HMS Warwick A Tribute – 70 Years on…..

HMS Warwick D25

A ‘W’ class destroyer built for the First World War and re-commissioned for the Second World War She was torpedoed and sunk by enemy action ‘U413’, on Sunday 20th February 1944, at position Latitude 50’ 27’ North, Longitude 5’ 23’ West, about 17 miles to the South West of Trevose Head, off the north coast of Cornwall.

66 of the crew were killed, but 90 lives were saved. HMS Warwick, a Devonport based ship, had been tasked, together with HMS Saladin (H 54) and HMS Scimitar (H 21), to find and destroy an enemy U boat which was known to be off the northern coast of Cornwall.

To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the loss of HMS Warwick, I have put together this booklet to record the many memorials, accounts and honours given to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. My Granddad CPO Horace Ford was one of the 66 killed and is buried in St Merryn churchyard.

I would like to mention that none of this would have been possible without the dedication and work of David Harries and Jean Holmes. The tireless research which they carried out has made sure this chapter of the Second World War, will always be remembered.

John Puddicombe Plymouth 2013 HMS Warwick Family Association

The Town of Warwick

The town of Warwick has had very strong links with HMS Warwick, this through the organisations within the town: Warwick Town council, Warwick Royal Naval Association, St Mary’s church and Warwick Castle.

In the Town Council chamber there are artefacts associated with the links with HMS Warwick. These include mementos of visits by the ships company starting back in the 1930’s.(a picture of HMS Warwick presented to the town council, HMS Warwick ships bell, a hand carved wooden plaque commemorating the adoption of HMS Warwick by Warwick town, during the National Warship week of February 1942.

Warwick Town Council and Warwick Royal Naval Association have planted trees in the grounds of Warwick Castle and the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas Staffordshire.

Warwick Castle – An English Oak was planted on Friday 11th April 2008, inside the grounds of the Castle. The tree commemorates HMS Warwick and SS Warwick Castle, both ships being sunk during WWII. A brass plaque marks the occasion and the tree:

Quercus robur (English Oak)

Dedicated to the memory of SS Warwick Castle (14th Nov 1942) and HMS Warwick (20th Feb 1944) And those who lost their lives when both Ships Were torpedoed 15 months apart by U boat U413 During WWII

Planted 11th April 2008

National Memorial Arboretum – A tree was dedicated on Friday 9th May 2008, this being in the Royal Navy section. A blue commemorative plaque marks the tree: [Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Drawing Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.]

Dedicated to the memory of HMS Warwick And her crews Torpedoed by U.413 Off Trevose Head, Cornwall 20th February 1944 Warwick Town Council And Warwick RNA

Story Published 14th May 2008 The Courier (Warwick)

The Village of St Merryn, Cornwall

There were six trees planted at Towan village Green, as part of the 40th anniversary commemorations, purchased by the parish council and a brass memorial plaque placed amongst them. These trees are a tribute to those

who had been lost when HMS Warwick was sunk and especially representing the six men that are buried in the War Graves plot of St Merryn church. http://www.cwgc.org

The 6 horse chestnut trees were dedicated on Sunday 11th November 1984, parallel with the road set back a few yards. The saplings that were already planted, were each officially bedded in by survivors (Ken Holmes), councilors and relatives (Robert Ford and myself John Puddicombe). The plaques reads:

St Merryn Parish Council

These trees were planted in National Tree week 1984

In memory of those lost when HMS Warwick was torpedoed off of Trevose Head 20th February 1944

6 of the crew are buried in the Parish Churchyard

Towan village Green is very exposed on the North Cornwall coast and over the years one of the trees did succumb to the harsh environment. The Parish Council decided to put a row of saplings between the remaining 5 trees and the road, to offer them some protection from the elements. Now nearly 30 years on, all remaining trees have grown but in a compact way.

In 2003 a group of houses were built in the village centre, the local developer decided to call the development ‘Warwick Close’. He had seen the report a picture of the sinking of HMS Warwick in the Cornish Arms.

