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Those who Served
Lt. Cdr. Lennox William Napier DSC DSO. Royal Navy HMS Rorqual For Captain Lennox Napier’s inspired and courageous captaincy of the mine laying submarine Rorqual, he was appointed DSO in 1943 and won the DSC in 1944. Napier, who had been in the submarine service since 1934, took command of Rorqual, a Porpoise class submarine in June 1941. With the capture of Crete, it was imperative that Malta did not fall into German hands. Under daily siege, Malta had to be supplied with both food and fuel for domestic purposes, as well as for its RAF Squadrons fighting for the survival of the island. A number of convoys had run the gauntlet from Gibraltar or Alexandria to Malta and all had suffered casualties.
Admiral Andrew Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief of the British Naval Forces in the Mediterranean, boldly decided to use the Rorqual and her sister submarine Cacholot to get supplies to the island. One associates a submarine with confined space, but Rorqual, launched at Barrow in 1936, was 280 feet long and had a beam width of 29 feet. On her first voyage to Malta, she carried a vital cargo of two tons of medical supplies, 62 tones of high-octane aviation spirit for the RAF’s Hurricanes, 45 tones of cooking fuel and 25 passengers, as well as a crew of 59; but perhaps most important, at least for the island’s morale, 147 bags of mail. On her return to Alexandria, amongst her somewhat lighter cargo, were 130 bags of mail.
It was fraught and nerve-wracking week before Rorqual arrived in the Grand Harbour, much to the relief of crew and islanders. A month later she arrived back in Malta with a similar cargo. An even larger cargo was carried on 31 July, but Napier was concerned when during heavy weather a number of fuel cases stored in the hull developed leaks. This resulted in the submarine’s diving almost seven tons light when these tins were empty in the morning, and slowly filling up with water and re turning Rorqual to normal trim while submerged in the daytime.
After this trip, Napier was pleased to get back to his normal route of mine lying Rorqual could carry 50 mines. Napier’s skill in laying these mines, in the often crystal-clear water of the Mediterranean, brought him a number of successes. In August 1942, his men blew up an Italian steamer. Later that month, he engaged two merchant vessels, sank one and then had his periscope rammed by the other. Although under orders not to engage enemy shipping, because he was carrying vital stores and passengers, Napier attacked a convoy and destroyed the last ship. The passengers had an interesting experience as 16 depth charges were dropped close by.
In January 1943, Rorqual laid mines off the Tunis approach, one of which caused the loss of the valuable German heavy-lift ship Ankara, loaded with tanks for Rommel’s Afrika Corps. This success was reinforced when he sank the Wilhelmsburg, carrying much-needed oil to Greece, with two torpedoes at 2,500 yards in the Dardanelles approach.
After two and a half years of successful command Napier fell ill with jaundice. On recovering, he went to the land-based HMS Dolphin to train future commanding officers for the submarine services.
