Due to the sheer number of men commemorated on the Milford Haven War Memorial, it has been split into two sections, otherwise a single page would prove too long and difficult to negotiate. The men, and one woman, commemorated on this page served in the various branches of the Armed Forces and Merchant Fleet, who died during World War Two, 1939-1945. There is also one man commemorated at the bottom of the page who was killed during the Korean War.

Milford Haven War Memorial, World War Two, 1939-1945

Anthony Clerke Adams, Pilot Officer (Pilot), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Anthony was the Son of William Frederic Clerke Adams and Frances Adams, of Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as a Pilot with 21 Squadron, RAFVR, which was a bomber squadron, which converted from Blenheims to Mosquitos in 1943. The squadron was famous for carrying out precision bombing attacks, most notably on the Gestapo Headquarters in Denmark, and a carried out strategic bombing on railway lines and roads leading up to the Normandy invasion. In February 1945 the Squadron moved to France, and soon after Anthony was killed when he was shot down over Germany on 27 February 1945. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Hanover War Cemetery, Germany, alongside his Co-Pilot.

George Allen, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX399421, Royal Navy. George served with the Royal Navy, and died on 4 May 1945. Little else is known of him, but he is buried at Cobh (St. Patrick's) Catholic Cemetery, Ireland.

George Patrick Allen, Chief Engineman, LT/X 363ET, Royal Naval Reserve. George served aboard HM Trawler Laertes, a Shakespearean class trawler, ordered in December 1939, and launched October 1940. She was completed as A/S in 1941 and joined 1st M/S-A/S Group at Freetown as convoy escort. George was killed when she was torpedoed by U-201 off Freetown on 25 July 1942. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Thomas George Andrew, Chief Engineman, LT/X 5991ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Thomas was the Son Of William Frederick And Mary Andrew, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Alice Andrew, Of Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Waterfly. She was requisitioned in September 1939 and converted for minesweeping, based at Kirkwall for sweeping in Scapa Flow. In 1941 she transferred to Dover, to 46th M/S Group, and Thomas died aboard her when she was sunk by air attack off Dungenness, English Channel, on 17 September 1942. Thomas was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Alfred Walter Barrett Apter, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. Alfred was the Son of George and Alice Gertrude Apter. He served aboard MV Meridian, a Panama registered vessel, which had been seized from the Germans by the U.S. Army. Alfred drowned when Meridian was torpedoed and sunk by U-561 on 26 November 1941. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas George Edward Apter, Able Seaman, D/SSX 26860, Royal Navy. Thomas was the Son of George and Alice Gertrude Apter, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Fearless. Thomas was killed when Fearless was bombed and sank in the Mediterranean on 23 July 1941. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Dimmock William Barker, Able Seaman, D/JX 175659, Royal Navy. Dimmock was the Son of William and Betsy Barker, of New Clee, Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He served aboard H.M.M.L.B. 5. This was a Landing Barge, which was used as a light support vessel during seaborne landings. Dimmock died on 7 August 1942, and is buried at Dover (St. James') Cemetery.

Leonard Hubert Barnard, Serjeant, 837988, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Leonard was the Son of William Frederick and Florence Barnard of Milford, and the husband of Margaret Barnard, of Neyland. He served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Battalion had spent most of the war on home service, but landed in Normandy at the end of June 1944 as part of the reinforcing troops. During the coming weeks, the Welsh Division fought several actions during the break-out of the Normandy Beachhead, and Leonard was killed here on 19 July 1944. He was 29 years old, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

 

Leonard Herbert Bean, Second Hand, LT/JX 215858, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Leonard was the Son Of John James Bean And Agnes Bean, and the Husband Of Olwen Maud Bean, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Cobbers, and drowned when she was sunk by German bombers off Lowestoft on 3 March 1941. Leonard was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Albert James Beckett, Boom Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son Of James And Sarah Beckett, and the Husband Of Margaret Elizabeth Beckett, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Boom Defence Vessel Chorley. Albert was drowned when Chorley foundered off Start Point on 25 April 1942. He was 50 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Harry R. Ivor Bennett, Boatswain (Bosun), Fishing Fleet. Harry was the Son of Harry and Eliza Bennet, of 9, Albion Street, Milford. He served aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, which was registered in West Hartlepool, but based at Milford. Harry was drowned when she was lost off Milford Haven on 11 September 1940. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Frederick George Blockwell, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Frederick was the Son of William and Rhoda Blockwell, and the husband of Evelyn Blockwell, of Gorleston, Norfolk. He served aboard HM Trawler Tervani, which was requisitioned in October 1939 as an auxiliary patrol vessel. In 1941 she converted to a minesweeper. Frederick was killed when Tervani was sunk by the Italian Submarine Acciaio off Algiers on 7 February 1943. He was 31 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Robert Burder, Private, 3957370, the Dorsetshire Regiment. Robert was the Husband of Hortensia R. L. Burder, of Dover, and served with the Welch Regiment, before being transferred to the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. The battalion had served on Malta for much of the war, and had been brought back to Britain to take part in D-Day, landing on 6 June 1944 attached to the 50th (Northumbrian) Division. Over the coming weeks, the Dorsets took part in heavy fighting during the break-out from the beachhead, and it was during this fighting that Robert was killed on 30 July 1944. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Bayeux War Cemetery, France. Many thanks to the local Air Cadets for the photograph.


William Roy Cherrington, Seaman, LT/X. 21521A, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Son Of William And Dora Cherrington, Of Hakin, Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Botanic. William died on 15 September 1940, aged just 19, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Botanic was later sunk by German aircraft in the North Sea on 18 February 1942.

Vivian R.D. Clarke, Paymaster Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Naval Reserve. Vivian was the Son of William Henry and Lucy Maud Clarke, of Cardiff, and the husband of Elsa Dora Clarke, of Whitchurch. He served aboard HMS Peewit, which was an RNAS station. Vivian died on 16 March 1944, aged 32, and is buried at Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery.

Ernest Warald Newlands Codd, Able Seaman, D/SSX 18007, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Son Of Ernest And Mary L. Codd of Bunkers Hill, and the Husband Of Olwen Lilian Rose Codd, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Ardent. Ernest was killed when Ardent was sunk while escorting the aircraft carrier Illustrious back from Norway, while gallantly attempting a torpedo attack on the might German Battleship Scharnhorst on 8 June 1940. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William A. Coe, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the Son of Ben and Alice Coe, and the Husband of Ruby E. Coe, of Milford Haven, and served aboard the Steam Trawler Aberdeen, a Lowestoft registered trawler. William drowned when she was sunk by enemy aircraft in Cardigan Bay on 12 March 1941. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Ireland.

William C. Crouch, Merchant Navy. Cannot be positively identified, as there were two men called William Crouch who died.

Colin Davies, Corporal, 4209021, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Colin was the Son of William George and Eliza Jane Davies, of Haverfordwest, and the husband of Barbara Yvonne Davies, of Pope Hill, Haverfordwest. He served with the 7th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Colin landed with the Division on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and fought through the break-out from the beachhead and through the drive into Belgium and Holland. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, but was killed during the advance into the Reichswald, Germany on 13 February 1945. Colin was 27 years old, and is buried at Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany.

