Freshwater West LCG War Memorial

Two terrible days in April 1943 saw two Landing Craft and a rescue boat sink with the loss of all lives in Freshwater Bay. To commemorate the lives of these young men, two memorials have been erected. The first is a memorial overlooking Freshwater Bay, where the men died, and the second, larger, memorial, is situated in Milford Haven Cemetery, where many of the men were laid to rest.

Spring of 1943 was to witness a sad, and possibly avoidable, maritime accident on the Pembrokeshire Coast. While transporting two brand new Landing Craft from Harland and Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast, to Falmouth, a design fault found the two L.C.G.’s (Landing Craft Gun), containing a total of seventy nine sailors and Royal Marines, in trouble as a gale blew up. They reached the entrance to Fishguard Harbour, but were refused permission to enter, and so headed southwards towards Milford Haven and safety. However, as they rounded St. Ann’s Head, the conditions worsened, and the vessels began taking on water faster that the pumps could handle, and so they radioed for help. The coastguard called the Angle lifeboat, only to be told that it was out of commission. Six hours went by before the St David’s lifeboat was eventually called out. It took them two and a half hours to reach the crafts, by which time it was dark and nothing could be done. The two craft separated and the L.C.G.15 sank on 25 April. The old fishery protection vessel HMS Rosemary was also on her way, and upon reaching the remaining Landing Craft, L.C.G.16, launched her lifeboat. The six sailors aboard drowned trying to reach the Landing Craft, as the lifeboat overturned in rough seas. The L.C.G.16 soon sank herself with the loss of all hands. Some of the bodies were washed ashore in Freshwater Bay in the coming days, and were buried in various cemeteries, many at Milford. Several bodies were never found, and the site has been classed as a war grave.

“This Memorial Commemorates Landing Craft Gun (Large) Numbers 15 And 16, Which Foundered On Their Maiden Voyage, Off Nearby Shores, In Heavy Seas On April 25th (LCG 15) And 26th April (LCG 16) 1943. 73 Officers, Ratings And Other Ranks Perished. Following This Disaster, Modification To Later Craft Prevented The Heavy Loss Of Life In A Large Convoy Of Similar Craft Which Encountered Some Of The Worst Weather Of World War II On Passing To Mediterranean Theatre Of Operations. Also Commemorated Are Six Ratings From H.M.S. Rosemary, Who Gave Their Lives Making A Rescue Attempt When LCG (L) 15 Sank. This Memorial Was Presented By The LCG And F Association, To Mark The 50th Anniversary Of The Disaster.”

H.M.S. Rosemary

Herbert Balmforth Holmes, Able Seaman, P/JX 261483, Royal Navy. Herbert was the son of Charles Western Holmes and Mary Holmes, of Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury. He married Ivy Wood, of Savile Town, Dewsbury in 1942. He was 27 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Dewsbury Cemetery, Yorkshire.

Dennis Hulatt, Able Seaman, P/JX261240, Royal Navy. Dennis was the son of Alexander and Elsie May Hulat, of Wellingborough, Northants. He married Iris Hetty Mansbridge, of Rushden in 1941. He was 27 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Rushden Cemetery, Northamptonshire.

George Thomas King, Able Seaman, P/J 104350, Royal Navy. George was the husband of Ivy Mabel King, of Enfield. He was 36 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Enfield (Hertford Road) Cemetery, Middlesex.

Geoffrey Lambert, Leading Seaman, P/JX 143261, Royal Navy. Geoffrey was the son of Thomas William and Annie Marion Lambert, of Tankersley, Yorkshire. He was 24 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

James Arthur Poynting, Able Seaman, P/JX. 130095, Royal Navy. James was the son of Arthur John and Edith Poynting, of Wilton, Wiltshire, and the husband of Lottie May Poynting, of Rockhurst, Gosport, Hampshire. He was 32 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Robert William Smith, Able Seaman, P/JX296180, Royal Navy. Robert was the son of John Thomas Smith and Edith Elizabeth Smith, of Millfield, Sunderland. He was 20 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Sunderland (Bishopwearmouth) Cemetery.

Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15

Frederick Edward Albin, Marine, PO/X 113000, Royal Marines. Frederick was the son of Baden Albert and Elizabeth Albin, of Tolpuddle, Dorset. He was just 18 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943. He has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Leslie Victor Brackley, Marine, CH/X 2851, Royal Marines. Leslie was the son of Walter Brackley, and Kate Jane Brackley, of Kingsbury, Middlesex. He was 21 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Peter Campbell, Marine, CH/X 2848, Royal Marines. Peter was the son of Daniel and Rose Campbell of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. He was 24 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Norman Albert Christian, Marine, PO/X 110832, Royal Marines. Norman was the son of William and Florence A. Christian, of Nottingham. He was just 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

William Colin Clay, Marine, PO/X110768, Royal Marines. William was the son of Walter and Mary Clay, of Whitchurch, Shropshire. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Whitchurch Cemetery.

Victor Walter Cowie, Marine, PLY/X 110108, Royal Marines. Victor was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Delwyn Davies, Marine, PLY/X. 108897, Royal Marines. Delwyn was the son of Bertie and Olive Davies, of Llansaint, Carmarthenshire. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Llansaint (Seion) Calvinistic Methodist Cemetery.

Edward Jack Derrick, Leading Stoker, P/KX 91780, Royal Navy. Edward was born at Stirling on 31 August 1918, the son of Thomas and Agnes Kelso Derrick. He married Marion Harwood, of Silksworth, Co. Durham in the spring of 1943. He was 24 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Frederick William Charles Derrick, Marine, PO/X 114089, Royal Marines. Frederick was the son of Edwin and Frances Beatrice Derrick, and the husband of Margaret Irene Derrick, of Milton, Southsea, Hampshire. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

John Gledhill, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 373341, Royal Navy. John was the son of Albert and Clara Gledhill, of Elland, and the husband of Vera Gledhill, of Elland, Yorkshire. He was 31 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Elland Cemetery.

Donald Herbert Goldsmith, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Donald was the son of Herbert Charles and Agnes Julia Goldsmith, of Orpington, Kent. He was 32 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Edward Hindmarsh, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 352687, Royal Navy. Edward was the son of Baxter Hall Hindmarsh and Sarah Alice Hindmarsh, of Wallsend, Northumberland. He was 20 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Edward John Hughes, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 416212, Royal Navy. Edward was the son of William and Mary Hughes, of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

John Herbert Kerfoot, Sergeant, CH/X 1234, Royal Marines. John was the son of John Rowland Kerfoot and May Kerfoot, of London. He married Sheila Noreen Hetherington, of St. Helens, Lancashire, in 1940.  He was 26 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Keith Edward Chambers Knight, Marine, CH/X 106938, Royal Marines. Keith was the son of Albert and Edith Knight (nee Chambers), of Derbyshire. He was 19 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Frederick Wilfred Light, Marine, PO/X 110831, Royal Marines. Frederick was the son of Sydney Charles and Evelyn Mary Light, of Fareham, Hampshire. He was 18 years old when he was drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

James McCardle, Ordinary Telegraphist, C/JX. 358916, Royal Navy. James was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Nicol McArdle of Scotstoun, Glasgow. He was 20 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Thomas McDonald, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 363964, Royal Navy. Thomas was the son of Joseph and Florence McDonald, of Nitshill, Renfrewshire. He was 19 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Edmund Geddes Marsden, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 351783, Royal Navy. Edmund was the son of Norman and Helen Marsden, of Overton, Yorkshire. He was 22 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Sitlington (Middlestown) Cemetery, Yorkshire.

Edward William Mitchell, Marine, PLY/X. 109151, Royal Marines. Edward was the son of William Bates Mogg and Florence Mogg (nee Mitchell), of St. Paul’s, Bristol. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

James Carson Muir, Wireman, D/MX 103366, Royal Navy. James was the son of Robert Carson Muir and Maud Muir, of Auchinleck, Ayrshire. He was 19 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Arthur Daniel O’Connell, Wireman, D/MX. 103936, Royal Navy. Arthur was the son of Howard and Ethel M. O’Connell, of Swindon, Wiltshire. He was 19 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Raymond Parden, Marine, PO/X 114182, Royal Marines. Raymond was the son of Bernard and Sarah Parden, of Shipley, Yorkshire. He was 18 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Shipley (Nab Wood) Cemetery.

