2nd December 1940On this day:
If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.
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Remembering those who died this day.
- Adams John William Raymond. Sub Lt. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Aitken James. Assistant Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Allden William Joseph. Signalman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Antrobus Robert A.. Lt. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ashcroft Harold. Assistant Engineer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ashcroft William. Lieutenant (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ashlee Edward William. P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Badcock Edward Charles. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bamber Charles Harold. Lt. Cmdr.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Barlow Joseph Dominic. WOII/CSM (d.2nd December 1940)
- Barnes John. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Barre James Gordon. Sub.Lt.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bath Frederick Percy. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Beecham Ernest Arthur. Assistant Engineer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Begg Jack William. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bell Albert Thelus Farlam. Ornance Articifer 4th Cls (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bell Reginald Patterson. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bell William Harold. Gunner (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bennett James. Assistant Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bennie Allan. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Blanchfield John. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bolton Walter George. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Boulton Thomas. Carpenters Mate (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Bowen John. Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Boyd William Newell. Third Electrician (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Brinston Henry Gordon. Able Seaman. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Brown Charles Edward. Ord. Seaman. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Brown Edward Bernard. Officers Sterward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Brown William Sherwood. C.P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Brown William Sherwood. CPO (GI) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Burke John Edward. Ordinary Signalman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Burkitt Leonard Henry. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Byrd Ronald Clifford. Acting Sub.Lt. (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Cadden Charles Leo. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Campbell Archibald Freebairn. Lt. Cmdr. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Campbell Archibald Freebairn. Lt/Cmdr. (d.2nd December 1940)
- Carson William. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Catton Edward Albert. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Christon James. Assistant Engineer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Chrystie John James. Lieutenant (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Churchill Thomas. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Coleman William Henry. Canteen Manager (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Collins William Russell. Second Electrician (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Connolly John Marif. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Crocker William Charles. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Davies John Bertwell. Lt Cmdr. (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Dearing John. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Deighton George David. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Dewart James. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Dickson Douglas. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Donnelly Leo Joseph. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Earley James Peter. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Earley James Peter. Able Sea. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Evans William. Storekeeper (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Everett Albert Henry. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Farrel William Joseph. Able Seaman (d.9th Dec 1940)
- Ferguson Albert. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ferguson Stewart. Spr. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Fiddaman Charles Richard. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Finnigan Thomas. Second Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Franklin Cubert William. C.P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Franklin Cubert William. Chief Petty Officer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Fraser Charles Hugh. Cadet (Radio) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Gamman Charles. Ldg, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Garland John. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Gilbody George. Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Gillott John Albert, Charles. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Goldstraw Joseph Harold. Ord. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Graham Henry Walter. Assistant Engineer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Grout Geoffrey Donald. Ord. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Haldenby Peter Frederick. Ordinary Seaman (d.2nd December 1940)
- Hannan James Keenan. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hardy Norman Arthur Cyril. Captain (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Harries Walter William. C.P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hartley Leslie David. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hawkins Richard John. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hawkksworth George Edward. Assistant Butcher (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Haywood Joseph. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Henderson Archibald Hunter. Assistant Engineer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hendry Thomas. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hewitt Albert. C.P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hickey John. Scullion (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hobbs Harry Richard. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hobby Frederick Joseph. Lt. Cmdr.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hodgeson Edmund Allen. Assistant Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Holiday John. Lieutenant (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Howard Frederick Ernest. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Hudson Harold. Lt Cmdr. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Irwin William. Second Baker (d.4th Dec 1940)
- Jeffries Paul. Chief Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Johnston Frederick. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Johnston Frederick James. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Jones Charles Cunningham. Cmdr. (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Jones Charles Cunningham. Cmdr(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Jones David. WO. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Jordon Horace Frederick. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Kearns John. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Keating John Thomas. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Kelly Peter. Able Seaman. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Kenworthy James Henry Newton. Lt Cmdr. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- King David. Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ladley George. Lt. Skipper. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Lawrence Dennis Ernest. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Lewis David Glyndwr. Ord, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Lewis David Glyndwr. Ordinary Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Little James. Pantryman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Long Isaac Alexander. Assistant Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Lynn William. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacDonald Donald. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacDonald Hugh. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacDonald John Mudo. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Maciver John. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacKay David Ronald. Midshpmn. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mackay David Ronald. Cadet (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacLeod John. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacLeod Malcolm. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- MacLeod Norman. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mahon Denis. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Major Edward James John. Lieutenant (S) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Martindale George Robert. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mayo Robert William. Acting Sub Lt. (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McFarlane George. Assistant Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McGee Patrick. Assistant Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McGinlay James Wilson. Assistant Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McInnes Angus. Lamp Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McIntyre Robert Gardner. Lt. Cmdr.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McKenzie John. Assistant Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- McPhail John George. Ldg, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mein James. Second Radio Officer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Metcalfe Stanley. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mills Walter Thomas. Able Seaman. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Mills Walter Thomas. Able Sea (d.2nd December 1940)
- Murphy Patrick. Assistant Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Narraway Victor Edward. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- NcLeod Roy. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- O'Brien Maurice Francis. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- O'Hagan Michael. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- O'Hanlon Thomas. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Oakman Joseph Cecil. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Olley Alfred George. Signalman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Penny Cyril Hedley. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Pilling John. Third Radio Officer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Porteous James. Sub.Lt.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Prangnell Douglas. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Reilly James. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Reilly John. Sub.Lt.(E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Richardson Robert Henry. Assistant Storekeeper (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Rimmer Richard. Engine Room Storekeeper (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Ryce Angus. Fireman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Sanft William Robert, Roy. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Shierson Francis Robert. Carpenters Mate (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Smith Edward Albert. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Smith Edward Albert. Able Sea. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Smith Ernest. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Smith Richard William. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Smith Thomas. Acting Sub.Lt. (E) (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Tancock Frederick William. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Tevenan Ernest. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Thelwell Sidney. Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Thompson William James. Ldg, Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Torrance Frederick Norman. Able Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Tosdevin Frederick Gordon. Seaman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Tynan Joseph Aloysius. 2ndEng.Off. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Wallace David. Fireman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Wallace Robert. Greaser (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Warren Harold Gervase. First Radio Officer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Watt Donald MacPherson. Fireman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Watts Frederick. Second Cook (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Webb William John. Yeoman of Signals (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- West Haydn Peter. Able Seaman. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Whittle William. Hospital Attendant (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Willis Gilbert John. P.O. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Wilson Joseph Patrick. Fireman (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Womphrey Robert Roger. Fourth Engineer Officer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Young Arthur William. Writer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Young Edwin Gordon. Odinary Coder (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Young Edwin Gordon. Coder (d.2nd Dec1940)
- Young Ernest John. Chief Steward (d.2nd Dec 1940)
- Young John Moore. Trimmer (d.2nd Dec 1940)
The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
please
Add a Name to this List
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Want to know more about the 2nd of December 1940? There are:7 items tagged 2nd of December 1940 available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War. |
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Stories from 2nd December 1940
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Ord. Seaman E. Brunson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Ord Seaman E Brunson was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Midshpmn. T. R. Buchan. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Mid. Buchan was one of the officers who had remained with the ship under the T124 agreement. He was amongst the survivors when she was lost on the 2nd of December 1940.
