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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) |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Robert Nicklin . Navy HMS Dorsetshire I am a ww2 Navy veteran, I volunteered at 17 and a few months served on the cruiser HMS Dorsetshire in the action against the Bismark. She had the distinction of finishing her off with torpedoes and picking up most of the survivors.
Served on a Destroyer in the landings at Madagascar, numerous actions in the Mediterranean including three Malta convoys and, in company with
another Destroyer, sank eleven enemy ships in a three hour night action. I finished my sea duty on another Cruiser at the Normandy landings.
I kept a diary of my time in the Med and looking back now at my age I realise how lucky I was as I lost a lot of great pals and comradeship the likes of which I have never seen again. |
Pte. Wullie Niven . Army 5th Btn. The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders I am trying to trace a camp in Austria/Germany. My Father Wullie Niven From Glasgow was in The Cameron Highlanders from 1940 to 1946 I know from old photo`s he was in the 5th batt with the Cameron's in Aug 1940, I think he might have gone to North Africa to reform the 51st Highland Division, On back of old Platoon Photo says ??????T, GEISE ?
August 1940.
Next I have POW letter to my mother saying he is in GERMANY Dated 24/01/1944 NO camp Number.
The group photo which I will try and send states ST MARIEN AUSTRIA. The list of names I have in group photo are all from Scotland. My father is Second from left at the back the man in front second left is called Fitzpatrick. next to him is a friend who sent photo to my Dad but no name? Next Three Sergeants Called Bertingshaw, Bailley, Baker, Also Concert party
Wallace, Johnson, Hopfeldt or Hodfeldt? Sorry no first names.
Like most he never spoke much about what he done,where he served or got captured? I do know he had a distrust or fear of Doctors never went unless you dragged him.
He is now deceased but I would like to hear from any living friends or family members who can fill in any missing bits in the Cameron's from August 1940 to when he might have got captured where? to his time in & what is the Number of his POW Camp? I hope to hear from someone. |
Sgt. F. Nixon . Royal Air Force 15 Sqd. (d.11th Aug 1942) Sgt Nixon lost his life when Stirling LS-C crashed into a pond at Potash Farm, Brettenham, near Ipswich, on the 11th of August 1942 at 03:37 while trying to land at RAF Wattisham. The aircraft had been badly damaged by two Ju88s, one of which was claimed damaged by return fire. |
Flight Lieutenant Graham William Nixon . RAF 582 Squadron (d.16th September 1944) |
P/O Jack Elwin McIntosh Nixon . RCAF w/op 101 Sqd. from Canada) (d.21st Jun 1944) |
Flt Sgt. Peter Oliver Kenneth Noren . RCAF air gunner. 50 Sqd from Percival, Saskatchewan, Canada) (d.8th Jul 1944) |
W/C R A Norman DFC. RAAF 460 Squadron |
Pilot Officer John Thomas Webster Green Norris DFM. RAF 582 Squadron (d.16th September 1944) |
Maureen Norris . Land Army I served in the Land Army 1943-1945 in Corby ,Lincolnshire, we rode bicycles 7 miles there and 7 miles back to work on the farns eveyday, pulled sugar beat in the snow, climbed haystacks to feed the thrashing machines untill amost dark, cut logs with crossaws, drove tracters to harrow , walked behind a horse and plough, many more farming jobs.
We all would look forward to the evenings when we would walk down to the Pub the "Wheatsheaf" or the "Fighting Cocks" and drink a shandy (beer and pop). I married a American and now live in the U S A, I think hard work never hurt us, we were healthy then.
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Sgt Major Philip Sydney "Syd" Norton . South African Army HQ Supply Co 4th Infantry Brigade from Cape Town (originally East Dulwich, SE London)) This story is my late fathers. Born in Peckham, in the London Borough of Camberwell, in 1907, Philip Sydney Norton (known as Sydney, or Syd) was living in the Cape at the outbreak of WW2. Having lost his eldest brother, Teddy, in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 a week after his 21st birthday, my father wasted no time in enlisting in the South African Army, originally in the Umvoti Mounted Rifles. In July 1941 he embarked from Durban on the S.S "Dilawa", having been transferred to Supply Company, 4th Infantry Brigade HQ, on 1 January that year. He served in the Western Desert until 21 June 1942, when he was captured in Tobruk and taken Prisoner of War by the Italians and taken, initially, to a prison camp in Benghazi. Like so many other POWs, he suffered a severe bout of amoebic dysentery and was duly taken by hospital-ship to Naples. From there he was driven by ambulance to a hospital in Caserta, where he remained for five and a half months before being discharged on 31 December 1942. Next day he was taken to Campo PG 54, Fara-in-Sabina, where he remained until he escaped in September 1943. My father wrote his own story of his POW experiences, which can be read here: In 1946, after the war, he left South Africa for New Zealand, where he remained for the rest of his life. |
Thomas Norton . Navy HMS Hunter My Grandad was on the HMS Hunter and was sunk on the 10th April 1940. He was then taken prisoner and held in what I belive to be a school where he and his fellow men hid a torch in the gutter ready to signal to the ships at sea, but in their attempt to do so the torch was knocked down the drain pipe. My Grandad was then take to Sweeden and and there he signed papers to say that he would not take up arms against the Germans again. He did this knowing that due to his age he would not be called up again to fight. He also served in WW1 where he was also sunk twice in the same day. How unlucky can one be or in his case how lucky was he to survive both wars. Are there books or organisations that I can find out what happened to the men when they were taken prisoner? |
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