Edward Thomas William Davies, Fusilier, 14761466, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Edward was the Son of William George and Gladys Mabel Davies, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Edward landed with the Division on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and fought through the break-out from the beachhead and through the drive into Belgium and Holland. He survived the Battle of the Bulge, but was killed during the advance into the Reichswald, Germany on 16 February 1945. He was just 18 years old, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Thomas J. L. Davies, Private, 3971521, the Welch Regiment. The records of the Army Roll of Honour confirm that Thomas Davies was killed on 2 December 1942 while serving with the Welch Regiment. For some reason he is not commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Frederick James Dawes, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Frederick was from 5, Wellington Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. He was Skipper of Trawler M85 Ely, and was drowned when she sank after colliding with H.M. Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. Frederick was 45 years old. For some reason Frederick is not commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.            

Arthur Ernest Richard Dow, Private, 14731002, Welch Regiment. Arthur was the Son of Kezia Dow, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Welch Regiment. The Battalion served with the 14th Army in Burma, against the Japanese, and it was in Burma that Arthur was killed on 20 May 1945. He was 19 years old, and is buried at Rangoon War Cemetery, Myanmar.

George Joseph Durkin, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/JX 578987, Royal Navy. George was the Son Of John Joseph And May Durkin, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the frigate HMS Nith. He died when Nith was attacked by a remote guided German JU88 on 24 June 1944. He was aged just 17, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Arthur Dyson, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Arthur served aboard SS Dandara, a Milford registered trawler. Arthur died on 12 February 1941, aged 40, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

Thomas Herd Eden, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. Thomas was the Son Of John William And Rosina Eden, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard MV Rio Bravo, a London registered vessel. Thomas was lost at sea through the torpedoing of his ship at Ostend Roads on 2 November 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Gordon James Edwards, D.F.C., Pilot Officer, 177700, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Gordon was the Son of Bertram and Mary Jane Edwards, of Milford Haven. He served as Pilot with 405 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron was designated a Canadian Squadron, and was equipped with the Lancaster heavy bomber from mid 1943 onwards, when it was also selected to be a Pathfinder Squadron, one of the elite Squadrons of the RAF. Gordon had earned himself the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was listed in the London Gazette of 28 July 1944, although there is no citation to say why he was awarded it. He was killed when his Lancaster, serial PB527, crashed in the North Sea on 16 September, 1944 during a bombing raid to Kiel. All of the crew perished. Gordon was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Out of the crew, one man is buried in Sønderho, one in Esbjerg and five have no known grave.

Stanley John Edwards, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Stanley served aboard Trawler M85 Ely, and lived at 47, Robert Street, Milford Haven. He drowned when she collided with HM Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945, and was 30 years old. Stanley is not commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Ivor Ronald Evans, Able Seaman, D/J 114032, Royal Navy. Ivor was the Son Of George H. And Elizabeth A. Evans, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the destroyer HMS Matabele. Ivor was killed on 17 January 1942, when Matabele was forming part of the destroyer screen on Convoy PQ-8, from Iceland to Murmansk, and she was torpedoed and sunk by U-454. Ivor was aged 33, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Stanley Arthur Frederick Farmer, Sergeant (Pilot), 1337505, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Stanley was the Son of Reginald Herman Farmer and Beatrice Alice Farmer, Of Hakin, Milford Haven. Very little is known of him, but he served as a Pilot with the RAFVR, and died on 18 March 1943 aged 20. Stanley is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

James John Vincent Fenech, Boy, Merchant Navy. James served as Boy aboard SS Sheafmead, a Newcastle-on-Tyne registered vessel. James drowned when Sheafmead was torpedoed without warning by U-37 on 27 May 1940. James was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Dennis Joseph Fitzpatrick, M.M., Serjeant, 401023, Royal Armoured Corps. Dennis was born on 4 March 1906 at Weymouth, and enlisted into the Cavalry of the Line on 31 January 1927. After postings with the King's Dragoon Guards, 5th Irish Dragoon Guards, and the 15/19th Hussars, he was finally posted to the 11th Hussars in March 1938. He served with the regiment in Palestine from July to September 1938, for which service his General Service Medal was sent to his mother in October 1945. He continued his service with the 11th Hussars at the outbreak of war. Dennis fought through the North African, Italian and Western Europe Campaigns, and gained the Military Medal for gallantry in North Africa. The citation for his award read; 'On April 7th, Sgt. Fitzpatrick was in charge of a mortar section mounted in a White Scout Car under command of an Armoured Car Troop Leader. Near Djedida he heard German voices and realised that the troop had been ambushed by a strong force hidden in the olive groves. He quickly warned the Troop Leader and almost at once the troop came under heavy fire from two 88mm guns only 400 yards away and many machine guns. The Troop Leader's car was knocked out and Sgt. Fitzpatrick, finding it impossible to turn round, ordered his men to dismount just before his own car was knocked out. For the next hour he led his men, encouraging them and crawling through the cornfields under intense fire and later pursued by infantry. Eventually he got them into safety and under cover of darkness the whole section returned to our lines. By his quick action and fine leadership he saved the lives of his men. Sgt. Fitzpatrick has served in the Western Desert since the outbreak of hostilities and at all times he has shown complete disregard for his personal safety. I recommend that he be awarded the Military Medal.' Dennis then landed with the Regiment in Normandy on D-Day, and fought up though Northern France. through Belgium and into Holland. Dennis was taken captive on September 8, 1944, along with three other 2 troop members between St Nicholas and Kemseke, Holland, during a meeting with a German Mk IV Special Tank, but escaped from his captors, and returned to Britain. He returned to Germany in August 1945, but sadly on 8 September 1945, Dennis was fatally injured in a traffic accident only weeks after returning back to the regiment after escaping captivity. He was 39 years old, and is buried at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany. His medals were sold at auction in 2003.

 

Peter Flanagan, Sergeant (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner), 903094, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Peter was the Son of John Charles and Winifred May Flanagan, Of Tenby. Little is known of him, but he served as a Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner with 49 Squadron, RAFVR. The Squadron had been used for minelaying, but in May 1940 began raids on Germany. At 16.00 on the afternoon of 16 October 1940, orders were received detailing 12 aircraft for bombing, the main target being the submarine pens at Bordeaux. Take-off began at 19.00 at 5 minute intervals until all 12 aeroplanes were airborne. Four crews managed to complete successful sorties, despite some considerable resistance, but Peter was to lose his life on the return leg of the mission, when, desperately short of fuel, Hampden P2143, commanded by Flying Officer Charles Pitman, crashed near Andover due to a shortage of fuel, and all of the crew were sadly killed. Peter was amongst the dead that morning, on 17 October 1940. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Hubberston (St. David) Churchyard.

Ronald George Foster, Seaman, LT/X 21614A, Royal Naval Reserve. Ronald was the Son Of John And Elizabeth Jane Foster, Of Milford Haven, and served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler St. Achilleus. She had been requisitioned in August 1939 and converted for anti-submarine duties, and joined the 12th A/S Group at Grimsby, and in 1940 the 11th A/S Group at Harwich. After the German invasion of France, the BEF retreated to Dunkirk, where the Royal Navy evacuated the battered remnants of the British Army in Operation Dynamo. Ronald was killed here when St. Achilleus struck a mine off Dunkirk on 1 June 1940. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

John Robert Freeman, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. John was the Son of Robert and Mary Jane Freeman, of Milford Haven, and served aboard the Fishing Trawler John Baptish, a Milford registered trawler. John was drowned on 10 September 1940 when John Baptish was lost with all hands. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

George Richard Gale, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son Of James George And Margaret Ellen Gale, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Ann Gale, Of Hakin. He served aboard HM Trawler Topaze, which had been purchased into the Royal Navy in November 1935 for anti-submarine duties, and in 1940 was based at Portland. She took part in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk, in 1941, and George was killed when she sunk after a collision with the battleship HMS Rodney off the Clyde on 20 April 1941. He was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Percy Edwin Gammer, Engineman, LT/X. 595, Royal Naval Reserve. Percy was the Son Of Phillip And Helen Gammer, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Edith Winnifred Gammer, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard the minesweeping trawler HMS Eday. Percy died on 30 May 1944, aged 40, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Geoffrey Garrett, Corporal, 2136922, Royal Engineers. Geoffrey was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. Richard Garrett, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Engineers in Mesopotamia. Little else is known of him, but he died on 14 August 1942 aged 29, and is buried at Basra War Cemetery, Iraq. He was a qualified architect.