Lennox Napier was a descendant of John Napier, the inventor of logarithms. |
Able Seaman Victor Edward Narraway . Royal Navy HMS Forfar from Shepherd's Bush, London) (d.2nd Dec 1940) |
WO11(CSM) Frederick George Nash . British Army Kings Liverpool Regiment from Bootle, Liverpool) (d. 01 Dec 1942) My Uncle WO11 (CMS) Frederick George Nash ex 30th Battalion Liverpool Kings Regiment, was reported *missing* at sea 01 Dec 1942 then reported killed in action at sea on or shortly after 01 Dec 1942
Has any one any ideas or records as to what ship or action at sea for Fred to be Killed in Action
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Pte. Raymond Herbert " " Nash . 4th Btn from Reading) (d.Between 25th & 28th May 1940) |
Corporal Robert Othar Nash . Army 9th Infantry I am trying to locate details of Robert othar Nash who was stationed in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, England in 1944/5. |
Sergeant B W Naylor . RAF 50 Squadron Manchester L7301, airborne 30th May 1942 from Skellingthorpe, was hit by flak over Cologne and very severely damaged. Subsequently abandoned by six of the crew, after which the Manchester crashed 0200 31st May 1942 into a dyke at Bree (Limburg), 21 km NNE of Genk, Belgium. The testimonies of the five evaders were instrumental in the posthumous award of the VC made to their skipper, P/O Manser. P/O L.T.Manser KIA P/O R.J.Barnes PoW Sgt L.H.Baveystock Evd P/O R.M.Horsley Evd Sgt S.E.King Evd Sgt A.McF Mills Evd Sgt B.W.Naylor Evd |
Sergeant B W Naylor . RAF 50 Squadron Manchester L7301, airborne 30th May 1942 from Skellingthorpe, was hit by flak over Cologne and very severely damaged. Subsequently abandoned by six of the crew, after which the Manchester crashed 0200 31st May 1942 into a dyke at Bree (Limburg), 21 km NNE of Genk, Belgium. The testimonies of the five evaders were instrumental in the posthumous award of the VC made to their skipper, P/O Manser. P/O L.T.Manser KIA P/O R.J.Barnes PoW Sgt L.H.Baveystock Evd P/O R.M.Horsley Evd Sgt S.E.King Evd Sgt A.McF Mills Evd Sgt B.W.Naylor Evd |
Seaman Roy NcLeod . Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940) |
Emily Frances "Fran" Neale . Land Army I am trying to obtain a copy of a photograph of my late mother who served in the Women's Land Army in Kent. For many years she had a photograph of a group of Land Army Girls in uniform marching over Maidstone Bridge, but sadly this went missing during a house move.
Her name was Emily Frances Neale and lived around the Maidstone area. One of most favourite memories was of delivering milk by horse and cart in the Gillingham area.
If anyone has any memories of my mum or can help me obtain a copy of the photograph I would be so pleased to hear from you
Many thanks
Maureen Barwick
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Jill Elizabeth Bennet Neame . Land Army My mother served with the Land Army. Her name was Jill Elizabeth Bennet Neame.
I would love to hear from or of anyone that might have known her. |
Sergeant H F Neary . NFDR 59 Squadron |
Pte. B. Needham . Home Guard Signal Sect. Workington Btn. |
LACW Mary Elizabeth Needham . WAAF I would like to hear from anyone who remembers my parents or may have photographs of them or any of the ships company of HMS Formidable. |
P/O Stanley William George Neighbour . Royal Air Force 156 Sqd from Lincolnshire) (d.12th May 1944) My mother is now 87 and she was reminiscing about her wartime experiences recently. She was 23, then called Muriel (Peggy) Siddall, and in nursing training. Her father, Frank Siddall, was the station master at Beverley in Lincolnshire and the family lived at the station. Mum was engaged to Stanley Neighbour, a pilot in the Pathfinders. He flew his plane low over the station on his way to a mission and spooked the horses in the station yard causing some pretty ripe language from Granddad! Nearly took the chimney pots off, Mum said. She was out in the yard waving a duster on the end of a broom so Stanley could see her. That was the last she saw of him as he didn't return from that mission. If anyone has any knowledge of him or where he might be laid to rest I'd be grateful for the opportunity to tell her.
UPDATE: P/O Stanley William George Neighbour, was the pilot of Lancaster ND454, coded GT-L, of 156 Sqd, he took off from RAF Warboys on the 24th Feb 1944 on a mission to Schweinfurt and crashed between Schalbach and Hirschland,
north east of Sarrebourg, France. However, there is a report that this aircraft was lost 11/12th May 1944 on a mission to Bourg-Leopld, so there is some doubt as to which date is correct, Peggy's recollection would suggest it was May as it would have been dark at 18.34 on a February evening when they are listed as having taken off from Warboys.
The Crew were:
- P/O S.W.G.Neighbour
- Sgt H.Eaton
- Sgt G.W.Rugg
- F/S L.C.Pillinger
- Sgt S.Hopkinson
- R.E.Whitebeard
- Sgt F.R.Morton
Sgt Morton is buried in Hirschland Church Yard and the other six lie together in Schalbach Roman Catholic Cemetery.