Christmas night 1939, Broadhurst, Adams, Buchan and Ormerod.
Buchan and his Mother in thier garden at Kilkreggan, Summer 1940
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Lt. Eng. L. C. McGowan. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Lt McGowan was one of the officers who had transferred with the ship under the T124 agreement. He survived the sinking on the 2nd of December 1940.
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C.P.O. A. E. Anderson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. CPO Anderson was amongst the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost.
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Able Seaman. E. Combden. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. AB. Combden was rescued when HMS Forfar was lost.
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Ord. Seaman A. Taylor. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. A.Taylor was one of those who survived teh sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ordinary Signalman C. Atlee. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Signalman C. Atlee was one of those who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman G. Robinson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. G Robinson was aboard the Forfar when she was torpedoed, he was one of the surviors.
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Able Seaman. J. Britt. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Britt was amongst those who survived when the Forfar went down.
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Ord. Seaman Jack Prescott. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J Prescott is recorded as being amongst those who survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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P.O. J. Gaskell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. P.O. Gaskill was amongst those who survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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Act. P.O. H. J. Dewing. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Acting P.O. Dewing survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940. He is listed in the cast of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940, he is listed as Leading Seaman on the programme.
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Act. P.O. Charles H. Lazenby. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Acting P.O. Lazenby survived the sinking of the Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940.
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R.P.O. F. W. Hughes. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. R.P.O. F Hughes is listed as one of the survivors of the Forfar. He is listed in the cast of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Able Seaman. F. Bragg. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Bragg survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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Seaman H. South. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Seaman South was one of the survivors of the sinking.
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Able Seaman. H. Golding. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Golding was one of the surviors of HMS Forfar.
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Seaman J. MacKinnon. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Seaman J Mackinon was one of 135 ratings who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940
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Able Seaman. D. Cooper. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. AB. Cooper's name is listed amongst the survivors in a letter sent to my father by Cmdr Arnott. He is listed in the chorus of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Able Seaman. D. Crockwell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. A.B. Crockwell survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Seaman D. McLeod. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. McLeod is listed amongst the survivors picked up after the sinking of HMS Forfar.
He is also listed in the chorus of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Ord. Seaman T. Gillen. Royal Navy, HMS Hunter. T Gillen survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in December 1940.
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Midshpmn. Morris C. Ashdown. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Mid. Ashdown was amongst the survivors of the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Midshpmn. James B. F. Smith. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Mid. James Smith is listed as one of the survivors of the Forfar.
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Midshpmn. James E. Moxon. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. James Moxon survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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Temp. Sub Lt. Eng. E. J. L. Bailey. Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Sub Lt Bailey was amongst the survivors of the Forfar.
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Lt Cmdr. Paymstr. H. M. Taylor. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Lt Cmdr Taylor survived the sinking of the Forfar, he was one of the Merchant Navy Officers who had remained with the ship under the T124 agreement when she transferred to the Royal Navy.
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Lt J. G. McLaughlin. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Lt McLaughlin was one of 26 officers who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Sub Lt. Thomas Ellis Ladner. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Sub Lt Ladner was amongst the survivors when the Forfar was torpedoed on the 2nd of December 1940
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Temp Paymstr. Peter E. Cooper. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Peter Cooper survived the sinking of HMS Forfar, he was one of the Merchant Navy officers who had remained with the ship when she was commandeered, signing the T124x agreement to remain under his current pay and terms, but subject to Royal Naval disipline.
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Lt Machin. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Lt Machin was one of the survivors when the ship went down on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Lt Alexander. Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Lt Alexander was one of the survivors when the ship went down on the 2nd of December 1940
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Sub Lt. Rogers. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Sub Lt Rogers was one of the survivors when the ship went down on the 2nd of December 1940
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Sub Lt. Eng. Askin. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Sub Lt Askin was one of the survivors when the ship went down on the 2nd of December 1940
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Mr. Bree. Royal Navy, Boatswain HMS Forfar. Mr Bree, the boatswain, was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was sunk on the 2nd of December 1940
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Midshpmn. Allan Kerr. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar.
Thursday, 12th Dec. 1940.
A week ago today, I was one of fifty-nine survivors of H.M.S. Forfar to be landed at Liverpool. At noon on the same day a party of eighty-seven were landed at Oban by the cargo steamer Dunsley and on Saturday 7th a final batch of thirteen were landed at Gourock by H.M.C.S. St. Laurent, thus bringing the total of survivors to the all too slender figure of one hundred and fifty-nine.
On Sunday night, 1st December, I kept the first watch (8 p.m. till midnight). At eleven o’clock that night I entered in the log “2300 – parted company with destroyer escort”. We had received a wireless message giving the position of a torpedoed vessel and had altered course to the Nor’ard to keep clear when we got another message from Admty. telling us to keep well to the South’ard. By eight bells we had made our second alteration of course and everything was running smoothly. I turned over to my relief and best friend Mackay, and his “Cheery-night” is the last word I heard before going below.
It was a black night, with no moon, and the fitful starlight occasionally obscured by cloud. I undressed, said my prayers and turned in quite happily. My sound sleep was soon broken by a terrific crash! Immediately I was awake. “Torpedoed” flashed through my mind and just as quickly I prayed and switched on my light. Never will I forget the eerie silence that prevailed. The engines had stopped and the lights were dimming rapidly. “Action Stations” was sounded on the klaxons, but this seemed to drain the last few dregs from the dynamo for it petered out and all went black.
I pulled on my uniform and an old jersey on top of my pyjamas, a scarf, cap and raincoat as well as the all-important lifebelt. I can still distinctly remember being annoyed when one of my shoe-laces broke as I pulled on my shoes.
I had an electric torch in my raincoat pocket and by the aid of this light I made my way to the bridge. In the lower chart-room I was able to assist Mr. Broadhurst who was holding a light for the navigator, Lt. Cdr. Kenworthy whilst he (the navigator) plotted our exact position on the chart. This was 54? 19’ N, 19? 54’ W. We should have met our convoy in about 40? W so we had got barely half-way. Broadhurst said, “I suppose it was a torpedo, sir?” and Ken answered, “Oh! Yes.” Well, the position having been ascertained I proceeded out on deck to find out what was happening. I was told that the order had been piped “Proceed to boat stations, turn out boats and stand-by.”
