206983 PO. Sidney Charles Albert Lansley Royal Navy HMS Manchester from:Saltdean My father Sidney Lansley served aboard HMS Manchester at the time of it being scuttled off the North African coast having been disabled by the Italian Navy attacking Operation Pedestal. He along with the ship's Commander were one of the last to leave the sinking ship having to swim to the coast line some 8 miles. Once ashore the crew were rounded up and taken by rail to the POW camp at Laghouat. We have a telegram received from the Camp on 27 Aug 42 saying safe & well. My Mother was informed by the Commodore Naval Barracks Portsmouth 8 Sep 1942 that her husband was a survivor & had been interned at Laghouat.
Additional Information: | I am amazed to read your account of your father's capture after the sinking of HMS Manchester. PO Lansley was a colleague of my grandfather, CPO Reece, who was stationed at HMS Vernon (R) (Roedean) during WW2. He and his family lived in Saltdean - I believe they were your mother's neighbours. I have only just found out about this because I am transcribing my mother's diary that she wrote in 1942. Your father's ship was sunk on her 17th birthday. She says in her diary that the next day your mother went to play golf with them, and later spent the evening at their house. Your mother spent several days after that with the Reeces. Mum also mentions a David, Mary Ann, and Jocelyn. I would be so pleased to hear from you.Sue Jarrett
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