British officers  |  RN  |  RNVR  |  RM  |  WRNS  |  home
Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) Officers
1939-1945

Looking for details on a RNR officer not listed here yet?
Just e-mail me, and I might be able to help out.
Of course, any additions, corrections etc. can also be e-mailed.

Note. In naval circles it is custom to refer to the commander of a vessel as Captain. The Navy List bears the phrase "in command". Strictly out of practical considerations CO (Commanding Officer) is used here on this site. Abbreviations and explanations can be found at the help page.

 
A
  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Walgate, R.
to
Wykes, F.E.

  
R. Walgate  to  F.E. Wykes
Walgate,
Richard
R. Walgate, 1957 (Photo: Merchant Navy Nostalgia website)
R. Walgate, 1957 (Photo: Merchant Navy Nostalgia website)
?
-
died between 07.1962 and 08.1973 ??
Prob. A/S.Lt. 01.09.1934
A/S.Lt. 11.08.1936
S.Lt. 11.08.1937
Lt. 14.11.1939
02.1941, seniority 03.10.1939
A/Lt.Cdr. > 04.1946
Lt.Cdr. 03.10.1947 (retd 03.09.1957)
Mention in Despatches MID 16.12.1941 attack submarine U452 Orkneys & Shetlands 25.08.41
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD 19.04.1948 -
1939, Atlantic with France and Germany bar, Africa with North Africa 1942-43 bar and Italy Stars, War Medal
01.09.1934     joined RNR
(04.1940)     no appointment listed
28.11.1940 - (02.)1941 HMS Kingston Onyx (anti-submarine trawler)
(08.1941)     HMS Vascama (anti-submarine trawler)
23.10.1943 - (06.1944) Navigating Officer, HMS Latimer (cable ship) [involved in the Pipeline under the ocean (PLUTO) scheme]
06.1945 - (07.1945) Navigating Officer, HMS Dungeness (landing craft repair ship)
27.03.1946 - (04.1946) HMS Chaser (escort carrier)
Served Merchant Navy. Staff Commander, "Empress of England" (Canadian Pacific Steamship Company), 1957.
Walker,
Stanley Hope
S.H. Walker
?
-
01.01.2001
Paym.S.Lt. 06.01.1935
Paym.Lt. 06.01.1937
Lt.Cdr. (S) 06.01.1945
Lt.Cdr. (S) RN 03.12.1946, seniority 06.01.1945
Cdr. (S) RN 31.12.1952 (retd 12.03.1964)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE 01.01.1964 New Year 64 [investiture 17.03.64]
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 11.12.1945 wind up Europe 45
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD 1945? ?
24.08.1939 - (08.1942) Secretary to Naval Officer-in-Charge, Methil [HMS Cochrane II (RN base, Rosyth)]
18.01.1943 - (1945) HMS Sheffield (cruiser) *
22.03.1946 - (04.1946) HMS Mullion Cove (repair ship)
03.12.1946     transferred, RN
07.10.1947 - (07.)1948 HMS Mercury (signal school, nr. Petersfield)
25.09.1948 - (05.)1949 HMS Royal Rupert (Naval Party 1735, Wilhelmshaven)
01.10.1949 - (05.1950) HMS Royal Prince (RN parent ship Germany, Krefeld)
21.05.1951 - (05.1953) HMS Lochinvar (destroyer / minesweeping base, Port Edgar)
26.10.1954 - (01.)1956 HMS Harrier (RN school of aircraft direction and metereology, Kete, Pembrokeshire)
27.02.1956 - (01.1957) SSO [= Senior Supply & Secretariat Officer ?], Persian Gulf & Resident Naval Officer, Bahrein [HMS Jufair]
06.05.1960 - (02.1964) SSO [= Senior Supply & Secretariat Officer ?] on staff of Flag Officer Scotland & Northern Ireland [HMS Cochrane (RN base, Rosyth)]
* (07.1945) indexed, but not listed as such
Walker,
William John
W.J. Walker
?
-
1953
Libya (died of sunstroke on the bridge of a ship)
Prob. T/Lt. 02.09.1940
T/Lt. ?, seniority 02.09.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr. < 07.1945 (reld < 04.1946)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 08.12.1942 Russian convoy PQ18 09.42
08.11.1940 - (02.1941) HMS Lasso (cable ship)
03.06.1942 - (08.)1942 Commanding Officer, MMS 212 (motor minesweeper)
26.11.1942 - (08.1943) Commanding Officer, MMS 243 (motor minesweeper)
(07.1945)     no appointment listed
Walley,
Rupert Healey
R.H. Walley
12.10.1887
Chester, Cheshire
-
(03?).1962
Sidcup district, Kent
Lt.Cdr. 01.10.1922
Cdr. 31.12.1929
Capt. 30.06.1936
A/Cdre. 2nd cl. 14.11.1940 (retd)
Cdre. 2nd cl. (retd) 12.10.1945
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) OBE 01.01.1949 New Year 49
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration (pre-1941 model) RD ? ?
14.11.1940 - (08.1942) Commodore of Ocean Convoys [HMS Eaglet]
15.12.1941 - (08.1942) also: RNR ADC to the King
(07.1945)     no appointment listed
Commodore of the United Baltic Corporation's fleet.
Warman,
Francis Ethelbert
F.B. Warman
Son (with three brothers and four sisters) of William Wales Warman (1853-1914), and Desdemonia Williams (1872-1946).
Brother of Skpr. Frederick Bernard Warman, RNR.
Married (01.01.1914, Old Clee Church, Grimsby, Lincolnshire) Amy Coral Carless (1891-).
(06?).1895
Caistor district, Lincolnshire
-
14.02.1964
Grimsby, Lincolnshire
T/Skpr. 01.09.1940 [TS 667] (reld < 10.1944)
Trawler skipper, Grimsby.
31.08.1940 - (02.)1941 Commanding Officer, HMS Ampulla (armed patrol trawler)
(12.1941)     no appointment listed
Warman,
Frederick Bernard
F.B. Warman (Photo courtesy of Mr Gordon E. Warman)
Son (with three brothers and four sisters) of William Wales Warman (1853-1914), and Desdemonia Williams (1872-1946).
Brother of Skpr. Francis Ethelbert Warman, RNR.