Henry James Peckham, Stoker 2nd Class, D/KX 159446, Royal Navy. Henry was the son of Henry James and Mary Peckham, of South Lambeth. He was 21 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Lambeth (Tooting) Cemetery.

Allan Roxburgh, Lieutenant, Royal Marines. Allan was born in Leeds on 11 July 1924, the son of James Thomas Roxburgh and Margaret Roxburgh (nee McKellar). He was 18 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

James Scott Russell, Marine, CH/X. 109274, Royal Marines. James was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Russell, of Glasgow. He was 18 years old when he died on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Edgar Anthony Stephenson, Marine, PO/X110640, Royal Marines. Edgar was the son of Edgar Joseph and Margaret Stephenson, of Evesham. He was 18 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Evesham Cemetery.

Tom Alan Taylor, Able Seaman, P/J 112151, Royal Navy. Tom was the son of Thomas and Emma Taylor. He married Mary Isabel Bugden, of Thanet, Kent, in 1936, and the couple lived at Bulford, Wiltshire. Tom was 35 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Botley (All Saints) Churchyard.

Cyril Stephen Tickle, Leading Seaman, C/JX 188073, Royal Navy. Cyril was from Warrington. He was 29 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Arthur Sydney Underwood, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/JX 359229, Royal Navy. Arthur was the son of Frederick William and Florence Hilda Underwood, of Horfield Bristol. He was 19 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Bristol (Greenbank) Cemetery.12

Harold Warrington, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX385984, Royal Navy. Harold was the son of Sylvester and Elizabeth Warrington, of Tranmere, Birkenhead. He was 19 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Bebington Cemetery.

Wilfred Herbert Watts, Marine, PO/X109054, Royal Marines. Wilfred was the son of Sidney Herbert and Daisy Alexandra Watts, of Horsham. He was 18 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Rusper (St. Mary Magdalene) Churchyard.

Joseph William Wilkinson, Marine, PO/X109733, Royal Marines. Joseph was the son of H. Wilkinson and Rose Lilian Wilkinson, of North Benfleet. He was 22 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Southend-On-Sea (Sutton Road) Cemetery.

James Neilson Wishart, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. James was the son of David and Margaret L. Neilson Wishart, of Kirkcaldy, and the husband of Elise G. Wishart, of Kirkcaldy. He was 31 years old when he drowned on the night of 25 April 1943, and is buried at Kirkcaldy (Hayfield) Cemetery.

Landing Craft Gun (Large) 16

Donald Backhouse Armstrong, Marine, PO/X 113138, Royal Marines. Donald was the son of Joseph and Mary Jane Armstrong, of Castle Carrock, Cumberland. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Castle Carrock (St. Peter) Churchyard.

Thomas Beet, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 364499, Royal Navy. Thomas was the son of John William and Edith Beet, of Oxspring, Yorkshire. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Edward Blakely, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 339362, Royal Navy. Edward was the son of Henry and Sophia Blakeley, of Gateshead-on-Tyne, Co. Durham. He was 20 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Douglas Arthur Burgass, Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Douglas was the son of Archibald Harry and Edith Mary Burgass, of Colwick, Nottingham. He married Kathleen Audrey Slater, of Mapperley Park, Nottingham, in 1928. He was 39 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Roy Burnett, Marine, PO/X 110235, Royal Marines. Roy was the son of Edward Arthur and Louisa Kate Burnett, of Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Eric Carr, Ordinary Telegraphist, C/JX 359877, Royal Navy. Eric was the son of John William and Emmeline Carr, of Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire. He was 21 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

George William Cartwright, Marine, CH/X. 3213, Royal Marines. George was the son of Matthew and May Cartwright, and the husband of Jean W. Hughes Cartwright, of Dennistoun, Glasgow. He was 24 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

James Henry Clegg, Marine, PLY/X 4091, Royal Marines. James was the son of James Henry and Annie Clegg, of Huddersfield. He was 20 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

John Henry Thomas Clowes, Marine, CH/X 2375, Royal Marines. John was the son of John and Florence Clowes, of West Haddon, Northamptonshire. He was 22 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Richard Harry William Cole, Marine, CH/X 109391, Royal Marines. Richard was the son of Francis Knight Cole and Lilian Maud Cole, of Langham, Rutland. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