I accordingly proceeded to P3, my boat and the lower of the two (P2 & P3). P2 was swung outboard, when it was remembered that the plugs were not in. Meantime, there being no-one, neither officers or men, for P2, I went below to the Prom. deck in search of same. While here I saw the Bos’n and asked his advice on throwing overside the rope-ladders. With the help of Bos’n’s-mate McPhail we payed out one, then A.B. Smith (Corpl. of Gangway) helped in getting the after one over. During these operations, as the ship rolled in the moderate swell, the rush of air up the engine-room ventilators was quite unnerving. It roared up in a screaming crescendo and I had to take a firm grip on myself to prevent my shuddering. I saw Chief Skipper Ladley at this point, with a bag which he told me contained “a bottle o’ w’iskey and a bottle o’ brandy.”
I next proceeded back to the boat deck and there still being no officer in sight, in charge of P2, I went off to the C.B. room in search of Mr. Ascroft whose boat it was. I found him, in shirt-sleeves, packing the surplus C.Bs into Joe’s (Mid. Ormerod) suitcase. I asked him to come along to his boat as the order had now been given to lower same and stand-by the ship. He asked me if I was P2 and I said, “No sir, P3”. He then gave me a small case containing his personal papers, Master’s ticket etc., told me to take charge of P2 and to get going. On returning yet again to the boat deck I found Lt. Machin in charge of P3. He saw I had a torch so he told me to get into P2 and see that the plugs were in. Two seamen and myself were doing this when at 0345 (0445 G.M.T.) there was a crash seemingly right below us and P4 boat, not 10 ft. away, was smashed.
I crouched low while the debris was flying, realised that I was alone in the boat, took fright and jumped out, into P3 directly below. I heard Ashdown sing out that his boat (P4) was smashed and that his crew would just have to muck in with us. I clambered back into P2. At this stage the 3rd torpedo struck, Port side also, deluging us with water which came spewing out of the engine-room vents. etc. Having survived the previous one, we just crouched low and survived this one also, although now thoroughly soaked. The plugs now being in, one seaman manning the for’ard fall and myself the after one, I gave orders to lower away. I bawled out to ’vast lowering as we came level with the Prom. deck. The ship now had a slight list to Port because we hung about 3 ft. out from the ship’s side. I yelled into the blackness of the Prom. deck “Anybody here for P2?” There was no answer as the deck was deserted. I bawled to the lowerers to carry on lowering and we were soon in the water. The after fall unhooked itself as we rose on the swell and we lay alongside made fast by the painter to the Prom. deck.
Men now came down the rope ladders and as she settled some even jumped from the Prom. deck right into the boat. There would be nearly 20 men in the boat now and I was trying to slip the painter when someone in the water screamed my name. I was dripping with oil fuel even now, as the painter was thickly covered in it, however I got good grip of the young fellow who I think was Radio Cadet Fraser. Another chap and myself were endeavouring to haul him inboard when with a shattering roar we went sailing into the air. The fourth torpedo had struck directly below my boat blowing us right out of the water.
I thought this was finish. I can remember being down under and striking out mechanically for the surface. Just previously I had seen a Carley float for’ard of the boat. I swam to this to find the Postie, P.O. Lazenby and L/S Frank Mayo already “on board”. There were many others inside and all round so I just hung on for a while. Even in these circumstances the lads had to laugh at my appearance. Now capless, with hair and face coated thickly in that treacle-like oil I am sure I was an odd sight. While hanging there, Ken Fisher, a coder, came along and he was in a similar state. The time of the 4th torpedo striking us was approx. 0353 (Zone Time).
Two minutes later the 5th and last torpedo struck, again on the Port side. This was the final blow as the ship broke in two owing to the after magazine blowing sky-high. She was well down by the stern now and I remember the ghastly cracklings as the after end bent inwards crushing the decks like matchwood. She heeled quickly over on her Sta’b’d side, the after end disappeared, and as she settled, she turned right over and sank slowly and steadily by the stern. We had paddled like mad to get well away, but as there were twelve of us and only 2 paddles we did not get very far. However, as she turned over on her Sta’b’d side, she went away from us and there was little suction owing to the slow speed at which she finally settled. As the bows slid away for the last time I said, “Well boys, there goes the last of the old Forfar.” I don’t know why I should make such a melodramatic statement, but it didn’t seem right to me that she should make her last exit unannounced.
We could now see many Carley floats all round and men swimming in the water. We managed to paddle clear of the dreadful oil. I now managed to haul myself onto the float so that my chest rested on the side thus taking the weight off my arms. I kept kicking my legs slowly all the time to keep up the circulation.
Some hours had passed, but it was still dark, when to our great joy we heard a steamer blowing. We could dimly discern her lines and we made a big effort to get alongside. I smelt the cooking from her galley and promised the boys food and sleep. Well, paddle as we might we could not make it, but drifted past her bows and off to leeward. We spied our cutter (the Sta’b’d. one) which had a good number on board, and bellowed at her to give us a hand. She came alongside, took two fellows off (O’Brien and McIvor) then pushed off saying she would come back for us.
In attempting to board the cutter, other two of our number lost their lives. By now we were pretty numb with the cold and could do nothing to help them. One fellow had a leg inside the float and the rest of him in the water. L/S Mayo reported this to me, and on ascertaining that he was beyond help we just had to disentangle his leg and push him overside as his weight was a heavy drag.
We hung on and as it grew light we could clearly see the steamer S.S. Dunsley of Whitby, 3,860 tons, owned by Headlan and Sons of Whitby as she steamed around picking the lads up. We were patiently hanging on awaiting our turn. It was springing up blowey now and we tried to keep the float head to wind, then we tried to keep as near the steamer as possible. This however did not prove a task for which we were able in our present state so we drifted further and further away.
What I think would be three hours after we first sighted her, the Dunsley pushed off. It was a most sickening feeling to see her go. Some of the boys would not believe she was going and brave Mayo, although knowing the truth in his heart, informed us that that she was just picking up more of the lads who were “over there”. I too realised the truth but said nothing.
We all felt thoroughly miserable now seeing our only hope steaming away over our horizon. We did not know that the Dunsley had sighted the destroyers away in the distance and was going to enlist their help. I reckon the time then was about 10.30 a.m.
Anyway, there were a number of floats still about, so we didn’t feel too bad, as long as someone else was in the same plight. We attempted to paddle towards what we thought was a boatload of men, but what turned out to be several Carleys lashed together. Then I definitely did see a boat, the now abandoned cutter. For this we paddled and paddled and paddled. Sometimes we seemed a little nearer, I always encouraged this line of thought at any rate. I remember a shower of rain came on and we smiled a lot of twisted smiles, thinking aloud, had we not already had enough? At about 3.30 p.m. a Carley float overtook us in the race for the cutter. I could see that one of the four occupants was my friend John Morrison, who was still wearing his peculiar little Sou’wester with the bow on top.
We hailed them, saying, “If you get to the cutter first, bring her over for us, and if we get there first (what a hope) we will do the same for you.” They waved a cheery acknowledgement and the four of them, with a paddle each, seemed to whizz off like a speedboat. Before long we saw them tumble on board and we saw that someone else had got there too.