St Merryn Church

On the nearest Sunday to 20th February every year a part of the Morning worship is dedicated to the memory of those 66 who were lost on HMS Warwick and the 6 Airmen of Wellington Bomber HF 168. Each year members of the Warwick family attend the service. We all are very grateful for the support we receive from the vicars, Churchwardens and congregation. In the church there is a ships plaque, and inscribed window and a prayer cushion. The War graves plot is kept in wonderful condition, with the Warwick graves always being looked after to the highest standard.

The church has been the focal point for the services and commemorations at the 40th, 50th 60th and now the 70th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Warwick. Local, national and international interest has always gone hand in hand, when the HMS Warwick family has congregated at St Merryn. The events have been covered by local newspaper the Cornish Guardian 8th march 1984, 16th February 1989, 20th October 1994, (12th,19th,21st,23rd & 26th February 2004), the West country newspaper the Western Morning News (12th November 1984, 22nd February1997 and 21st February 2004),

International documentary production company( Mallinson Sadler Productions), local and BBC Television and radio stations.

The Town of Padstow – Cornwall

On Saturday 17th September 1994, a specially commissioned plaque from the town of Padstow was unveiled to all those involved with the events surrounding the sinking of HMS Warwick on Sunday 20th February 1944. It was placed on the west side of the Red brick building on the north quay of Padstow harbour, close to where the survivors from HMS Warwick were brought ashore that fateful day.

The dedication was organised by the Harbour Commissioners, in conjunction with the local branch of the Royal naval association. The slate plaque commemorates the rescue of the survivors from the sinking of HMS Warwick and in particular it pays tribute to the crews of the 3 fishing boats that came to their rescue. The gathering was attended by HMS Warwick survivors, members of the wider ‘Warwick family and family representatives of the 3 fishing boats: Lady Luck – Lowestoft, Christopher Columbus and Blauwvoet – Belgium. Civic and religious representative’s from Padstow and Warwick played a major part of the dedication, including the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Association, Sea Cadets, Lions, Rotary and St Miniver Band. The purpose of the Plaque being erected and dedicated was two-fold. Firstly to ensure the event was remembered in the future and that all those involved in the rescue, were given due recognition for their selfless actions, which saved many lives. Report of the event appeared in the Cornish Guardian Thursday 22nd September 1994. The Plaque reads:

HMS Warwick – 20.2.44

This plaque honours the memory of those killed due to enemy action when “Warwick” was sunk off this coast and also recognises the appreciation of the survivors for the efforts of the Belgium fishing vessels “Christophel Columbus” (Skipper Bacquart), “Blauwvoet” (Skipper Dewulf) and the British trawler “Lady Luck” (Skipper Crisp) which brought them to Padstow and is now recorded for posterity. “Eternal Father Strong to Save”

Padstow Museum - Market Place

There are artifacts from and of HMS Warwick on display in the town museum.

There is a porthole from HMS Warwick

A card reads: Brass porthole from HMS Warwick – Sunk off Trevose Head Sunday 20th February 1944 by German submarine U413.

Given to survivor Navigating Lieutenant David Harries whose wish it is that it should be displayed in Padstow museum as a reminder of the sacrifice made by: The 3 officers and 63 men who lost their lives.

At the time of the sinking she carried a crew of 134

Six lie buried in the churchyard at St Merryn, where a memorial service was held in 2004. A road is named after the Warwick in the village.

In Padstow there is a slate memorial on the Red Brick building, erected in 1994. It commemorates the event with special mention of the three fishing boats that brought the survivors into Padstow harbour.

2006.20.1 Gifted by Lieutenant David Harries (Survivor)

A photo, taken from the stern of HMS Wenslydale shows the bow of the Warwick pointing skyward, as it was sinking. There is also a painting of the ‘Lady Luck’ trawler steaming to help survivors of HMS Warwick, painted by local Padstow artist Derek Lindsay.

Graves of crew of HMS Warwick Name Rank Service Number Age Cemetery Plot BELL, JOHN Ordinary D/JX 580280 18 ST. MERRYN Grave 11.

LOWTHIAN Seaman CHURCHYARD CHAPPELL, Able D/JX 167582 24 ST. MERRYN Grave 15.

CECIL G. Seaman CHURCHYARD FORD, Chief D/J 24801 49 ST. MERRYN Grave 14.

HORACE A. E. Petty CHURCHYARD Officer MORGAN, Stoker D/KX 527790 18 ST. MERRYN Grave 12.

WILLIAM K. 2nd CHURCHYARD Class TOWER, JOHN Supply D/MX 617463 19 ST. MERRYN Grave 13.

C. R. Assistant CHURCHYARD YOUNG, Able D/JX 199780 24 ST. MERRYN Grave 10.

FRANCIS S. Seaman CHURCHYARD HALES, LESLIE Able D/JX 368912 20 OLD CHURCH North square plot.

J. Seaman CEMETERY, ISLES OF SCILLY KILLEY, Able D/JX 306364 20 OLD CHURCH North square plot.

WILLIAM ERIC Seaman CEMETERY, ISLES OF SCILLY Stoker OLD CHURCH PEACOCK, 2nd D/KX 161772 20 CEMETERY, ISLES North square plot. ROBERT Class OF SCILLY NEALE, Ordinary D/JX 419683 20 PENZANCE Sec. F. Row B. RONALD Seaman CEMETERY Grave 6. NORMAN

Plymouth Naval War Memorial Name Rank Service Age Panel Column Number Thomas Alley Assistant Cook D/MX 107820 19 91 2

Charles Ball Engine Room D/MX 75939 25 89 1 Artificer Sydney Baty Ordinary D/JX 558604 18 87 3 Seaman Robert Cairns Able Seaman D/JX 346967 N/K 86 1

David Clegg Petty Officer D/KX 81559 38 89 2 Stoker Donald Clegg Able Seaman D/JX 366861 21 86 2

Sidney Coates Able Seaman D/JX305237 18 86 1

John Crook Able Seaman D/JX 302974 N/K 86 1

Winston Ordinance D/MX 64084 25 90 3 Davies Artificer Edward Able Seaman D/JX238853 N/K 86 1 Devaney Albert Duffy Leading D/SSX 22620 24 85 2 Seaman James Farrow Ordinary D/JX 422902 20 88 1 Seaman Matthew Petty Officer D/J 86820 40 85 2 Forrest James Giles Leading D/X 20369A 23 92 2 Seaman Kenneth Chief Engine D/MX 49764 34 89 1 Hancock Room Artificer Levi Harrison Steward D/LX 27277 36 91 2 Jeffery Hartley Electrical D/MX 86642 22 90 3 Artificer Alan Henson Able Seaman D/JX 406905 19 86 2 John Hill Able Seaman D/JX 230315 23 86 2

William Ordinary D/JX 359338 20 88 3 Hudson Telegraphist James Stoker 1st D/KX 137551 46 90 1 Jennings Class Thomas Petty Officer D/K 61807 N/K 89 2 Johnson Leslie King Ordinary D/JX 509003 42 89 1 Coder Thomas Petty Officer D/KX 80562 32 89 2 Linford Stoker Francis Lyon Ordinary D/JX 558495 18 88 1 Seaman William Able Seaman D/JX 215636 28 87 1 McCoy John Able Seaman D/MD/X3115 N/K 93 1 McShane

Frederick Able Seaman D/JX 419237 19 87 1 Maeers

William Martin Able Seaman D/JX 367965 20 87 1 William Able Seaman D/SSX 35994 N/K 87 1 Moores Samuel Able Seaman D/MD/X 1951 35 93 1 Morrow John Moulton Ordinary D/JX 404681 19 88 1 Seaman George Leading D/JX 159832 N/K 85 3 Nicholl Seaman Edward Leading D/LX 24760 26 91 2 Nicholson Steward

James Able Seaman D/JX 366864 21 87 1 Norburn Thomas Able Seaman D/JX 419669 N/K 87 1 Nugent Frank Palmer Able Seaman D/J 41748 N/K 87 1 John Able Seaman D/JX 171581 27 87 1 Parkinson Eric Parsons Lieutenant N/K 32 92 3 Vernon Able Seaman D/KX 14660 23 87 1 Phillips William Porter Petty Officer D/JX 146518 24 88 3 Telegraphist Francis Poxon Ordinary D/JX 570036 N/K 88 2 Seaman John Rees Engine Room D/MX 102570 N/K 89 1 Artificer David Roberts Stoker 1st D/KX 155776 N/K 90 1 Class Sydney Leading D/LX 28188 36 91 2 Robins Steward Denis Sandes Surgeon N/K 28 93 1 Lieutenant Norman Ordinary D/JX 422146 19 87 2 Slapper Seaman George Ordinary D/JX 420406 19 87 2 Sleator Seaman Robert Smith Able Seaman D/JX 416594 N/K 87 2 Arnold Swift Able Seaman D/JX 303973 20 87 3