Married (26.12.1922, St Andrew's Church, Grimsby, Lincolnshire) Jessie Bellamy (26.05.1903 - 01.1991), daughter of William Bellamy; one son, one daughter.
19.04.1904
Grimsby, Lincolnshire
-
03.02.1981
Grimsby, Humberside
T/Skpr. 14.09.1940 [TS 676] (reld < 04.1946)
Trawler skipper, Grimsby.
14.06.1940 - (10.1940) Commanding Officer, HMS Louis Botha (minesweeping trawler)
(02.1941)     HMS Louis Botha (minesweeping trawler) *
25.04.1941 - 10.03.1942 Commanding Officer, HMS Doonie Braes (minesweeping trawler)
26.04.1944 - (01.)1945 Commanding Officer, HMS General Birdwood (minesweeping trawler)
04.02.1945 - (07.1945) Commanding Officer, HMS Sunlight (minesweeping trawler)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Warwick,
Richard Colin
R.C. Warwick (Photo courtesy of Mr Lindsay W. Clubb) R.C. Warwick (Photo courtesy of Mr Lindsay W. Clubb)
R.C. Warwick (Photo courtesy of Mr Lindsay W. Clubb)

Weblog on HMS Rushen Castle
30.08.1912
Surbiton, Surrey
-
20.04.2002
Washington, DC, United States of America
Prob. T/S.Lt. 31.01.1940
T/S.Lt. 05.08.1940, seniority 31.01.1940
T/Lt. 04.1941, seniority 31.01.1941
T/A/Lt.Cdr. 01.12.1943? (reld < 04.1946)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 16.08.1940 15th Anti-Submarine Striking Force, Norwegian coast
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 01.01.1941 New Year 41
Left Pangbourne College as a cadet Captain to become an Indentured Cadet with the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company to learn the duties of a seaman and a ship's officer. Junior partner with the Wallace Attwood group of management and industrial consultants, engaged in essential war production work.
(04.1940)     no appointment listed
17.04.1940 - (08.)1943 Commanding Officer, HMS St Loman (anti-submarine trawler)
01.12.1943 - 25.06.1945 Commanding Officer, HMS Rushen Castle (corvette)
[ship commissioned 14.02.1944]
06.1945 - (07.1945) HMS Seaborn (RN Air Station, Dartmouth, NS, Canada) (for miscellaneous duties)
      on leave from his ship between convoys, he worked with the Admiralty Press Division visiting Royal Navy suppliers, and made two broadcasts for the BBC Overseas Programmes.
Later he pursued a very successful career as an international marketing consultant based in Washington, DC, USA.
Published
: Really not required : memoirs, 1939 to 1945 (1997).
Watson,
John Raymond
J.R. Watson
?
-
T/Midsh. 06.01.1944
Member of the Order of the British Empire MBE 11.09.1945 sinking U-1024 Western Approaches 12.04.45
12.07.1944 - (10.)1944 HMS Emerald (cruiser)
14.10.1944 - (04.1946) HMS Loch More (frigate)
Watson,
William Albert
J.R. Watson
?
-
Skpr. 26.11.1917 [WS 2382]
Ch.Skpr. 26.11.1927
Skpr.Lt. 30.06.1940
Member of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) MBE 04.09.1945 rescue of US airman from a minefield
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 01.01.1940 New Year 40: for minesweeping & anti-submarine duties [investiture 07.02.40]
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration (pre-1941 model) RD 19.12.1934 -
1939 - (10.1944) Commanding Officer, HMS Akita (minesweeping trawler) *
(01.1945) - (07.1945) no appointment listed
1945?     ST Retako (trawler)
* (04.1940) & (02.1941) no appointment listed; date of appointment given as 02.1941
Watson,
William Frederick
W.F. Watson
08.03.1895
Uckfield, Sussex
-
28.06.1973
Nailsea, Somerset
Signalman WW I [J 10489]
T/Lt. 19.10.1939 [temporary commission under T.124 agreements]
T/Lt. 02.09.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr. < 07.1945 (reld > 04.1946)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC 14.11.1944 Operation Neptune (Normandy invasion 06.44) [investiture 13.11.45]