Albert Edward Gillard, Able Seaman, C/SR.67717, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son of John Henry and Mary Gillard, and served aboard the boom defence vessel, HMS Barsound. He died in Scotland on 1 December 1941, aged 23, and is buried at Sandwick Cemetery, Ross and Cromarty.

Archibald Glenton, Corporal, 7887997, Royal Armoured Corps. Archibald was the Son of Joseph and Adelaide Glenton, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. Archibald landed on Normandy on 7 June 1944, and fought until his death on 26 September 1944, during the drive through Holland. Archibald was 24 years old, and is buried at Valkenswaard War Cemetery, Netherlands.

Robert Cyril Goldspink, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Robert was Skipper of the Trawler Loch Awe, and lived at 45, Robert Street, Milford. Robert was drowned along with his crew when Loch Awe went missing after leaving Milford on 28 February 1943. He was 54 years old. Robert is not commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

Wilfred Ambrose Griffiths, Sergeant (Pilot), 1316333, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Wilfred was the Son of Martha Jane Griffiths, And Stepson Of John Peel, of Hakin, Milford Haven. He served as Pilot with 102 Squadron, RAFVR, which was a Coastal Command Squadron, equipped with the Halifax, and were based at RAF Pocklington from August 1942 onwards. Wilfred was killed whilst his Halifax DT747 was shot down at Hjertingvej, Esbjerg, Denmark on 21 April 1943. He was 20 years old, and is buried alongside his crewmen at Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark. Photograph courtesy of 'Airwar over Denmark'.

 

John Gwilliam, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. John was the Husband of Mabel Emma Gwilliam, of Milford Haven. He was Chief Engineer aboard the Trawler Loch Awe, and was 37 years old when she was lost with all hands after leaving Milford on 28 February 1943. John is commemorated on a family gravestone at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

William John Gwilliam, Engineman, LT/KX 99971, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son Of Thomas And Alice Gwilliam, and the Husband Of Beatrice Elizabeth Gwilliam, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Tervani. She had been requisitioned in October 1939 as an auxiliary patrol vessel, and in 1941 was converted to a minesweeper. William was killed when she was sunk by the Italian Submarine Acciaio off Algiers on 7 February 1943. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Wilfred George Hall, Lance Bombardier, 1796106, Royal Artillery. Wilfred served with 37 Coast Observer Detachment, Royal Artillery, which was stationed at Singapore. He was captured during the surrender of Singapore during February 1942, and survived two years in captivity before dying on 12 September 1944. Wilfred was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. Many thanks to Andy Garnett for the photograph.

 

J. D. Harness, Merchant Navy. Cannot presently be identified.

Frederick Harris, Sergeant, 563782, Royal Air Force. Frederick was the Son Of William Henry And Emma Harris of Milford, and was the Husband Of Nesta Harris, Of Pembroke Dock. He was a pre-war regular in the RAF, and flew with 228 Squadron, alongside another Milford man, Edward Setterfield. The Squadron was equipped with the obsolete Fairey Battle, and fought during the fall of France in 1940. Frederick must have been transferred to the Middle East, as he was killed on 1 November 1940 at the age of 26, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

William Harteveld, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. William Harteveld, of Milford Haven, and was a Fisherman, serving aboard the Fishing Vessel Respondo. The West Hartlepool registered Respondo was lost with all hands while fishing off the Irish Coast on 10 September 1940. William was 65 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Frank Reginald Hastings, Lance Corporal, PLY/X 100676, Royal Marines. Frank was the Son of Frank and Jessie Hastings, Of Milford Haven, and served with No.40 Royal Marine Commando. The Commando's baptism of fire was at Dieppe on 19 August 1942. After suffering severe losses, the survivors were evacuated, and 40 Commando was rebuilt before being sent to the Mediterranean. It was sent to Sicily in July 1943 and a little later in September it saw action at Pizzio. Later that year the Commando was in action Termoli in October, and in 1944 was embroiled at Anzio. Frank was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 24 years old, and is buried at Minturno War Cemetery, Italy.

Ernest William Hawkings, Second Hand, LT/X. 10253B, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest was the Son Of Francis Moxey Hawkings And Lilian Grace Hawkings, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Gladys Rosina Maud Hawkings, Of Hakin. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HMS Oku. Ernest died on 3 July 1943, aged 31, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Francis Ernest M. Hawkins, B.E.M., Fisherman, Fishing Fleet. Francis lived at 87, Shakespeare Avenue, Milford Haven. He had been awarded the British Empire Medal early in the war, for his courage in action against enemy aircraft while aboard Trawler P & Y in 1941. He was drowned while serving aboard the Trawler M85 Ely, when she collided with HM Corvette Trillium on 14 January 1945. Francis was 35 years old.

Michael Joseph Hennessy, Leading Seaman, LT/JX. 224445, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Michael was the Son Of James And Ellen Hennessy, and the Husband Of Annie Elizabeth Hennessy, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 38. She had been attacked and sunk on 18 August 1942 in the Channel, and Michael must have been wounded then, as he died on 16 February 1943, aged 35, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

John Hext, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. John served aboard Fishing Trawler Bass Rock, an Aberdeen registered trawler, which was based at Milford. He drowned when she was bombed and sunk by German aircraft off the Old Head of Kinsale, Ireland on 24 September 1940. John was 53 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. He was one of six brothers who died during the course of the war, and was from Brixham, Devon.

 

William Percy High, Chief Petty Officer, C/J 29145, Royal Navy. William was the Son Of Robert Haydon High And Emma High, and the Husband Of Daisy V. High, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the minesweeper HMS Niger. William died on 6 July 1942 after Niger struck a mine off Iceland. He was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

E. Hogg, Fisherman. Cannot be identified, but is possibly Bertie Edward Hunt, who was drowned while serving aboard the Fishing Trawler Westfield from Milford Haven on 6 July 1941. He was the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth Hunt, and the nephew of Violet Kathleen Hunt, of Lowestoft, Suffolk, and was 46 years old. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial.

 

Harry Albert Holder, Seaman, LT/JX 222282, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Harry was the Son Of Henry Howe Holder And Agnes Gwendoline Holder, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Yacht Viva II. She had been hired in September 1939 as an anti-submarine vessel. Harry was killed when she was sunk by air attack off the north coast of Cornwall on 8 May 1941. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest Horn, Leading Telegraphist, D/J 106419, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Son Of Alfred George And Sarah Ann Horn, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Venetia. Ernest lost his life when Venetia was mined and sunk about 12 nautical miles north-east of Margate, Kent on 23 May 1940. He was 34 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Stanley George Hughes, Serjeant, 1669099, Royal Artillery. Stanley was the Son of William and Sarah Hughes, Of Milford Haven, and the husband Of Gwendoline Petera Sheppard Hughes, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Artillery, and died on 13 June 1941 aged 37. Stanley is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Many thanks to Les Nixon for the photograph.

 

George James Hyatt, Able Seaman, Merchant Navy. George was the Son of James and Susan Hyatt, and served aboard MV San Demetrio, a London registered tanker. She had been made famous during 1940, after an attack on her by the German Battleship Admiral Scheer had left her ablaze, forcing the crew to take to their lifeboats. On the following morning, one of her lifeboats returned to her, and half of the crew re-boarded the tanker, put out the fires and repaired the damaged steering system. She was then repaired and put back in service, but was sunk by a torpedo from U-404 on 17 March 1942. George was killed in the sinking. He was 37 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas Howard Ireland, Second Radio Officer, Merchant Navy. Thomas was the Husband of Gwendoline Ireland, of Milford Haven, and served aboard SS Tabaristan, a London registered cargo vessel. On 29 May 1941 she was sailing unescorted on a voyage from Basrah via Capetown to Britain with a cargo of 3,950 tons of groundnuts, 2,200 tons of pig-iron, 560 tons of manganese ore and 140 tons of general cargo. At 23.50 hours the German submarine U-38 fired a spread of two torpedoes, both of which hit Tabaristan. She sank within 4 minutes, southwest of Freetown. Twenty one crew members were lost, while the master, 35 crew members and three gunners were picked up by HMS Bengali and the British armed trawler HMS Turcoman, and landed at Freetown. Thomas was sadly one of the men killed aboard Tabiristan. He was 40 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Charles Rowland James, Gunner, 864057, Royal Artillery. Charles was the Son of Alice Maud James, of Pill, Milford Haven, and served with 218 Coast Battery, Royal Artillery. The battery served in the North African campaign. Charles was killed in North Africa on 10 June 1943. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

William Richard James, Serjeant, 847074, Royal Artillery. William was the Son of George Evan James and Ethel May James, of Hakin, and served with 8 Coast Regiment, Royal Artillery. The regiment was stationed as part of the Hong Kong Garrison, and William was present in the desperate fighting for the city during December 1941. William was one of many prisoners captured when the British garrison surrendered to the Japanese on Christmas Day 1941. He survived four years of captivity, but died on 10 September 1945, at the age of 25, after being released from captivity. William is commemorated on the Sai Wan Memorial, Hong Kong.

F. Jeffries, Fireman, Fishing Fleet. Fireman Jeffries lived at Shakespeare Avenue, Milford, and was part of the crew of the Trawler Loch Awe, which went missing after leaving Milford on 28 February 1940.

Howard Clifford Jenkins, Guardsman, 2735429, Welsh Guards. Howard was the Son of James Howard Jenkins and Georgina Hetta Jenkins, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards. The Battalion fought during the fall of France in 1940, and after withdrawal spent the next four years in Britain, before taking part in the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Howard was killed during the fighting around Caen on 11 August 1944. He was 27 years old, and is buried at St. Charles De Percy War Cemetery, France.

 

Reginald John Mantell Jenkyn, Chief Engine Room Artificer, D/MX 54353, Royal Navy. Reginald was the Son of Richard and Pheobe Sarah Jenkyn of Milford, and the husband of Alice Thora Jenkyn, of Rugby, Warwickshire, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Penelope. She saw action during the evacuation of Allied troops from Crete in 1942, and at Malta later that year, and supported the allied invasions of North Africa and Italy. Reginald died when she was sunk in the Bay of Naples by U-410 on 18 February 1944. He was aged 33, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Hugh Victor Reuben Jones, Chief Engineman, LT/203EV, Royal Naval Reserve. Hugh was the Son Of Hugh Morris Jones And Augusta Minnie Jones, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Martha Evelyn Jones, Of Milford Haven. He served in the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Fleming. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. Hugh was killed aboard her when she was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 24 July 1940. He was 43 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Rupert Joy, Seaman, LT/X 7899C, Royal Naval Reserve. Rupert was the Son Of Henry And Elizabeth Joy, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Fort Royal. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939, and later purchased by the Admiralty. Rupert was killed when she was sunk by an air attack off Aberdeen on 9 February 1940. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Martin Kennedy, Trimmer, Fishing Fleet. Martin served aboard the Fishing Trawler Westfield, a Milford registered trawler. Martin was drowned when Westfield was lost on 6 July 1941. He was 52 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Cornelius Jabez King, Mate, Fishing Fleet. Cornelius was the Husband of Mary A. V. B. King, of 51, Dewsland Street, Milford Haven, and served aboard the Steam Trawler Bianca, a Hull registered trawler. He drowned when Bianca was lost in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, possibly as a result of a mine explosion. Cornelius was 62 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Jabez also died aboard Bianca.

Cornelius Walter King, Petty Officer, P/JX 139263, Royal Navy. Cornelius was the Son Of Albert Walter And Elizabeth King, and the Husband Of Mary Joan King, Of Hakin, and served aboard HMS Cairo. He was drowned when she was attacked and badly damaged during the evacuation of Norway on 28 May 1940. Cornelius was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Jabez George King, D.S.C., Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Jabez was the Son Of Jabez King, And Of Martha King, Of Gorleston-On-Sea, and the Husband Of Alice King, Of 9, Starbuck Road, Milford Haven. He was Skipper of the Steam Trawler Bianca, which had been registered at Hull, and was based at Milford, where she had been converted into a minesweeper. Jabez had won the Distinguished Service Cross for his work at sea during the Great War, which was gazetted on 14 July 1916. The award was for; 'The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have received with much satisfaction from the officers in charge of the Auxiliary Patrol areas at home and abroad reports on the services performed by the officers and men serving under their orders during the period 1st January, 1915, to 31st January, 1916. These reports show that the officers and men serving in Armed Yachts, Trawlers and Drifters of the Auxiliary Patrol during the period in question have carried out their duties under extremely arduous and hazardous conditions of weather and exposure to enemy attack and mines with marked zeal, gallantry and success.' Sadly he survived the Great War, and was drowned when Bianca sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, possibly after a mine explosion. Jabez was 59 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London. His brother Cornelius also died in the loss of Bianca.

 

Thomas William King, Rifleman, 841864, the Royal Ulster Rifles. Thomas was the Son of Henry Dickson King and Hilda King, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles. The battalion was part of the 3rd Division and landed on the Normandy beaches on 6 June 1944. Thomas was killed during the Battle of Normandy, on 9 July 1944. He was 30 years old, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France.