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Pte. H. G. Neill . Home Guard C Coy. Workington Btn. |
Leroy A Neill . US Army 991st Field Artillery Battalion Just wanted to honor my father, Leroy Neill, who is still alive today, and is 87 years old. My father talks about his life in the war all the time to me. Leroy was a cannon air and machine gunner during his time in the service. He used a 155 millimetre self-propelled gun M12. Served August 5th, 1941 to October 28th 1945. Was in England, France, Belgium and Germany. Listening to my father not only do I honor him, but he represents all the soldiers of war. God bless them all. |
Flying Officer A R Neilson . RAF 59 Squadron |
Pilot Officer Roy J Neilson . RAAF 59 Squadron |
Ldg Seaman. Thomas Nevin . Royal Navy HMS Birmingham An extract from the Diary of Leading Seaman Thomas Nevin during passage of HMS Birmingham from Scapa Flow to Alexandria, November 1943.
November 13th: Scapa -
Captain cleared lower deck- told us we were bound for Greenock, thence to await orders- no leave- great disappointment amongst crew- who expected at least a few days, especially as we were going on a foreign commission.
11.10am Weighed and put to sea. Wonder when and under what circs we shall see Scapa again? Not sorry to leave the place but guess we shall pine for it after a few weeks out East. Sea on beam- and rough as far as Cape Wrath. Once in Minches calmed down.
Sunday November 14th. -
Arrived Greenock 0800- morning cold but fine. Little doing in forenoon. Pm went ashore- first run since Devonport on September 19th. Place very dead- everything closed. Managed to get hold of a few Christmas cards. Leave expired 2300. Quite a few chaps adrift. Good luck to them.
Monday November 15th.
An uneventful day.
Leave to Port Watch- another crowd adrift. Number of passengers aboard including Admiral Cowie- a queer old bloke. Age 73- repatriated from Italy. Dressed in Commando uniform- rumour says his ambition is to die in action. He’s welcome to it!! Ship under sailing orders.
Tuesday November 16th.
The fateful day at last. Weighed 0245 and left the Clyde. Saw coast of Northern Island when on deck at 0800. Know that coast like the back of my hand now. Sea fairly calm- slight swell- but this ship exaggerates the smallest ripple.
1200. Captain spoke to Ships Coy. Over S.R.E. Told us we were convoying 43 000 troops and supplies for Algiers, Alexandria and Bombay. Pursuing westerly course 600 miles out to avoid enemy a/c. Speed of convoy 13 knots. About 40 U-boats.
Recognised Reina Del Pacifico, Duchess of Bedford, Dempo (Dutch- convoyed her in April ’42 from L’pool), Ranchi, Orion, Highland Princess, Monarch of Bermuda.
Bad start to trip- 2 0f escort had to turn back- owing to defects. Sea becoming rough- feel sorry for troops on transports. Some lads on board feeling pretty dicky.
Wednesday.
Sea calm- circled convoy, had good look at ships. Escort Spey joined us. That makes 5 not including us. “Progress Chart” informs us we have to go further west to avoid U-boats- putting 600 miles on our journey. Course about 270.
Thursday November 18th.
Sea calm. Turned back @ 0915 to await further escort Jed- but she didn’t arrive- did only 215. Unidentified a/c reported. I wonder did she spot us? Maybe “one of ours” on patrol. Innoculated- arm sore.
Friday.
Jed arrived early this morning- oiled 2 escorts after much difficulty. Arm still sore.
Saturday.
Convoy (slow) northbound east of us attacked by 15 U-boats. One escort hit and towed to Azores. Notice weather becoming warmer having turned south Now about lat. of Southern France but about 600 or more miles out. Sea very calm but sky overcast. Oiled two more escorts.
Evening.
Slight swell maybe caused by lightening of about 600 tons of oil.
Sunday November 21st.
Fine, heavy sea running, 150 miles west of Azores- Jed sighted unidentified 4-engined plane- maybe Fortress or maybe? Expect to reach Gib about Tuesday. All told a very quiet day.
Monday November 22nd.
Beam wind and sea.