1914-15 War Medal
(04.1940)     no appointment listed
17.09.1940 - (02.1941) Commanding Officer, HMS Commiles (minesweeping trawler)
15.06.1942 - (08.)1942 Commanding Officer, HM MMS 140 (motor minesweeper)
28.11.1942 - (02.)1943 Commanding Officer, HM MMS 175 (motor minesweeper)
01.04.1943 - (06.1944) Commanding Officer, HM MMS 218 (motor minesweeper)
(07.1945) - (04.1946) no appointment listed
Worked for P.A. Cambell on the paddle steamers Ravenswood, Bristol Queen, Cardiff Queen etc. Retired Master Mariner.
Watts,
Geoffrey
G. Watts
?
-
[1959 still alive]
Lt. 08.03.1929 (retd > 08.1929, < 02.1931)
Lt.Cdr. (retd) 08.03.1937
02.1942 - (1945?) Commanding Officer, Prince of Wales Training School (Stalham, nr Norfolk)
Webster,
Arthur Wallace
A.W. Webster
?
-
T/S.Lt. 24.09.1939
T/A/Lt. 24.09.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr. < 10.1944 (reld < 04.1946)
Served Merchant Navy.
(04.1940)     HMS Lucifer (RN base, Swansea) *
24.09.1940 - (02.)1941 HMS Lucifer (RN base, Swansea)
19.05.1941 - (12.1943) HMS Stag (RN base, Port Said) (additional; for various services)
(10.1944)     HMS Drake (RN base, Devonport) *
(07.1945)     no appointment listed
* indexed, but not listed as such
Webster,
Francis James
A.W. Webster
Cousin of Lt.Cdr. F.W.S. Roberts, RNR.
09.12.1902
Toxteth Park districit, Lancashire
-
03.07.1991
Penzance district, Cornwall
Prob. S.Lt. 25.04.1927
S.Lt. 07.11.1927, seniority 25.04.1927
Lt. 09.08.1930
Lt.Cdr. 09.08.1938 (reld < 04.1946) (retd 09.12.1947)
Cdr. (retd) 09.12.1947
01.12.1939 - (02.)1941 HMS Afrikander V, from 03.1940 HMS Edinburgh Castle (RN base, Freetown, Sierra Leone)
09.07.1941 - (02.)1943 Commanding Officer, HMS St Modwen (armed yacht; anti-submarine duties)
27.04.1943 - (10.1944) on staff of Vice-Admiral Malta [HMS St Angelo (RN base, Malta)]
18.06.1945 - (07.1945) HMS Osprey (anti-submarine establishment, Dunoon, Argyllshire)
Weeks,
Alan Frederick
A.F. Weeks (Source: http://www.mybrightonandhove.org.uk) A.F. Weeks (Source: http://www.bihwa.co.uk)
Son of late Capt. Frederick Charles Weeks, MN, and Ada Frances Weeks.
Married (1947) Barbara Jane (née Huckle); one son (and one son, one daughter deceased).
08.09.1923
Brighton
-
11.06.1996
Hove, Sussex
T/Midsh. 1941
T/A/S.Lt. ?
T/S.Lt. 01.03.1944
T/Lt. 01.04.1945 (reld 04.1946)
Education: Hove & Sussex Grammar School, Brighton
Cadet, Merchant Navy, 1939-1941.
?     HMS Renown (battlecruiser)
04.06.1943 - (12.1943) HMS Rother (frigate)
01.02.1944 - (06.1944) HMS Rushen Castle (corvette)
(07.1945)     no appointment listed
(04.1946)     HMS Helmsdale (frigate) *
PRO, Sports Stadium, Brighton, 1946-1965; Secretary, Brighton Tigers Ice Hockey Club, 1946-1965; Director, London Lions Ice Hockey Club, 1973-1974; first Director, Sports Aid Foundation, 1976-1983. BBC Commentator: Ice Hockey, 1951-1988; Football, 1956-1978; Ice Skating, 1958-1996; Gymnastics, 1962-1989; Swimming, 1971-1990; Presenter: Summer Grandstand, 1959-1962; Olympics, 1960, 1964; BBC Commentator: Winter Olympics: 1964, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1994; Olympics: 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988; World Cup: 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978; Commonwealth Games: 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986; Presenter, Pot Black, 1970-1984. Life Mem., Nat. Skating Assoc. of GB, 1984 (Chm. Trustees, 1993-); Mem. Council, British Ice Hockey Association, 1983-; inducted British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, 1988. Life Pres., Brighton and Hove Entertainment Managers' Assoc., 1985. Hon. Mem., Amateur Swimming Assoc., 1990. Governor, Sports Aid Foundation, 1983-1996.

* indexed, but not listed as such
Weeks,
Albert Clifford
see: RNVR section  
Weir,
Hector Norman
A.W.S. Wells
Married ((06?).1922, Romford district, Essex) Dorothy Beatrice Burdick; two daughters.
From Dawlish.
27.04.1894
Tynemouth district, Northumberland
-
05.1985

Croydon district, London / Surrey
T/Cdr. (E)
29.05.1940 (reld < 04.1946)

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC

14.06.1945

HM's birthday 45 [decoration posted]
Comdn
1944?
for services in repair work during action with enemy submarines 09.05.44
29.05.1940
-
(02.)1941
HMS Port Napier (auxiliary minelayer)
17.10.1941
-
(12.1941)
HMS Avenger (escort carrier)
01.03.1943
-
(07.1945)
HMS Vindex (escort carrier)
Engineering superintendent in Port Line Ltd until his retirement in the 1950s.
Wells,
Augustus Widdicombe Stenson
"Gus"
A.W.S. Wells

Son of ... and Amelia Elizabeth (Stenson) Wells.
Married (1912, Cardiff) ... Groves; two sons.
1887
-
21.09.1957
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Ldg.Sign.
? [O.N. 225676 (R.F.R. Dev./B4666)]
T/S.Lt. RNVR
12.06.1918
T/Lt.
01.04.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr.
> 02.1943, < 06.1943 (reld 1946?)
Mention in Despatches MID
20.09.1918
Mediterranean