 

William Charles Langdon, Sergeant (Wireless Operator), 751603, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. William was the Son Of Charles And Sarah Langdon, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Mary Elizabeth Langdon, Of Milford Haven. He served with 48 Squadron, RAFVR. Just before the outbreak of war the squadron began to fly anti-submarine patrols off the Channel coast, operating from a number of different stations, equipped with the Avro Anson. It took part in the air operations over Dunkirk, helping to keep the German E-boats away from the potentially vulnerable flotilla of ships off the beaches. William was killed on 1 January 1941, at the age of 25. He is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

E. Ledner, Fisherman. Cannot be identified.

Arthur Abel Leggett, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was the Son Of Thomas And Charlotte Leggett, and the Husband Of Hilda May Leggett, Of Hakin, and served aboard HMS Lucifer, the Royal Naval base at Swansea. He died on 7 March 1943, aged 37, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Joseph Thomas Leggett, Seaman, LT/JX 195758, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Joseph was the Son of William Thomas Leggett and Edith Rosina Louise Leggett, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler St. Apollo. She had been purchased into the RN in February 1940, and converted for anti-submarine duties, joining the 3rd Escort Group based at Greenock, employed on Atlantic convoy escort. Joseph died when she was sunk in a collision with the destroyer HMS Sardonyx off the Hebrides on 22 November 1941. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Arthur Lewis, Leading Seaman, LT/X 19275A, Royal Naval Reserve. Arthur was the Son Of A. And Sarah Lewis, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Marsoma. She had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. Arthur was killed when she was sunk by a mine off Cromarty on 4 August 1940. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Vernon Charles Lewis, D.F.M., Flight Sergeant (Flight Engineer), 570550, Royal Air Force. Vernon was the Son Of Hubert William 'Stokey' Lewis, VC, and Edith Evelyn Lewis, Of Milford Haven. He was a brave man like his father, serving as a pre-war regular with the RAF, he had gained the Distinguished Flying Medal on 23 August 1943 while serving with 83 Squadron, RAF. Sadly though, Vernon was killed the following day. The Squadron was equipped with the Lancaster Bomber, and Vernon was killed when his Lancaster was shot down during a raid over Germany on 24 August 1943. He was 22 years old, and is buried at Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

William J. Lewis, Driver, 3914700, Royal Army Service Corps. Very little is known of William, but he served in North Africa with the Royal Army Service Corps, and died in Tunisia on 30 June 1943. William is buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

K. B. Lincoln, Ordinary Seaman, Merchant Navy. Little is known of this man, but he served aboard MV Narragansett, a London registered tanker, run by British Petroleum. At 06.09 hours on 25 Mar, 1942, the unescorted Narragansett was hit in the stern by one torpedo from U-105 about 400 miles east of Hampton Roads, Virginia and sank with all her crew. Seaman Lincoln is commemorated alongside his shipmates on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Sidney James Lloyd, Seaman, LT/JX. 200851, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Sidney was the Husband Of M. Lloyd, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Lord Plender. He died on 27 October 1941, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Lionel Edward Lowman, Trooper, 7943830, Royal Armoured Corps. Lionel served with the 147th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps which converted from the 10th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment. The regiment was equipped with the Churchill tank, and landed in Normandy as part of XXX Corps in June 1944. Lionel took part in the advance through Northern France into Belgium and Holland, and saw action during Operation Market Garden, when XXX Corps advanced towards the Rhine Crossings at Arnhem. Lionel died after the end of the war in Europe, on 12 June 1945, aged 34, and is buried at Hamburg Cemetery, Germany.

John Frederick Lyons, Corporal, 3909039, South Wales Borderers. John was the Son of Rose Lyons, of Hakin, Milford Haven, and the Husband of Gladys May Lyons. He served with the 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers, and died on 15 February 1941. John was 21 years old, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Charles Edward Mansell, Serjeant, 8730677, the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Charles was the Son of Edward John and Beatrice Mansell, of Milford, and the husband of Mary A. Mansell, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He served with the 5th Battalion, KSLI, which was raised in 1939, and trained at various places in Shropshire and remained on Home Defence duties for most of the war. Charles was probably attached to the 2nd KSLI, as they were the only battalion of the Regiment to serve in the Far East, and he died on 14 June 1942 aged 25. Charles is buried at Delhi War Cemetery, India.

Ernest Trevor Martin, Fusilier, 14205147, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Ernest was the Son of Thomas Percy and Emily Ellen Martin, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion was part of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, and spent most of the war on home service. It landed on Normandy at the end of June 1944, and after fighting in the break-out from Normandy, took part in the drive into Belgium and Holland, into Germany, where it saw considerable action fighting around the Reichswald Forest. Ernest was killed here on 29 March 1945 aged just 22, and is buried at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

John Percival Mathias, Captain, 177652, Parachute Regiment. John was the Son of Thomas Henry and Maggie Mathias, and the Husband of Gladys Emma Mathias, Of Milford Haven. He originally served with the 10th Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was converted to the 6th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. John took fought with the battalion in North Africa, and took part in the landings at Sicily, and was killed on 10 September 1943 during the invasion of mainland Italy, when HMS Abdiel was bombed and sank in Taranto Harbour. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial, Italy.

James Donald McKay, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. James served aboard HM Trawler Lord Stamp. She had been hired for anti-submarine duties in August 1939. James was killed when she was sunk by a mine in the Channel on 14 October 1940. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

William James McLean, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. William was the Son of James and Emma Mclean, and the Husband of M. G. Mclean, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard the Fishing Trawler John Baptish, of Milford, and had been Mentioned In Despatches, possibly during the Great War. William was drowned when John Baptish sank on 7 September 1940. He was 55 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Samuel Garfield Memery, Seaman, LT/X 19673A, Royal Naval Reserve. Samuel was the Son of William Samuel and Gertrude Cathrine Mary Memery, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler Pyrope. She had been requisitioned in August 1939 and converted to a minesweeper, joining the 2nd Minesweeping Group at Sheerness. Samuel was killed when she was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 12 August 1940. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Thomas Moore, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the Husband of Maud Mary Moore, Of Hakin, Milford Haven, and served aboard the Fishing Trawler Lord Haldane, a Lowestoft registered trawler. Thomas was drowned on 7 November 1940, aged 53, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Ernest Ralph Morgan, Chief Stoker, D/K 62331, Royal Navy. Ernest was the Husband of Gwendoline Morgan, of Barry Docks, Glamorgan, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Galatea. He was killed when Galatea was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-557 off Alexandria, Egypt.on 15 December 1941. He was aged 36, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Howell Charles Morris, Lieutenant, 222124, Royal Artillery. Howell was the Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Charles E. Morris and P. A. Morris, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Artillery. He volunteered early in the war for service with the newly formed Army Commando, and after passing his training at Achnacarry, was posted to No. 9 Commando. 9 Commando were sent to North Africa, to take part in Operation Torch, the Allied Landings on North Africa. They were then sent back to Britain, before moving back to the Mediterranean, and took part in the invasion of Italy. Howell was killed during the Italian campaign on 2 April 1945. He was 23 years old, and is buried at Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy.

Patrick Edward Musson, Petty Officer Stoker, D/K 62417, Royal Navy. Patrick was the Son Of Henry And Rose Anne Vicary Musson, and the Husband Of Maisie Hardcastle Musson, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the frigate HMS Mourne. He was killed when Mourne was torpedoed by German submarine U-767 whilst patrolling off the Lizard in the English Channel on 15 June 1944. He was aged 38, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Leslie Llewellyn Nicholas, Flight Sergeant (Navigator), 1652501, Royal Air Force. Leslie was the Son of William and Letitia Nicholas of Milford, and the husband of Phyllis Mary Nicholas, of Neyland. He was a regular, serving with 21 Squadron, RAF, a light bomber squadron. The Squadron was formed at RAF Bodney equipped with the Blenheim. After a few months the squadron re-equipped with the Lockheed Ventura. It was the first RAF squadron to use the Ventura and was not operational until 6 December when it attacked the Philips works at Eindhoven. The aircraft was not suitable though, and were replaced in 1943 with the Mosquito. The squadron turned to night raids on continental Europe, it also carried precision daylight raids including a notable attack on Gestapo headquarters in Norway. During the invasion of Normandy, the Squadron was flying night intruder attacks against German targets, and moved to RAF Gutersloh in December 1944. Leslie was killed soon after, when he was shot down while acting as Navigator to Pilot Officer A. C. Adams in Mosquito NS990, on 27 February 1945. The aeroplane came down at around 22.00 near Bollersen, Niedersachsen, and Leslie and his pilot were buried in the Gemeindefriedhof at Bergen, before being re-interred to Hanover War Cemetery. Leslie was 22 years old.

Thomas Richard Owston, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Thomas was the Son of Amrose and Minnie Owston, of Milford Haven, and the Husband of Norah Owston, Of Milford Haven. He was Skipper of the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a West Hartlepool registered trawler. Thomas drowned when Respondo was lost with all hands off the Old Head of Kinsale on 11 September 1940. He was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Peter Edward Pettit, Fusilier, 14435777, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Peter was the Son of Joseph and Virtue Pettit, of Johnston, and served with the 4th Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Division. Peter landed in Normandy with the Division at the end of June 1944, and took part in the subsequent fighting in the break-out from the Beachhead. He was killed on 14 August 1944 aged just 18, and is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, France. His brother William also died, just two months later.

 

William James Pettit, Corporal, 4204894, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the eldest Son of Joseph Samuel Pettit and Virtue Pettit, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battalion fought in the Far East, in India and Burma, and it was in Burma that William died, just two months after his younger brother Peter, on 25 October 1944. He was 28 years old, and is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

David H. Picton, Fisherman. No more is known of David, but he is commemorated on the grave of his brother in law Percy Gammer, and the epitaph reads lost at sea March 1943.

 

John Henry Picton, Second Hand, LT/X 21109A, Royal Naval Reserve. John was the Son of David Henry and Alice Picton of Milford, and the husband of Dorothy Louise Picton, of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 101, which had been built by Wagstaff & Hatfield, Port Greville, Nova Scotia. John was killed when she was sunk by a mine off Salonika, Greece on 29 November 1944. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Clifford V. Potter, Gunner, 858027, Royal Artillery. Not much is known of Clifford, but he served with 370 Coast Battery, Royal Artillery. The Battery was stationed at Hilpsford battery at Barrow, Cumbria, under Western Command. Clifford died on 7 December 1942, aged 32, and is commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, England. He possibly died at sea.

John Foster Powell, Aircraftman 1st Class, 654215, Royal Air Force. John was the Son of John Edward and Gertrude Powell, of Milford Haven, and served with the RAF Malayan Command. Little is known of him, but he died on 26 November 1944 aged 22, and is buried at Labuan War Cemetery, Malaysia.

Sidney James Powell, Pilot Officer (Wireless Operator/Air Gunner), 130526, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Sidney was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. A. J. Powell of Milford Haven. Little is known of him, but he served with the RAFVR, and died on 26 January 1943. Sidney is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Albert Ernest Price, Petty Officer Airman, FAA/FX. 79387, Royal Navy. Albert was born on 23 October 1919, the youngest son of Herbert Sidney and Margaret Price of Glebelands, Milford Haven. He served with 700 Squadron, Fleet Air Army aboard HMS Dorsetshire. Dorsetshire was a County Class Heavy Cruiser, and was heavily armed, including in her arsenal two Supermarine Walrus aeroplanes, one of which was crewed by Albert. Dorsetshire had been sent to South America at the outbreak of war, to aid in the sinking of the Graf Spee, but arrived after she had been scuttled. She then served in the Atlantic, before moving to the Indian Ocean. In 1942, the Dorsetshire was assigned to the Eastern Fleet in the Indian Ocean. In the Imperial Japanese Navy's Indian Ocean raid on 5 April 1942, the Dorsetshire and her sister ship Cornwall were attacked by Japanese Navy dive-bombers, which sank both ships. Albert died in the sinking of Dorsetshire that day. He was 22 years old, and is commemorated on Lee-On-Solent Memorial, Hampshire.

Margaret Zena Mary Price, Private, W/82980, Auxiliary Territorial Service. Margaret was the Daughter of Arthur James Oliver and Florence E. Oliver, Of Milford Haven, and was the Wife of Lieutenant A. B. Price. Margaret died on 3 February 1944, aged 23, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

William Thomas Prior, Fusilier, 4196946, Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the Son of Thomas and Rosamund A. E. Prior, of Milford Haven, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. The battalion was stationed in India at the outbreak of war, and it was here that William died on 1 May 1940. He was 20 years old, and is buried at Delhi War Cemetery, India.

Arthur Edward Pritchard, Second Hand, Fishing Fleet. Arthur was the Son of Edith Ester Pritchard, and the husband of N. S. Pritchard, of Brixham, Devon. He served aboard the Fishing Trawler John Baptish, a Milford registered trawler, and drowned when she was lost on 10 September 1940. Arthur was 44 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Luigi Rabaiotti, Driver, T/143012, Royal Army Service Corps. Luigi was the Son of Giovanni and Maria Rabaiotti of Bardi, Italy, and the Nephew of Giuseppe Rabaiotti, Of Milford Haven. He served with the 656 Ambulance Division Troops Company, RASC, and died in Italy after the war on 2 January 1946. Luigi was 26 years old, and is buried in the Rabaiotti Family Vault at Bardi Communal Cemetery, Italy.

Wilfred Harold John Reed, Private, 3908455, the South Wales Borderers. Wilfred was the Son of Wilfrid Harold John and Elizabeth Reed of Milford, and the husband of Kathleen Reed, of Londonderry, Northern Ireland. He served as a regular, with the 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers. The Battalion was sent to Norway to counter the German invasion in 1940, and saw some terrible fighting, in conditions alien to the British troops. Wilfred was killed in Norway on 2 May 1940, aged 24, and is buried at Ballangen New Cemetery, Norway.

Edward Reynolds, Junior Engineering Officer, Merchant Navy. Edward was the Son Of William Francis And Winifred Jane Reynolds, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard SS Cadillac, a Newcastle-On-Tyne registered vessel. On 1 March 1941, Cadillac was torpedoed and sunk by U-552. Edward was lost with the ship. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Leonard Norman Reynolds, Sergeant, 1313246, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Leonard was the Son of Mr. And Mrs. W. Reynolds, of Milford Haven, and served with the RAFVR. Little is known of him, but he was killed on 26 June 1942, aged just 19, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Surrey.

Francis Victor Richards, Seaman, LT/JX 242672, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Francis was the Son Of Frank And Kate Richards, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Horatio. She had been built for minesweeping and anti-submarine duties, and launched in August 1940. Francis was killed when she was sunk by an Italian MTB in the western Mediterranean on 7 January 1943. He was 20 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Thomas Alfred George Roach, Fusilier, 3977237, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Cecilia Roach, and the Husband of Norah Ivy Roach, of Hakin. He served with the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, part of the 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade. The 6th Battalion fought in the Tunisian Campaign in North Africa and the 2nd Battalion took part in the landings on Sicily and then Italy, where some units of the 2nd Battalion took part in the fighting at Monte Cassino. Thomas was killed in Italy on 18 January 1944. He was 34 years old, and is buried at Orvieto War Cemetery, Italy.

Frank Joseph Rowland, Leading Seaman, LT/X 21432A, Royal Naval Reserve. Frank was the Son Of Frank Cecil And Ellen Rowland; Husband Of Gwendoline Mary Rowland, Of Milford Haven, and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HMS Van Meerlant. She was an ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer that had been taken over by the Royal Navy in March 1941, and was in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader. Frank died when she struck a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel on 4 June 1941. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

J. Salmon, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. This man lived at Robert Street, Milford Haven. He served aboard the Milford Steam Trawler Loch Awe, and was drowned when she sank sometime after leaving Milford on 24 February 1943.