Then we espied an aircraft. This also proved very tantalising as she seemed to fly around the horizon and indeed, to do anything but fly over us.
I wondered if she saw. Anyway I cheered up my mates by assuring them that she did. I now believe such to have been the case, for about an hour later what was our joy as she came close over us to be followed by a destroyer. This was quickly followed by the appearance of a second destroyer and we knew at last that our salvation was at hand. How we thanked God, and shouted, one of us jeopardising the lives of us all by standing up and waving a paddle.
By now we were much nearer the cutter whose mast had been stepped and from which hung a signal of distress in the form of somebody’s scarf. To make the rescue work of our destroyers easier, we made a final big effort and at Mayo’s suggestion, manned a paddle between two. Thus, and by dint of counting up to ten many times, we made the cutter, whose occupants, having fed and rested, got out the oars and met us halfway.
Willing hands helped us tumble inboard and presented us with the oiliest, filthiest but most delicious bully-beef and biscuits which I have yet tasted. This we washed down with equally oily and delicious whiskey which was passed from one eager mouth to another with most amusingly audible enjoyment. From other Carleys we now collected Sub. Lieut. Rogers, Engineer Sub. Lieut. Askin, P.O. Gaskell whose leg was broken and who had received a cut on the head. In the company of these and other grinning “coloured gentlemen” we made further inroads in the iron rations and completely drained the whiskey bottle.
We now sat quite happily watching the destroyers as they picked up some of our less fortunate mates, then the great moment arrived when H.M.S. Viscount came alongside, threw us a line and one by one, took us all on board. It was like heaven. The kindly faces and ready, welcoming hands. We staggered along for’a’d where I was taken charge of by a jovial bloke name o’ Woolcock, L/S. He tore the clothes off me, gave me an amazing and scanty assortment of dry ones and proceeded to wipe my face down with a piece of waste soaked in kerosene. I must have been some sight, judging by the colour that waste became.
I was then given a great mug of hot tea, during the consumption of which I learned that “Joe” (Mid. Ormerod) was also on board. As soon as I was dressed I went to seek him out. I found him arrayed, like a Red man, in a blanket. We were both overjoyed at our meeting and stuck together till we finally parted in the station in Liverpool, where we were landed, three days later.
On board the destroyer we were treated most kindly and have many happy memories of our stay there: the sleepless nights with Joe’s elbow in my ear and Donald Lusk’s knees in my stomach, occasionally being trampled by the none-too-small but happily stockinged feet of Big John Connolly. These disturbances together with the “screwey” motion of the ship gave us much to think about, and to discuss!
I mourn the loss of so many splendid men, but I thank God for them, for their grand example and for their memory which I shall always cherish.
Allan W Kerr.
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Radio Cadet John Conolly. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Radio Cadet Conolly survived the sinking of HMS Forfar
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Radio Cadet Donald Lusk. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. Donald Lusk was one of those rescued after HMS Forfar was lost on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Lt G. E. Kernohan. Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Lt Kernohan was one of the survivors when the Forfar was sunk on the 2nd of December 1940
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Lt J. G. Humphrey. Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. Lt Humphrey was one of the survivors when the ship went down on the 2nd of December 1940
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Midshpmn. John Ormerod. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. My father, had written below the photo: John Ormerod who was picked up after 15 hours on a raft by a destroyer. He was in a bad shape and was given artificial respiration for 6 hours before he regained conciousness. Lives in Bradford, Navigator's "Tanky". Adrianne Steffen
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Cdr. Kenneth MacKarill. Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. I have just read Allan Kerr's report of the night the Forfar went down. My husband was there that night, he never talked about it very much. He was in the RNVR in Hull before the war & I believe most of his friends from the RNVR were lost that night. He was a coder & talked of having to take care of the books. I don't believe he was in a boat because he always said he was in the water for 5 hours, he was landed at Oban. Paddy MacKarill
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Able Seaman. B. L. Clark. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Clark was amongst the survivors of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. H. Hanson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Hanson survived the sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Ord. Seaman D. Richards. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Ordinary Seaman D Richards was amongst the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar.
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Seaman John Morrison. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Seaman Morrison of HMS Forfar was amongst those to survive when the ship was torpedoed.
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Ldg Seaman. Frank Mayo. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Ldg Seaman Frank Mayo was one of the surviors of the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman L. Fryer. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. L.Fryer was amongst those members of the crew to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. H. Langley. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. H Langley survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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Ord. Coder Ken Fisher. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Coder Ken Fisher was amongst those who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. E. Chafe. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman E Chafe survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. S. C. Sommerton. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman S. C. Sommerton was listed amongst the survivors of HMS Forfar when she was sunk in December 1940.
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Able Seaman. Harry J. Lundrigan. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. My great uncle Harry Sudrigan was aboard HMS Forfar when she was torpedoed on December 2nd 1940. He was amongst the survivors. Tommy Lundringan
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Donkeyman J. Kearns. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. J Kearns was one of those to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Greaser M. Kennedy. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. M. Kennedy survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ships Cook. S. Fairclough. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. S. Fairclough was the ships cook on board HMS Forfar, he was amongst those who survived.
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Carpenter's Mate A. Campbell. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. A Campbell was amongst those who survived when HMS Forfar was sunk in December 1940.
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Steward G. G. McGill. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Steward G McGill was amongst those who surved teh sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940.
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Trimmer E. Dillon. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Trimmer E Dillon was one of the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar.
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Trimmer J. Barnes. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Trimmer Barnes survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Greaser M. Hurley. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. M Hurley was one of the crew members who survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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Greaser M. Duffy. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. M. Duffy was amongst the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost.
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Fireman W. Gallacher. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Fireman Gallacher survived the sinking of HMS Forfar, he was brought ashore and was treated for his injuries in Liverpool.
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Fireman J. McGowan. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Fireman McGowan survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Trimmer H. Rainey. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. H. Rainey was amongst the survivors of HMS Forfar.
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Fireman H. Higgins. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Fireman Higgins survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Trimmer A. G. Simmonds. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. A. G. Simmonds is listed as one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost.
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Ldg Seaman. H. Blythe. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Ldg Seaman Blythe survived the sinking of the Forfar.
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P.O. A. L. Woodhouse. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Petty Officer Woodhouse was amongst those who survived when HMS Forfar was lost. He is listed in the cast of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Able Seaman. W. R. George. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman George was amongst those brought ashore when HMS Forfar sank.
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C.P.O. G. Garlick. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C.P.O. Garlick was amongst those who survived when HMS Forfar was lost.
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C.P.O. A. E. Baker. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C.P.O. Baker was one of those to survive when HMS Forfar was tordeoded and sunk in December 1940.
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Able Seaman. A. Pearce. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Pearce was listed amongst the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar.