James Coyne, Corporal, PLY/X 788, Royal Marines. James was the son of Annie Mulholland Coyne, and the husband of Jane Coyne, of Glasgow. He was 28 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Frank Stuart Bulkuley Cranmore, Wireman, D/MX 105424, Royal Navy. Frank was the son of Frank and Dorothy Cranmore, of Portsmouth. He was 20 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

William Henry Davis, Marine, PO/X 113006, Royal Marines. William was the son of William Henry and May Davies, of Birmingham. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

John Dick, DSM, Leading Stoker, P/KX 92859, Royal Navy. John was the son of Andrew and Isabella Dick, of Inverkeithing, Fife. He was 23 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. John had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallantry earlier in the war.

David Elliott, Marine, PO/X 110870, Royal Marines. David was the son of Albert Edward and Alice Maud Elliott, of Edgehill, Liverpool. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Duncan Moffat Gillan Gibb, Motor Mechanic, C/MX 116886, Royal Navy. Duncan was the son of John and Katherine Gibb, of Falkirk, Stirlingshire. He was 20 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Patrick Burnett Gordon, Marine, CH/X. 109418, Royal Marines. Patrick was the son of Mrs. J. Robb, of Kirkton of Logie, Aberdeenshire. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

James John Arthur Hall, Marine, CH/X 106075, Royal Marines. James was 20 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

John Ernest Harrison, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/JX 340482, Royal Navy. John was the son of Charles and Mary Elizabeth Harrison, of Surfleet. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Surfleet (St. Lawrence) Churchyard.

Charles Ellis Hawthorne, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 366573, Royal Navy. Charles was the son of Arthur and Sarah Ann Hawthorne, of Byker, Northumberland. He was 22 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Percy William John Howard, Marine, CH/X 111751, Royal Marines. Percy was the son of Sidney Herbert and Elizabeth Ann Howard, of Surbiton, Surrey. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Douglas Edgar George Hunt, Marine, CH/X 2697, Royal Marines. Douglas was the son of Albert Jeffreys Hunt and Adeline May Hunt, of Coulsdon, Surrey. He was 21 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Boyd Carmont Whincup Milns, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Boyd was the  son of Henry and Lucy Annie Milns, of Hyde Park, Leeds. He was 34 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

David John Brown Mitchell, Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. David was the son of David Brown Mitchell and Helen Mitchell, and the husband of Doris Alexandra Mitchell, of Aberdeen. He was 26 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

Frederick Thomas Bertram Patching, Stoker 2nd Class, C/KX 153789, Royal Navy. Frederick was the son of Thomas and Rose Ada Patching, of Dartford, Kent. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

John Sigley, Marine, PLY/X 109057, Royal Marines. John was the son of John and Annie Sigley, of Everton, Liverpool. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Clifford Smith, Able Seaman, P/JX 290174, Royal Navy. Clifford was the son of James and Annie Smith, of Buxworth, Derbyshire. He was 21 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

William Henry Swift, Marine, PLY/X 108011, Royal Marines. William was the son of Jane Swift, and stepson of Thomas Johnson, of Liverpool. He was 19 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

Albert David Wheal, Marine, CH/X 101513, Royal Marines. Albert was the son of William David and Sarah Emily Wheal, of Dagenham, Essex. He was 21 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

Thomas White, Marine, CH/X 108814, Royal Marines. Thomas was the son of William and Emily White, and the husband of Constance White, of Wardle, Lancashire. He was 18 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

John Thomas Williams, Able Seaman, P/SSX 15515, Royal Navy. John was the son of Thomas Charles and Margaret Williams, of New Silksworth, Co. Durham, and the husband of Amelia Williams, of New Silksworth. He was 29 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

Douglas Frederick Wright, Leading Seaman, C/JX 248211, Royal Navy. Douglas was the son of Owen and Bertha Wright, and the husband of Gladys Margaret Wright, of Finchley, Middlesex. He was 26 years old when he drowned on 26 April 1943, and is buried at Milford Haven Cemetery.

It will be noticed that many of the men lost in the Freshwater West tragedy have no known graves, and are commemorated on the Naval Memorials at Chatham, Plymouth or Portsmouth. While some of these men’s bodies were never recovered, Milford Haven Cemetery contains the graves of about thirteen men from the tragedy whose bodies were never identified. One of these graves is shown below: