Fury(H76) Lieutenant Commander Colin Henry Campbell DSC Derwent(L83) Commander Royston HollisWright DSC Bramham(L51) Lieutenant Edmund Francis Baines Bicester(L34) Lieutenant Commander SydneyWilliam Floyd Bennetts Ledbury(L90) Lieutenant Commander Roger Percival Hill Pathfinder(G10) Commander Edward Albert Gibbs DSO Penn(G77) Lieutenant Commander James Hamilton Swain Wilton(L128) Lieutenant Adrian Paul Wilbraham Northey DSC
Tug
Jaunty(W30) Lieutenant Commander Harold Osburn OBE RNR
MALTA ESCORT FORCE
17thMinesweeping Flotilla (Act/Cdr Henry Joseph Alexander Savil Jerome, Senior Officer in Speedy)
Speedy(N17) Lieutenant Commander Andrew Edward Doran Hebe(N24) Lieutenant Commander George Mowatt RD RNR Hythe(J194) Lieutenant Commander Leslie Beara Miller Rye(J76) Lieutenant John Andrew Pearson DSC RNR
3rdMotor Launch Flotilla (Lt Commander Eric John Strowgler RNVR. Senior Officer in ML 121)
ML 121Lieutenant Commander Eric John Strowgler RNVR ML 135Ty/Lieutenant Ernest Edwin Davis RNVR
(Also under Strowgler's command wereMLs 126,134,168,459and462)
SUBMARINES ON PATROL
10th Submarine Flotilla (Malta) Senior Officer Captain George Walter Gillow Simpson
North of Sicily
Safari(ex-P 211) Commander Benjamin Bryant DSC Unbroken(ex-P 42) Lieutenant Alistair Campbell Gillespie Mars
Between Malta and Tunisia
United(ex-P 44) Lieutenant Thomas Erasmus Barlow P 222(ex-P 72) Lieutenant Commander Alexander James Mackenzie Uproar(ex-P 31) Lieutenant John Bertram de Betham Kershaw DSO Ultimatum(ex-P 34) Lieutenant Peter Robert Helfrich Harrison DSC Unruffled(ex-P 46) Lieutenant John Samuel Stevens DSO DSC Utmost(ex-P 42) Lieutenant AnthonyWalter Langridge
At Malta
Una(ex-P 32) Lieutenant Desmond Samuel Royst Martin
FLEET AIR ARM NAVAL AIR SQUADRONS USED IN OPERATION 'PEDESTAL'
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) HMSVictorious
809 NAS 8 Fairey Fulmars (Lt Edward Graham Savage DSC RN) 884 NAS 8 Fairey Fulmars (Lt Nigel George Hallett RN) 885 NAS 5 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (Lt Rodney Harold Power Carver RN) 832 NAS 12 Fairey Albacores (Lt Cdr William John Lucas RN)
HMSIndomitable
806 NAS 9 Grumman Martlets (Lt Robert Louis 'Sloppy' Johnston MID RN) 800 NAS 11 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (Lt Cdr John Martin 'Bill' Bruen DSC RN) 880 NAS 11 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (Lt Cdr Francis Elton Christopher 'Butch' Judd DSC RN) 827 NAS 19 Fairey Albacores (Lt Cdr David Kennedy Buchanan-Dunlop RN)
HMSEagle
801 NAS 16 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (Lt Cdr Rupert Arnold Brabner MP DSO RNVR) 813 NAS 4 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (reserves) (Lt Tobias J. A. King-Joyce RN)
HMSArgus
804 NAS 6 Hawker Sea Hurricanes (Capt Alan Edward Marsh RM) Alan Marsh was taken ill, while Senior Pilot Lt C. Walker crashed over the side of Argus and was badly injured. Being inexperienced, the four remaining pilots and aircraft were returned to the United Kingdom.
HMSFurious
823 NAS 4 Fairey Albacores (as reserves) — 38 Mk VB Supermarine Spitfires (for Malta – 'Bellows')
OPERATION 'BELLOWS'
(Researched and compiled by Brian James Crabb) Names of the pilots who flew Spitfires fromHMSFurioustoMalta on 11 August 1942 (one* pilot was forced to land on HMSIndomitablebecause of a fuel malfunction).
Sergeant R. C. Bolland Pilot Officer L. Cheek Group Captain Walter M. Churchill DSO DFC Sergeant F. W. Clewley RAAF Sergeant C. H. Cornish Wing Commander A. H. Donaldson DFC AFC Sergeant E. H. Francis Sergeant L. P. Garvey Flying Officer H. F. Gedge Sergeant L. R. Gore Sergeant D. G. Guy Flight Sergeant E. T. Hiskens RAAF Sergeant J. H. Houlton RNZAF Sergeant T. R. D. Kebbell RNZAF Lieutenant K. C. Kuhlman SAAF Flying Officer A. I. Lindsay RCAF Pilot Officer A. R. H. Maynard Flight Lieutenant E. P. F. L. T. 'Dan' McGruder Sergeant J. E. Mortimer RNZAF Pilot Officer L. S. Nomis RCAF (US) Pilot Officer P. A. J. O'Brien Pilot Officer R. B. Park RAAF Pilot Officer D. P. Pollock Sergeant R. J. Roe Pilot Officer William T. 'Bill' Rolls DFM Pilot Officer A. F. 'Art' Roscoe RCAF (US) Flight Sergeant J. G. Sanderson RAAF Pilot Officer R. Seed Sergeant N. D. Sintetos RCAF (US) Sergeant A. B. Stead RNZAF* Sergeant L. H. Swain Sergeant J. Tarbuck Sergeant J. D. Vinall Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey H. A. Wellum Sergeant W. R. Whitmore Flying Officer P. A. Woodger RCAF (US) Flight Lieutenant E. N. 'Timber' Woods DFC Sergeant J. F. Yeatman RNZAF