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Ordinary Signalman C. F. Rhodes. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C F Rhodes was one of the crew members who survived when HMS Forfar was sunk.
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C.P.O. J. P. Crossley. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C.P.O. Crossley is listed amongst those to have survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Master at Arms. F. Johnson. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. F. Johnson was one of those to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar. He is listed in the cast of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Able Seaman. H. Bennett. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Bennett was one of those brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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P.O. G. A. Ventris. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. P.O. Ventriss was amongst those who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Able Seaman. E. G. Repsch. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Repsch is listed as one of the survivors of HMs Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman W. R. Moss. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. W.R. Moss was one of the crew members who survived the loss of HMS Forfar in 1940.
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Ldg Seaman. A. W. Gee. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Ldg Seaman Gee was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was sunk in 1940.
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Able Seaman. R. Carter. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. R. Carter is listed as one of the survivors of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman J. Wiles. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J. Wiles was one of those who survived the loss of HMS Forfar in the Atlantic in December 1940.
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Ord. Seaman C. Wilson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C.Wilson is listed amongst the survivors from HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. J. Rendell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J Rendell survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940
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Able Seaman. J. J. Murphy. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J J Murphy was brought ashore afterthe sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940
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S.B.A. C. Hall. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. C Hall was one of the crew members who survived the loss of HMD Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman G. E. Garthwaite. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. G Garthwaite is listed as a survivor of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. F. E. Henrdrickson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. F Hendrickson was one of the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. P. Conway. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. P Conway survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman L. Earl. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. L. Earl survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Seaman D. McDonal. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. D McDonal was one of the survivors of the crew of HMS Forfar
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A.M.B. W. Crane. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. W Crane was one of the surviving crew members from HMS Forfar which was lost in December 1940
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Ord. Seaman T. Jones. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. T.Jones is listed as a survivor from the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. H. Conway. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. H Conway was brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar in December 1940.
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Able Seaman. F. O'Brien. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. F. O'Brien is listed as a survivor of the crew of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. A. Coombes. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. A. Coombes survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940
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Able Seaman. R. W. Henderson. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Able Seaman Henderson was one of the survivors from HMS Forfar which sank on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Ord. Seaman W. Forrest. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. W Forrest is listed as one of those who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman J. Herbert. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J Herbert was a survivor of the sinking of HMS Forfar
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Seaman B. Marshall. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. B. Marshall suvived the sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Ord. Seaman E. Mercer. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. E. Mercer was amongst the crew members who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940.
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Able Seaman. A. Smith. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. A. Smith is listed as one of the survivors of the sinking of the Forfar.
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Able Seaman. J. McDonald. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J. McDonald was one of those to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman W. Jacobs. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. W. Jacobs was one of the men brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman J. Young. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J. Young was a survivor of the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Seaman J. Faulkner. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. J. Faulkner is listed as one of the survivors from HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. S. Tolhurst. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. S. Tolhurst survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in 1940.
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Ord. Seaman W. Chattery. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. W. Chattery is listed as one of the survivors of the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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K. Broome. Naval Canteen Service, HMS Forfar. K. Broome was one of the survivors brought ashore after HMS Forfar was lost in the Atlantic.
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Ord. Seaman T. Rayment. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. T. Rayment was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost in 1940.
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Seaman C. B. Branch. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. C.B.Branch is listed as one of the crew members who survived the sinking of HMS Forfar in December 1940.
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Able Seaman. G. Smith. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. G. Smith was amongst the survivors brought ashore when HMS Forfar was sunk.
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Seaman J. A. Farrow. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. J.A.Farrow was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost in the Atlantic.
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Ord. Seaman G. Perham. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. G.Perham is listed amongst the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar.
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Ord. Seaman J. Stiff. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J.Stiff is listed amongst the survivors brought ashore from HMS Forfar in December 1940.
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Able Seaman. J. Coombes. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. J. Coombes is listed as one of those to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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L. G. Parley. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. L.G.Parley is listed as one of the survivors brought ashore after the loss of HMS Forfar
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Asst.Cook J. R. Pinkerton. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Assistant Cook Pinkerton survived the sinking of HMS Forfar, he was one of the crew members who had remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she had transferred to Royal Naval Command.
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Asst.Steward W. Moore. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Moore was one of the survivors brought ashore when HMS Forfar was lost, he was one of the crew members to transfer to the Royal Navy under the T124x agreement when the ship was comandeered.
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Engineer Wtr. J. C. George. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. J.C. George was one of the crew members to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar. He had served on the ship before the outbreak of war and remained with her under the T124X Agreement.
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Diesel Greaser P. McCulty. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. McCulty transferred under the T124x agreement remaining with the ship when she became HMS Forfar. He was amongst the survivors to be brought ashore after she was sunk in the Atlantic.
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Saloon Steward P. Wilkes. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. P.Wilkes served aboard the ship when she was the Montrose, remaining with her under the T124x Agreement when she was requistioned to become HMS Forfar. He was amongst those to survive when the ship was lost in 1940.
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Asst.Stores. T. J. Bennett. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. T.J.Bennett survived teh sinking of HMS Forfar, he had been a member of the ship's crew when she was a passengerliner and had remained with her under the T124x agreement.
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Carpenter's Mate H. Shone. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Shone was one of the crew members of the Montrose who transferred under the T124x agreement when the ship was transferred to the Royal Navy and became HMS Forfar. He was amongst those to survive the lost of the ship on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Asst.Steward W. J. Hand. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Hand was one of the crew members of the Montrose who remained with the ship under the T124x agreement when she became HMS Forfar. He was amongst the survivors brought ashore after the shop was lost.
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Asst.Steward G. Brocklebank. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Brocklebank was amongst the men to survive the sinking of HMS Forfar. He had served aboard the ship when she was the Montrose and transferred under the T124x agreement.
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Asst.Steward M. Baron. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Baron was brought ashore after the sinking of HMS Forfar. He was one of the crew to have remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she was requisitioned for Naval Service in 1939.
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Seaman H. Harris. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Harris was one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was sunk in 1940.
He is listed in the cast of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Asst.Steward W. J. McIvor. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. McIvor had served aboard the ship when she was the Montrose, transferring under the T124x agreement in 1939. He was amongst the survivors brought ashore when the ship was lost.
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Trimmer F. A. Davis. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Davis was one of the ships crew to transfer under the T124X agreement when the Montrose became HMS forfar in 1939. He was counted amongst the survivors when the ship was lost.
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Trimmer J. Wilde. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Wilde had been a crew member when the ship was the Montrose and remained with her under the T124x agreement. He was amongst the survivors when the ship was lost.
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Trimmer G. Houghton. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Houghton was a member of the crew of the Montrose who had remained with the ship under the T124x agreement when she became the Forfar. He was amongst the survivors of the sinking in December 1940.
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Asst.Steward J. J. Barnbrock. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Barnbrock was amongst the men to survive the sinking of the Forfar, he had served onboard when she was the Montrose and transferred under the T124X agreement.
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2nd Pantryman. J. Fairclough. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Fairclough was one of the crew of the Montrose who had transferred with the ship under the T124X agreement. He was counted amongst the survivors brought ashore when the ship went down.
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Writer. T. Wilson. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Wilson was one of the crew members who had remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she was requisitioned for service in 1939. He survived the sinking on the 2nd of December 1940.
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E. C. Bartlett. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Bartlett was counted anmongst the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost. He had transferred under the T124x agreement as a crew member of the Montrose.
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Chief Butcher J. S. Brown. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Brown was a member of the crew of the Montrose who had remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she became the Forfar in 1939. He survived the sinking in 1940.
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Trimmer J. Carmichael. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Carmichael was amongst the crew members who survived the loss of the ship. He had transferred with the ship under the T124x agreement in 1939.
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Chief Baker D. Gordon. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Gordon was one of the crew members of the Montrose who remained with the ship under the T124X agreement when she was called for service in 1939. He was listed amongst the survivors when the ship was sunk.
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Asst.Cook J. Smith. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Smith was amongst the crew members to survive the sinking of the ship. He had served onboard prior to the outbreak of war and transferred to naval service under the T124X agreement.
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C.P.O. I. Steele. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Steele was amongst those to survive the loss of the ship.
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Ord. Seaman H. Hogg. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Hogg was listed as one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was sunk.
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Ord. Seaman J. G. Pegg. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Pegg is listed as one of the survivors when the Forfar was sunk.
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P.O. G. Service. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. P.O. Service is listed as one of the surviviors of the sinking of HMS Forfar.
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Able Seaman. J. Graham. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Graham is listed as one of the survivors when HMS Forfar was lost.
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Ldg Seaman. T. Worthy. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Worthy survived the sinking of HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940.
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Able Seaman. J. Grant. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Grant is listed amongst the survivors when the Forfar was sunk.
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Seaman A. MacDonald. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. MacDonald was one of the crew members who surved the lost of the Forfar in 1940.
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Able Seaman. E. Hoffe. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Hoffe was amongst the suviviors when HMS Forfar was sunk.
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Able Seaman. T. Beardsell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Beardsell is listed as one of the survivors of the sinking of HMS Forfar
He is also listed in the chorus of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Ord. Seaman E. Pratt. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. Pratt was amongst those to survive the loss of the Forfar.
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Sto. Trimmer T. McKinley. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. McKinley was one of the men to transfer with the ship under the T124X agreement. He was amongst the survivors when the ship was lost.
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Sto. E. Lyons. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. Lyons was amongst the survivors when the ship was lost. He was a member of the crew of the Montrose and transferred with the ship under the T124X agreement when she was called into service in 1939.
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Sub Lt. Thomas A. V. Broadhurst. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. I have just read with interest, Mr Kerr`s report on the sinking of the H.M.S Forfar, in which he mentions my father Broadhurst. I then remembered that I had an old photo album of my father's in which there are many pictures, including some with Mr. Kerr, menus , boxing matches, band programmes recording some of the life on the Forfar. After the sinking of the Forfar, my father was reappointed to the H.M.S Reading. After leaving the Royal Navy he later became a founder member Of the British Sub Aqua Club.
Adrianne Steffen
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Lt. Skipper. George Ladley. DSC. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My Great Great Uncle George Ladley was a Lt. skipper on board the
vessel when it sank. I wondered if anybody had any information regarding
him or if they can advise me where to find the information. I would be
grateful for any help or advice.Vanessa Miller
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Trimmer William Carson. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) William Carson died on the 2 December 1940, Aged 19. When HMS Forfar was sunk. He was the son of Thomas and Sarah Carson, husband of Louisa Carson, of Liverpool. He is remembered on an inscription on Naval Memorial, Pierhead, Liverpool.
William was my father-in-law's cousin, John Swanson who as a stoker in the RN survived the Russian Convoys, Sicilian Landings & 'D' Day to die peacefully aged 80 at home in Liverpool.
We owe them a great debt and should always remember them.
Thank you
Neil Marsden
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Lt. Robert A. Antrobus. Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My father had written below this photo:
another grand old seadog although a bit of a "rough diamond" and possessed a natural sailors tendancy to "spin a line". He served his time in sail and was serving on the "Montrose" (The Forfar before she was commandeered) at the outbreak of the war. He was famous for his devotion to his budgerigars whom whom he was continually exhorting to "Lay egg, you" and for his perculiar but ctachy expressions e.g. "Ger sailing"
I know nothing of how he died, although suspect he stayed with the Captain. He was 46 years old and the husband of Kate Margaret Antrobus, of Watford, Hertfordshire.
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Midshpmn. David Ronald MacKay. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My father had written below the photo: Mackay, David Ronald: One of the very best of fellows and my special friend. Lived in Glasgow and was educated at Kelvinside Academy and Glasgow University. Spent many a happy and riotous evening withhim as one. Was co-editor with him of the "Forfar Journal". I know nothing of how he died. Adrianne Steffen
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Lt Cmdr. James Henry Newton Kenworthy. RD Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My father, Sub Lt Broadhurst, had written beneath the picture: Lt Commdr J.H.N. Kenworthy RNR. A grand old sailor, a staunch supporter of the merchant service and the RNR. Revelled in Naval tradition, was serving in the cunard at the outbreak of war.
He refused to leave the Captain, who in turn refused to leave the upper bridge and so died. Navigator of the Forfar.
He was 39 years old, son of John and Maud Kenworthy and husband of Sybil Caldwell Kenworthy, of Crewe, Cheshire.
Adrianne Steffen
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Able Seaman. Peter Kelly. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) I had a brother whom I never met who died with the sinking of the HMS Forfar.
Peter Kelly, son of Clement and Bridget Kelly of Freshwater, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. He was born July 21, 1919 and died 2nd December 1940 when the Forfar was lost.
I have often wondered how he died, did he drown or was he killed by the explosions.
Brian Kelly
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Third Electrician William Newell Boyd. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Robin Shields
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Lt Cmdr. (E) John Bertwell "Jack" Davies. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My Grandfather Lft Com John (Jack) Bertwell Davies served on the Forfar and was lost on the night of the 2 December 1940. He was Chief Engineer.Kate Neale
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Seaman Hugh MacDonald. Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940)
Margaret Patterson
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Acting Sub Lt. (E) Robert William Mayo. Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Robert Mayo, (sub Lt )died when the Forfar went down, he was 21 years old and was my uncle, I was named after him.
Bob Mayo
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Able Seaman. Henry Gordon Brinston. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) I am Henry Gordon Brinston's great nephew. He was from Lark Harbour, Newfoundland. A small fishing village on the West Coast of Newfoundland. He was on the Forfar when she was lost. He did not survive, he was 28 years old. Three of his shipmates and friends from Lark Harbour were also on the Forfar and survived. They were Walter Darrigan, Stanley Darigan, and Leanord Vokey.