Northbound convoy attacked by long range flying boats carrying ‘Chase-me-Charlies’- two hits out of 16 (Sunday). Attack continued this morning. Sea moderated towards nightfall.
Tuesday.
Fine-calm sea- left convoy 1800 and proceeded alone to Gib. Speed 26 Knots.
Wednesday.
Arrived Gib 0800- very fine weather. Leave pm- went ashore and walked around- visited church of Our Lady the Crowned- very nice but too dark. Walked to border at La Linea but too dark to see anything particular. Saw signs of much poverty- especially among people of La Linea who come into Gib every day. Prices in town exorbitantly high- most of stuff just cheap trash e.g. 2/11d silk stockings at 12/6d pair. Who said war doesn’t pay.
Thursday.
Still in harbour contrary to expectations. Dempo (one of convoy) arrived in am. And discharged passengers.
PM. Ship under sailing orders. Left 2200 at 26 knots- destination either Port Said or Alexandria. Apparently we are to proceed alone- for which many thanks. Have to pass dangerous area (a/c attack) during next 36 hours.
Friday.
Weather fine- sea calm- little to report. Evening- convoy ahead attacked by a/c. One ship which had joined convoy later (apparently off Gib) sunk- 700 survivors. 8 a/c shot down.
Saturday.
Sea calm- fine- in sight of land- stbd side- all day.
Sunday
Fine- calm- speed 24 knots. Prayers on qtr deck for ship’s coy. Letter from schoolgirl in Brum- must answer it.
1118 On Watch- down aft. Terrific bump- ship lifted. Thought we had hit a mine. Went up on deck to see what had gone in TX. Found explosion was forward. Hands on watch stand fast- off watch to emergency stations. Carried on- ship OK but speed reduced by half. Carried on watch- apparently we had been struck by submarine torpedo.
1230. Found my mess had been hit. Someone’s prayers have been answered. Four of my mess mates have been killed- and one radar operator, so far as we know. Lord have mercy on them. Quite a few casualties, some serious but many caused by gas from frig. and batteries. Five dead- about five blown overboard. Don’t know how many are down in messdecks. Everyone on ship shaken. Tried to scrounge something to eat- no mess left for us.
Escort of 2 destroyers and about 10 planes (one of which dropped depth charges). Stand by for further attack. Stand to at dusk. 5 buried at sea. About 7o’clock action stations again- suspected submarine following us.
Ordered to join slow convoy ahead. Present speed 10-14 knots. A nerve-wraking night- never knowing what to expect next minute. Slept in clothes with life belt blown up.
Monday
Stand to at dawn- convoy ahead. Still making 10 knots.
Damage mostly in W/T and Signalmen’s mess- about 14 still down there. Hopes of chaps overboard being picked up. 5 in one and two messes- thank God their death must have been quick.
PM Speed reduced- joined convoy- danger of forecastle giving way. Signalled for destroyer stand by to take us in tow- managed to keep going. Good escort now.
Dusk- stand to- mine sighted. Captain spoke on SRE. Death roll 27. To reach Alex 0800.
Tuesday.
Alexandria at last. Ship down about 12 feet by head…reach harbour safely. Expect to do temporary repairs here and proceed elsewhere for permanent one. Hope it is UK. Claimed for lost kit. Tried to get out remaining bodies but no success.
Wednesday. -
Can’t those chaps out of my head. Jump at slightest sound. I suppose I am beginning to feel reaction now. Ship’s coy. generally pretty subdued, especially our mess. Incidentally nearly everyone on Sunday complained of headaches. Two bodies got out - Hillier or a sparker. Coffined and taken to morgue. Apparently damage more severe than first estimated.