Gilbert Tanner Petty Officer D/LX 20801 34 91 2 Steward Jack Valentine Ordinary D/JX 407098 18 87 3 Seaman William Walter Stoker 2nd D/KX 580880 18 90 3 Class Edward Peter Sub- N/K 20 85 1 Whinney Lieutenant Arthur Ordinary D/JX 421139 18 88 2 Williams Seaman

Chatham Naval War Memorial Name Rank Service Age Panel Column Number Sidney Canteen C/NX 703577 25 80 1 Reid Manger

A 20th February 1944 Connection.

Wellington Bomber HF168 172 squadron by Jean Holmes

It was not until 1994 that we learned about the Anson Air-Rescue Plane, which saw the ‘Warwick’ explode and immediately came down and dropped several dinghies, including their personal dinghy, but it got wrapped around the aircraft’s elevator. It was only with great difficulty that the pilot made it back down to Portreath. The dinghies that had been dropped were intended for Wellington bomber HF 168 of 172 Squadron at RAF Chivenor. Sadly the Wellington Bomber was never found, but we feel that the missing Airmen are connected with the Men of the Royal Navy who survived the sinking of HMS Warwick, because if the Wellington bomber had not been posted overdue, then no air sea rescue operations would have taken place. In memory of the brave Wellington Airmen, they will always be remembered at our yearly service at St Merryn, they will be remembered not only for themselves but also as a token of respect and gratitude of the Royal Navy to the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force.

Pilot Officer Lloyd Remmington Joseph Meech

(Nova Scotia) Royal Canadian Air Force

Flight Sergeant Joseph Wendell Torscher (Alberta) Royal Canadian Air Force

Flight Sergeant Arthur Frankland Moor (Manatoba) Royal Canadian Air Force

Flight Sergeant Lindsay John Stephens (South Australia) Royal Australian Air Force

Sergeant Benjamin Cohen (London) Royal Air Force VR

Sergeant John Richardson (West Lothian) Royal Air Force VR

Deep Wreck Mysteries

A series of documentaries were made in 2006 by Mallinson-Sadler Productions - Deep Wreck Mysteries - series one. In the episode ‘U-Boat Death traps’, reference to HMS Warwick are made, with interview clips by David Harries and Ken Holmes, bringing home the perspective of the brutality of war on being on the receiving end of a U Boat torpedo. This episode was awarded a Desmond Wettern Award in 2007. This being ‘The Maritime and Documentary Prize’, with Crispin Sadler receiving a crystal dolphin trophy.

Books and Documents with reference to HMS Warwick

Escort – The battle of the Atlantic Cdr D A Rayner – Captain of HMS Warwick Chapter 7 ISBN 0 8600 7016 6 - 1955 & 1974 Futura books

U-Boat Aces Geoffrey Jones ISBN 0 7183 0685 6 –Williams Kimber

Lost off Trevose – the Shipwrecks of Cornwall’s Trevose Head Chapter 4 Brian French 2011 ISBN 978 0 7524 5689 8 - History Press

Accounts of the sinking of HMS Warwick in February 1944 Imperial War Museum – London -Department of Documents Miscellaneous 2461- Private Papers Document 1956: Content Description - Accounts, in the form of short memoirs and letters written circa 1984 - 1985, by eighteen of the eighty five surviving members of the ship's company of the destroyer HMS WARWICK recording their experiences when their ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine in the Bristol Channel on the morning of 20 February 1944; together with copies of press cuttings concerning the loss of the ship, the rescue of the survivors by some fishing trawlers in the vicinity and a reunion of the survivors held in 1984.

John Puddicombe Plymouth 2013