Brad Childs
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Ordinary Signalman John Edward Burke. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My father John Edward Burke served as ordinary signalman on HMS Forfar and did not survive. I was born seven months later, know very little about him and have never even seen his photograph. I would be so very grateful for anything anyone could tell me and would give my eye teeth for a photograph !
Thanking you in anticipation for any help anyone can give me
Rita J Ray
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Assistant Steward James Aitken. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Aitken was the Pipe Major in the band of HMS Forfar.
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Fireman David Wallace. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) David and his brother Robert both served on HMS Forfar and both fell when the Forfar was sunk.
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Greaser Robert Wallace. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Robert and his brother David both served on HMS Forfar and both fell when the Forfar was sunk.
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Hospital Attendant William Whittle. Naval Auxiliary Personnel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) HMS Forfar was an armed merchant cruiser sunk by U99 in December 1940. My Grandfather William Whittle served on board as a CPO in the sick bay. I am eager to get in contact with any "Forfar" survivors.
Simon Whittle
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Able Seaman. Haydn Peter West. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) The above photo is from the album of Sub Lt Broadhurst. Ab Henderson (143lbs) vs AB West (146lbs) the match was a draw.
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Able Seaman Cyril Hedley Penny. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) OS. Penny took part in a boxing match on teh 10th of July 1940 onboard HMS Forfar whilst at sea. He weighed in at 157lbs, he was beaten on points by Midshipman Kerr who was a pound heavier.
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Sub Lt. John William Raymond Adams. Royal Navy Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Adams was the musical director of a revue named "Get Sailing" which was held onboard HMS Forfar on Wednesday 19th of June 1940. The programme stated: "In the event of an air raid the Theatre wil be cleared in 30 seconds - NOT into the dressingroom as the artistes (French) are bashful. - Do not leave the ship unless you can reach your home in a few minutes. (What a hope)
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Able Seaman John Thomas Keating. Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Keating is listed in the chorus of the revue
"Get Sailing" which was performed onboard the Forfar on the 19th of June 1940.
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Gunner William Harold Bell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) William Bell was lost when HMS Forfar was lost on the 2nd of December 1940, he was 57 years old.
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Able Seaman. Walter Thomas Mills. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My father was A.B. Walter Thomas Mills. Died 2/12/1940 when H.M.S. Forfar was sunk. I have had contact with Mr.Allen W. Kerr previously, to whom I sent copies of photographs of the ship's band, of which my father was a member, and of some interior shots of the ship, including the ship's theatre. At the time of correspondence Mr. Kerr was seeking news of L.S. Mayo, I hope he was successful.
Donald W Mills
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Captain Norman Arthur Cyril Hardy. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Norman Hardy was the Captain of HMS Forfar, he went down with his ship on the 2nd of December 1940 in the Atlantic. He was 45 years old.
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Able Seaman Leonard Henry Burkitt. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Served on Transylvania when torpedoed on 10th August 1940 and escaped with burnt hands
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Able Seaman Maurice Francis O'Brien. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Maurice's brother, David also fell 28th Sept 1942 whilst serving on HM Rescue Tug Frisky. Their brother Michael was an Able Seaman in the Candian Merchant Navy fell on the 30th of March 1941
while on the SS Eastlea out of Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Ordinary Seaman Peter Frederick Haldenby. Royal Navy, H.M.S. Forfar. (d.2nd December 1940) Uncle Peter was one of the 'lost at sea' he was 19 years old.
He was the son of Walter James Haldenby and Helga Maack from Hull.
He had a brother Thomas Herbert Haldenby who served in the RAF as a leading aircraftsman.
All who served should be remembered!Julie Haldenby
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Coder Edwin Gordon Young. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec1940) My uncle, Edwin Gordon Young lost his life when HMS Forfar was torpedoed. He was 21 years old and prior to his call up he had been a footballer with Falkirk FC. He grew up in Dunfermline and attended Queen Anne junior high school.He had three siblings Janet(Nettie) my mother Annie(nan) and David the youngest and was survived by his mother Jenny and father Thomas, who had served with the Gordon Highlanders in the great war, hence Edwin Gordon Young. From all I can gather my grandparents never really recovered from his loss.Though I guess this is just one small tradgedy in the huge tapestry of WW2. I believe he was awarded three medals, still held by brother Peter. John Douglas
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Ordinary Seaman David Glyndwr Lewis. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) For the last 6 years I have been photographing and recording my areas War Memorials and their fallen heroes. Each casualty has a sheet with all data that I have been able to collect, ie Local graves, memorial tablets from churches and chapels, roll of honour lists from schools and/or places of employment etc.
David Glyndwr Lewis was the son of Henry & Ceinwen Lewis of Abercrave and his name can be found on the Ystradgynlais War Memorial under Abercrave, in the Ystradgynlais Park.Val Trevallion
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Able Seaman Albert Henry " " Everett. , . (d.2nd Dec 1940) I would just like to record my Great Uncle Albert Everett, as having served and been lost on HMS Forfar on the 2nd of December 1940. I know he was an Able Seaman but don't have any other details other than he was 35 years old and joined the navy at an early age. He was the son of Henry and Sarah Everett.Janet Jameson
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Able Seaman Frederick James Johnston. , Gunner . (d.2nd Dec 1940) Frederick Johnston was my father, he was killed on 2nd December 1940 when his ship the armed merchant cruiser HMS Forfar was torpedoed by U99 while on convoy escort west of Ireland. He was 32 years old and had joined the Navy from school, he was Irish, born in Dublin and although The Irish Republic remained neutral he was one of many who joined British forces. In the early thirties he served on board HMS Ramilies which went on to survive the war!Terry Hawthorne
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Ord. Seaman. Charles Edward " " Brown. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) My uncle, Charles Brown served on HMS Forfar and died when the ship was torpedoed. I have his death record which is in volume 2 page 51 of naval ratings(war deaths) 1939 - 1948. If you have any information or know of any memorial, I would be very greatful. Thank you for your helpRoy Brown
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CPO (GI) William Sherwood Brown. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) CPO (GI) William Sherwood Brown was my grandfather, born in 1897, he joined the Royal Navy at 16, having run away from home to do so. He served during the First World War, mostly on bug gun warships including HMS Ceres. In 1919, HMS Ceres was sent to the Baltic to support the White Russians in their struggle against the Bolsheviks, in which Ceres conducted a Naval gunfire Support Mission. At the end of the First World war my grandfather then joined the Mine Clearance Service, working on a variety of Fleet Minesweepers and converted fishng boats clearing the sea mines laid by all sides. After a varied career, including time at HMS Ganges as an instructor, time on HMS Kent on China Station, and working on a Yangtse River gunboat my grandfather was retired in 1936. Finding no work, he became a Royal Marine Officers Batman at the Royal Marine Barracks in Chatham. This lasted until the outbreak of war when he was recalled to the colours. As a trained Gunner he was placed in charge of the armamaent on the Q ship HMS Forfar. In December 1940, the Forfar was hit by torpedoes fired by the U Boat nicknamed "The Golden Horseshoe". The Forfar being filled with empty barrels, stayed afloat for a long time and all the personnel are believed to have safely embarked into the ships boats. The Golden Horseshoe then came back and machine gunned the survivors. My mother never forgave the Germans. I am proud to serve in the Royal Navy, as did my father. He, my grandfather and I have all served on an HMS Ceres. Martin Shakespeare
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Able Sea. Edward Albert Smith. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Edward Albert Smith was lost when HMS Forfar sank on 2nd December 1940, he was 25 years old.Bronwen Seager
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Chief Petty Officer Cubert William Franklin. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Cubert Franklin was a much loved uncle to my mother and it seemed such a shame that he is only marked by his name. At the time of his death he was married to Violet and had a daughter Shirley Ann. I never knew any of these people, but the way he lost his life was told to me by my mother which came to her via her father, his brother.