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Joe Newby . Navy HMS Nelson My father, Joe Newby, served on HMS Nelson at some stage during WW2. I have one photo, and medals from WW2 include Italy Star, Atlantic Star, Africa star. My son is doing a project at school about WW2 and would like to know about his grandfather. Joe died 20 years ago, so any information would be very helpful. |
Cpl. Sydney Jack Newcombe . British Army Royal Signals from Barnstaple, Devon) I would love to know something of my late father's involvement in WWII. Jack Newcombe was in North Africa,Sudan,Cairo,Alexandria,Khartoum,Egypt with the Royal Signals. I think he was a despatch rider. He told me next to nothing of the war and he died aged 59, before I was to become interested. I would be most grateful for any information. |
Sergeant F J Newell . RAF VR 59 Squadron |
Newnes . Army 5th Btn. The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders |
Marshall Lindsay Newton . Army Ox and Bucks Light Infantry My father Marshall Lindsay Newton talked to me when I was a little girl about being a prisoner of war and being kept in a "pit" and fed on only onions,as he was moved from camp to camp, Stalag V11A must have been where he ended up. He talked about being liberated by the Americans at the end of the war and them pulling him out of the pit. Mum said he looked half starved when he came home " you could put your fist in the hollows of his cheeks". I found only yesterday his identity tag it says, Stalag V11/A 137638 Does anyone have any relevant information about my dad, or the pow camp? Dad was in the Army with the Oxford and Bucks L.I. I would be grateful of any information at all to pass onto his grandchildren. |
Flt. Sgt. John Potter Nichol . Royal Air Force bomb aimer 106 Sqd. John Nichol was taken prisoner of War after his Lancaster was lost on the 30th of Aug 1944. He was held in Stalag Luft 7 along with his flight engineer Sidney Bell. |
Lt. Fred Nicholls MM, Croix de Guerre.. British Army 4th Btn. Queens Own Cameron Highlanders from Chesterfield, Derbyshire.) My late father, Fred Nicholls enlisted in the Camerons in 1931, according to his medals, of which I have only his dress set, including his Military Medal and French Croix de Guerre. He had many overseas postings before during and after the war. He was with the 4th Camerons on the Somme in June 1940 as a platoon Sergeant. He had to take command of the platoon when his commanding officer was injured and captured. After they ran out of food and ammunition they were ordered to surrender by their C.O. which they did along with the rest of the 51st Highland Division. After the surrender, the troops where marched toward Germany. According to his own story he stayed with his men until they crossed the Belgian border, it was at this point that he made his first escape. I am in possession of both his own account of his escapes and the official M19 debrief account. Whilst they do differ slightly, broadly speaking one confirms the other. He was incarcerated at St Omer after his 2nd or 3rd recapture. It was there that he met Sgt Andrew Faith of the R.H.A. both of them where like minded and they again escaped. After walking through France they eventually crossed the Pyrenees in to Spain where they were arrested and imprisoned by the Spanish Army. They were later released and eventually repatriated via Gibraltar. After returning to the UK they where both awarded the Military Medal. It was after this that he attained the rank of Lieutenant. I have not got his record of service so where and and when he spent the rest of the war is a little sketchy. However he was posted to Aruba with the Camerons in 1941 and he was seconded to the control commission in Germany. He was demobed in 1947. |
Ord, Seaman Leslie Douglas Nicholls . Royal Navy HMS Forfar (d.2nd Dec 1940) |
Sgt. Robert Nick Nicholson . Royal Air Force air gunner. 15 Sqd from Walkington, Yorkshire.) (d.18th May 1942) Sgt Nicholson was killed when Stirling W7531 crashed on the 18th of May 1942, he was 23 years old.
The crew were:
- F/O Ryan
- S/L J.C.Hall DFC MiD
- F/L N.G.R.Booth
- Sgt A.Spriggs
- F/O J.P.Ryan RCAF
- Sgt R.Maycock
- Sgt J.B.Butterworth
- Sgt F.L.Sharp
- Sgt R.Nicholson
- Sgt D.J.Jeffs, the only survivor was taken PoW and held in Stalag 8b.
For the full story see Don Jeff's Story |
Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson . Royal Air Force 77 Sqd. Sgt Nicholson was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22md of June 1943. |
Sgt. S. H. A. Nicholson . Royal Air Force 77 Sqd. Sgt Nicholson was in the same crew as my father John Gardner. Their Lancaster was shot down over Holland in the early hours of the 22nd of June 1943. |
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