Percival James Sandford, Chief Engineer, Fishing Fleet. Percival was the Husband of E. H. Sandford, Of Milford Haven, and was Chief Engineer aboard the Fishing Trawler Westfield, a Milford trawler. Percival drowned when Westfield was lost on 6 July 1941. He was 46 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

William Reid Sandy, (Sanderson on Memorial), Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the Husband of Sophia Annie Sandy, of Milford Haven, and was a Fisherman, serving aboard the Fishing Vessel Craigewan, a Milford Haven registered Trawler. William was one of the ten crew of Craigewan who died when she was lost at sea on 12 October 1945. William was 54 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Oliver Tucker Burman Sayers, DSM, Second Hand, LT/X 302SA, Royal Naval Reserve. Oliver served aboard HM Trawler Force, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in February 1940. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on 3 September 1940, for skill and enterprise in Minesweeping operations off the Coasts of Holland, Belgium and France, but was killed when Trawler Force was sunk by an air attack off the Norfolk Coast on 27 June 1941. He is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Henry Edward Alfred Scard, Pilot Officer, 103043, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Henry was the Son of Henry and Mary Scard of Milford, and the husband of Marguerite L. Scard, of Llandaff, Cardiff. Henry was an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects prior to the war, and served with 37 Squadron, RAFVR, equipped with the Vickers Wellington. In November 1940 the squadron was transferred to Egypt, via Malta, from where it carried out a number of sorties. Once in Egypt the squadron took part in the campaign in the western desert, supporting the Eighth Army against Rommel and the Afrika Korps. It also took part in the suppression of the Iraqi revolt and sent a detachment to Greece in March 1941. Henry was killed in the Middle East on 10 May 1942. He is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

Edward Albert Scrivens, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. Edward was the Son of William and Rosena Scrivens, and the Husband of Hadassah Anna Sophia Scrivens, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard the Fishing Trawler Respondo, a Hartlepool registered trawler, and drowned when she was lost on 11 September 1940. Edward was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Edward Louis Setterfield, Sergeant, 543241, Royal Air Force. Edward was born on 25 October 1919, the Son Of Mr. And Mrs. G. H. Setterfield, Of Milford Haven, and served as a pre-war regular, with 228 Squadron, RAF. The Squadron originally flew the obsolete Fairey Battle, and had been evacuated from France during the German Blitzkrieg of 1940. Edward was killed on 1 November 1940 while flying as part of the crew of Sunderland N9020, when it was attacked off Sicily by two Italian fighters, and came down with the loss of all her crew. Edwards body was not recovered, and he is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

William Richard Setterfield, Chief Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. William was the Husband Of Winifred Setterfield, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Roche Bonne. She had been requisitioned in February 1940 and converted to a minesweeper. William was killed when she was sunk in an air attack off the Lizard on 7 April 1941. He was 44 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Albert Edward Simmonds, Able Seaman, D/JX 157997, Royal Navy. Albert was the Son Of Albert John And Mabel Simmonds, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the cruiser HMS Gloucester. He lost his life aboard Gloucester when she was sunk off Crete on 22 May 1941. Albert was aged 19, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Alfred Skewis, Skipper, Fishing Fleet. Alfred was the Husband of Edith Alice Skewis, Of Milford Haven, and was Skipper of the Steam Trawler Bass Rock, an Aberdeen registered trawler. Alfred was killed when Bass Rock was attacked by German aircraft and sunk on 24 September 1940. He was 50 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Richard Smith, Seaman, LT/JX 400443, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Richard was the Son of Percy Sydney and Alice Maud Smith, of Hakin, and served aboard HM Trawler Cap D'Antifer. She was an ex Belgian trawler, converted by the French Navy to a minesweeper, and was seized at Southampton in July 1940 and converted to an auxiliary patrol vessel. In 1941 she was converted back to a minesweeper and based on the Humber, and in 1943 joined 19th M/S Group at Grimsby. Richard was killed when she was torpedoed by an E-boat off the Humber on 13 February 1944. He was 19 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

James Snelling, Able Seaman, D/SSX 17740, Royal Navy. James was the Son Of James And Kate Snelling, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the battleship HMS Valiant. He died aboard Valiant on 16 February 1940, aged 22, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Thomas Henry Snelling, Seaman, LT/JX 219627, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Thomas was the Son Of James And Kate Snelling, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HMS Hannibal, the Royal Naval Base at Algiers. He died in North Africa on 20 June 1943, aged just 19, and is buried at La Reunion War Cemetery, Algeria.

Ladner Summers, Second Hand, LT/JX. 241895, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Ladner was the Son Of William And Clara Summers, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Elizabeth Myfanwy Summers, Of Goodwick, and served aboard HM Yacht Tyrant. Ladner died on 23 February 1944, aged 28, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

Bernard Spencer Taylor, Ordinary Seaman, LT/JX. 228027, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Bernard was the Son Of Mabel Taylor, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Silicia. He died on 18 February 1941. Bernard was aged 17, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery. Silicia was later lost when she struck a mine in the Humber on 8 May 1941.

 

Charles Henry Taylor, Stoker 1st Class, C/KX 152886, Royal Navy. Charles served aboard the submarine depot ship HMS Adamant, stationed in the Pacific. He died on 20 December 1943, and is buried at Trincomalee War Cemetery, Sri Lanka.

William Henry Taylor, Able Seaman, P/JX 167937, Royal Navy. William was the Son Of Mr. And Mrs. T. H. Taylor, Of Milford Haven, and served aboard the sloop HMS Egret. Egret had the dubious honour of being the first ship ever to be sunk by a guided missile when she was destroyed by a Henschel glider bomb on 27 August 1943. William was among the 194 crewmen of Egret killed. He was 24 years old, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, England.

Albert Frederick Thomas, Gunner, 1796242, Royal Artillery. Albert was the Son of Richard and Phoebe M. Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and served with 89 Battery, 35 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery. The Battery served in the Dutch East Indies, and saw hard fighting during the Japanese invasion. Albert was taken prisoner by the Japanese sometime in March 1942, and died on 14 May 1942, aged just 20. He is buried at Jakarta War Cemetery, Indonesia.

Charles William Thomas, Fusilier, 4196674, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Charles was the Son of Richard Charles and Margaret Ellen Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers. Charles served with the battalion in Burma, fighting against the Japanese, and died there on 5 May 1944. He was 25 years old, and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, Myanmar.

Edwin Stanley Thomas, Boatswain (Bosun), Fishing Fleet. Edwin lived at 10, Greville Road, Milford Haven, and was Bosun aboard the Hull registered Steam Trawler Bianca. Edwin was drowned when Bianca sank in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, probably due to a mine explosion. He was 23 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Frank Ronald Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX. 167938, Royal Navy. Frank served aboard HMS Royal Arthur, the training base at Skegness. He died ashore on 30 November 1939 aged just 20, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

 

George Henry Thomas, Seaman, LT/6939C, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son Of Jack And Elizabeth Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Annie Elizabeth Thomas, Of Milford Haven. He served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, aboard HM Trawler Benvolio, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in September 1939. George was killed when Benvolio was sunk after hitting a mine off the Humber on 23 February 1940. He was 35 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Herbert Paxton Thomas, Telegraphist, D/WRX 1264, Royal Naval Volunteer (Wireless) Reserve. Herbert was the Son of Charles Paxton Thomas and Laura Thomas of Milford, and the husband of Esther Gwyneth Thomas, of Dale. He served aboard the frigate HMS Gould. Herbert died when Gould was torpedoed and sunk south-west of Ireland by the German submarine U-358 on 1 March 1944. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

William Henry Thomas, Leading Seaman, LT/JX 265225, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son Of Richard And E. Phoebe Matilda Thomas, Of Milford Haven, and the Husband Of Edith Ellen Thomas, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Trawler Flotta. William died when Flotta was lost on 6 November 1941. He was aged 34, and is buried at Wick Cemetery, Caithness-Shire.

William Henry Thomas, Fusilier, 4196954, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. William was the Son of John Henry and Ann Thomas, and the husband of Dorothy Catherine Thomas, of Neyland. He served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers in Burma and India, and died there on 25 February 1943. William is buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Myanmar.

Robert Eric Thompson, Petty Officer, D/JX 152250, Royal Navy. Robert was the Son of Robert and Emily Robina Thompson, and the husband of Phyllis Joan Thompson, of Paignton, Devon, and served aboard HMS Assegai, a shore based in South Africa. Robert was killed on 12 February 1942. He was 27 years old, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Benjamin Robert Tobutt, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Benjamin was the Son of Benjamin And Alice Tobutt, of Hakin, Milford Haven. He served aboard the Milford registered Steam Trawler Westfield. Benjamin was drowned when Westfield went missing, presumed bombed and sunk by German aircraft off St. Govan's Head on 6 July 1941. He was 37 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

Albert Henry Tucker, DSC, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Albert was the Son Of Albert Henry And Miriam Berry Tucker, and the Husband Of Frances Mary Elizabeth Tucker, Of Milford Haven. He served aboard HM Motor Minesweeper 168, and was killed when she struck a mine in Genoa Harbour on 25 June 1945. Albert was 38 years old, and is buried at Staglieno Cemetery, Italy.


Ernest Percy Tucker, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest served aboard HM Trawler Stonefly. He died on 10 February 1945, and is buried at Reading (Henley Road) Cemetery.

Fred James Sturdee Tucker, Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. Fred was the Son of Albert Hendry Tucker and Marion Berry Tucker, Of Milford Haven, and the husband Of Virtue Louise Tucker, Of Hakin. He served at HMS Stag, which was the Naval shore establishment at Port Said, Egypt, with several satellite bases in the area. Fred was killed on 20 April 1941. He was 26 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Ernest Charles Underwood, Engineman, LT/X 5919ES, Royal Naval Reserve. Ernest served aboard HM Trawler Fleming, which had been hired for minesweeping duties in August 1939. He was killed when Fleming was sunk by an air attack in the Thames Estuary on 24 July 1940, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

William Lewis Union, Second Hand, LT/JX217803, Royal Naval Patrol Service. William was the Son of James John and Margaret Ellen Union, and the husband of Gwendoline Maud Union, of Pill, Pembrokeshire. He served aboard HM Trawler Abronia. William died on 7 September 1940 aged 33, and is buried at East London Cemetery, Plaistow.

Rupert Greville Vanner, Master, Merchant Navy. Rupert was Master of SS Bradfyne, a Bideford registered vessel. Bradfyne had sailed from Montreal with a cargo of grain for Belfast and joined up with the 33 ship Convoy SC-11 which sailed from Sydney, Cape Breton on 9 November 1940. On 22 November Bradfyne was torpedoed by U-100 in the Atlantic South-East of Rockall and sank. Rupert and 37 of his crew were lost, and four were rescued by the Norwegian ship Norske King and landed at Belfast. Rupert was 37 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Thomas George John Warlow, Stoker, LT/KX 109957, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Thomas was the Son of Thomas and Alice Warlow, and the husband of Sarah Ellen Warlow, of Tier's Cross. He served aboard HM Trawler Almond, which was a Tree class admiralty trawler, taken into service May 1940 as a minesweeper. Thomas died when Almond was sunk by a mine off Falmouth on 2 February 1941. He was 28 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

Stanley George Watkins, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet. Stanley was the Son of Thomas Bertie Lloyd Watkins and Florence Martha Watkins, of Milford Haven. He served aboard the Milford registered Steam Trawler Westfield, and was drowned when Westfield went missing on 6 July 1941, probably as a result of a German aircraft attack. Stanley was 18 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

William John Trevor Watkins, Third Hand, Fishing Fleet. William was the Son of William John Watkins, And of Margaret Anne Watkins, Of 7, Brooke Avenue, Milford Haven. He served aboard the Steam Trawler Bianca, a Hull registered trawler. William drowned when Bianca was lost in the Irish Sea on 20 March 1941, possibly after a mine explosion. He was 21 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

 

George Alfred Whichello, DSC, Lieutenant Skipper, Royal Naval Reserve. George was the Son of George and Edie Whichello, and the husband of Lilian Elizabeth Whichello, of Milford Haven, and served aboard HM Trawler Orfasy. He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 11 June 1942 for a rescue mission whilst escorting a convoy, which was attacked by German aircraft. One ship was lost [probably SS Ratula], and a difficult rescue was initiated by Whichello, in launching a small boat to rescue sailors from the burning ship loaded with aviation fuel which was about to explode at any time. He was killed when Orfasy was sunk after being torpedoed on 22 October 1943. George was 36 years old, and is commemorated on the Lowestoft Naval Memorial.

George Henry Whitfield, Lance Bombardier, 1082599, Royal Artillery. George was the Son of Frederick Walter and Gertrude Ellen Whitfield, Of Milford Haven, and served with 75 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery. George was killed during the invasion of Italy on 14 August 1944. He was 35 years old, and is buried at Florence War Cemetery, Italy.

Frederick Harold Williams, Chief Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy. Frederick was the Son of Joe and Julia Williams, and the Husband of E. E. Nora Williams, Of Milford Haven. He served as Chief Engineer aboard MV British Security, a London registered vessel. Frederick lost his life when she was torpedoed and set on fire by the German submarine U-556 in the Atlantic, South of Cape Farewell 20 May 1941. She later sank three days later. She was on voyage from Curacao to Bowling via Halifax, Nova Scotia with a cargo of benzene and kerosene, as part of convoy HX 126 comprising of 29 ships. Frederick was 45 years old, and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Vivian Francis Williams, Lance Serjeant, 3957411, the Welch Regiment. Vivian served with the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment, as a regular soldier. At the outbreak of WW2, the 1st Welch was stationed in North Africa, at Mersa Matruh. The Battalion was then sent to Crete, where it was decimated during the German airborne assault of the Island from 16 February 1941 - 31 May 1941, and the few remnants of the battalion were withdrawn to North Africa. The survivors were then caught up in Rommel's drive through the desert, and fought a desperate rearguard action, retreating over several hundred miles of desert between 28 January 1942 and 20 May 1942. Vivian was killed during this retreat, possibly on 14 February 1942. He was 30 years old, and is commemorated on the Alamein Memorial, Libya.

The Korean War

William Albert Edwards, Gunner, 1440384, Royal Artillery. William was born at Milford on 2 November 1920, and probably served during World War Two. He was killed in the Korean War, on 5 January 1951 at the age of 30, and is commemorated on the U.N. Memorial, Pusan.