They were told that after the ship was sunk, he was found swimming and appeared to have an injury, but insisted that the rescue boat helped others first. When they came back for him he had gone. The chaplain said that he must have been badly injured because he was known to be an exceptionally strong swimmer. Lyn Scrivener
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Cmdr(E) Charles Cunningham Jones. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Cmdr (E) Charles Cunningham Jones was my maternal grandfather. I believe he joined HMS Forfar when new or nearly new and then stayed with her, volunteering to stay during hostilities, though he was old enough to have declined. He died before I was born, but I was told by his widow that he was a jovial character, and generally popular. In those desperate days, he evidently knew his chances of survival were poor as he travelled with little more than he stood up in, even leaving his pocket watch behind for his wife to find.
Peter William Threlfall
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Lt/Cmdr. Archibald Freebairn Campbell. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd December 1940) Sub-Lieutenant Archibald Campbell was my paternal grandfather, who died on 2nd December 1940, aged 56, when HMS Forfar was torpedoed. He was in the Merchant Navy, seconded to the Royal Navy during the war. He served in the First World War too, but unfortunately I don't know the details. Because he was a seaman and home a lot, his children thought he was unemployed and so when free boots were being handed out at school to the children of the unemployed, my father and sister duly trotted out to claim theirs. My grandmother was furious and marched them straight back to school to return them.
My aunt was 15 when the telegram came to say that her father had died. Of course it was devastating. She said that her father was a wonderfully kind man, who was always laughing and who would let her play with his glass eye - if she asked nicely.
There are no photos of grandfather Campbell, unfortunately. Apparently his wife destroyed all the family snaps one afternoon in an excess of pique about something. Whether she lived to regret it, I don't know, but she survived my grandfather by 40 years, dying at aged 97. Judith Campbell
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Able Sea. James Peter Earley. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) James Earley lost his life whilst serving on HMS Forfar in the North Atlantic. He is my wife's Uncle Jimmy.Martin Briggs
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2ndEng.Off. Joseph Aloysius Tynan. Merchant Navy, SS Wilhelmina. (d.2nd Dec 1940) Joseph Tynan, son of Joseph and Mary Tynan, was born in 1909 in Jarrow, County Durham. He died aged 31 when the S.S. Wilhelmina was hit by the U-94 whilst en-route from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Liverpool. He is commemorated on Panel 119 at Tower Hill Memorial, and also on the WW2 Roll of Honour Plaque in the entrance to Jarrow Town Hall.Vin Mullen
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Able Sea Walter Thomas Mills. Royal Navy, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd December 1940) My father was Able Seaman Walter Thomas Mills. He died on 2nd December 1940 when HMS Forfar was sunk. I have had contact with Mr Allen W. Kerr to whom I sent copies of photos of the ship's band, of which my father was a member, and some interior shots of the ship's theatre.Donald W. Mills
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WOII/CSM Joseph Dominic Barlow. British Army, Dorset Rgt.. (d.2nd December 1940) My great uncle Joe Barlow was a POW in WW1 and WW2. He was a medic in the Dorsets. Sadly he died and is buried in Krakow Rackovicki Cemetery in Poland. I would like some information on where he was held as a POW. Does anyone remember him?Veronica Doggett
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WO. David Jones. Royal Naval Auxiliary Personel, HMS Forfar. (d.2nd Dec 1940) In September 1939 the passenger ship Montrose, owned by Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd of Montreal, was requisitioned by the British Admiralty and converted to the armed merchant cruiser HMS Forfar. Conversion was completed on 6 November 1939.
On 2 December 1940 HMS Forfar, with Captain Norman Arthur Cyril Hardy RN in command, was attacked by the German submarine U-99. She was outward bound - via convoy - from Liverpool to the United States - about 500 nautical miles west of Ireland.
At 05.46 hours on 2 Dec 1940, the Forfar was hit by one torpedo from U-99, commanded by U-boat ace Otto Kretschmer. She finally sank at 06.57 hours, after four additional torpedo hits at 06.39, 06.43, 06.50 and 06.57 hours. The master, 35 officers and 136 naval ratings were lost. Three officers and 18 naval ratings were rescued by HMCS St Laurent, HMS Viscount and the British merchant ship Dunsley, and they were landed at Oban in Scotland.
At 16,402 tons, the Forfar is believed to have been one of the largest ships to be sunk by U-boats in the Second World War.
Among those of the crew who were lost was 52-year-old warrant officer David Jones.
Born in Birkenhead, David was the son of John and Minnie Jones and the brother of Elizabeth Humphreys (nee Jones). In the early war years Britain desperately needed fast convoy escorts but lacked the number of warships to fulfill this role. Several ocean liners were "taken up from trade" by the Royal Navy to act as Armed Merchant Cruisers (AMCs) after having basic armament fitted. As these ships already had experienced crews the merchant seamen were simply asked to sign an agreement to serve alongside the Royal Navy in naval uniform as Naval Auxiliary Personnel (NAP) and be subject to naval discipline. David was a NAP, and a carpenter by trade.
David married Isabella Shannon in Liverpool in 1918 and the couple had three daughters: Muriel, Eileen and Catherine. His brother-in-law Charles Long - who had volunteered to join the Merchant Navy on the outbreak of the war - was due to sail with David on HMS Forfar. But at the last moment Charles was rejected on medical grounds (a hernia) and escaped his brother-in-law's fate.
Otto Kretschmer is regarded as the most successful German U-boat commander in the Second World War. From September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords, among other awards. He earned the nickname "Silent Otto" both for his successful use of the "silent running" capability of U-boats as well as for his reluctance to transmit radio messages during patrols. After the war, he served in the German Federal Navy and retired in 1970 with the rank of Flottillenadmiral (flotilla admiral, equivalent to a Royal Navy Commodore). Mike Snell
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