 

WW I


served Royal Navy & Merchant Navy (all over the world)
1918


joined Merchant Navy
WW II


served in Turkey, North Africa & Western Approaches (wounded)
(02.1941)


no appointment listed
07.1942
-
(12.1943)
HMS Nile (RN base, Alexandria):
07.1942
-
(02.1943)
for various services
(06.1943)
-
(12.1943)
Navy Control of Shipping (NCS) Officer, Tripoli [wounded]
(07.1945)


HMS Ferret (RN base, Londonderry) *
(04.1946)


no appointment listed
* indexed, but not listed as such
Publican in Aylesbury, Bucks. and ran a branch of the Sea Cadets.
Whichello,
George Alfred [Blandford]
"Toby"
G.A. Whichello (Photo courtesy of Mr George Peacock)

Son of George and Edie Whichello.
Husband of Lilian Elizabeth Whichello, of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.
19.07.1907
Thanet, Kent
-
22.10.1943
(KIA) [age 36]
[Lowestoft Naval Memorial, panel 11, column 1]
T/Skpr.
10.11.1939 [WS 3098, TS 217]
A/T/Skpr.Lt.
< 12.1941

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC
11.06.1942
HM's birthday 42 * [award presented to next-of-kin]
* For a rescue mission whilst escorting a convoy, which was attacked by German aircraft. One ship was lost [probably SS Ratula], and a difficult rescue was initiated by Whichello, in launching a small boat to rescue sailors from the burning ship loaded with aviation fuel which was about to explode at any time.
(04.1940)


no appointment listed
22.08.1940
-
(06.)1942
HMS Leeds United (auxiliary anti-submarine trawler)
08.1942
-
22.10.1943
Commanding Officer, HMS Orfasy (Isle class trawler) (torpedoed)
White,
Duncan Frederick
D.F. White
Son of Lt.Col. George Henry White, RAPC (1876-1953), and Helen Mackenzie (1878-1932).
Brother of Lt. Kenneth John White, RNR, and Brig. Denis White, Royal Signals.
Married Carrie Mary Hardy, who was a direct descendant of Admiral Nelson's Flag Captain - Sir Thomas Hardy; one son, one daughter.
23.09.1900
Urray, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland
-
12.06.1970
Hove, Sussex
Prob. S.Lt.
11.04.1927?
S.Lt.
19.11.1927, seniority 11.04.1927
Lt.
04.08.1930 (retd 03.11.1934)
Lt.Cdr. (retd)
04.08.1938
A/Cdr. (retd)
> 10.1944, < 01.1945 (reverted to retd < 04.1946)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) OBE
12.06.1965
HM's birthday 65: Inspector Coastguard
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
14.08.1943
-
(04.1940)
 
 
no appointment listed
(02.1941)
 
 
no appointment listed
05.1941
-
1942
Commanding Officer, HMS Veronica (corvette)
27.07.1943
-
09.09.1944
Commanding Officer, HMS Antigua (frigate)
15.09.1944
-
(07.1945)
HMS Leigh (RN base, Southend on Sea)
Post-war Chief Inspector of HM Coastguard, Board of Trade (1962-1965), later being promoted to Deputy Director of HM Coastguard.
White,
Ernest Woodeson
E.W. White
Son of William Henry and Laura Susannah White; husband of Marguerite Jane White, of Waterlooville, Hampshire.
1881 ?
-
05.11.1940
(KIA) [age 59]
[Liverpool Naval Memorial, panel 3, column 1]
T/Paym.Lt.Cdr.
15.09.1939
15.09.1939
-
05.11.1940
HMS Jervis Bay (auxiliary merchant cruiser)
White,
Kenneth John
K.J. White
Son of Lt.Col. George Henry White, RAPC (1876-1953), and Helen Mackenzie (1878-1932).
Brother of Cdr. Duncan Frederick White, RNR, and Brig. Denis White, Royal Signals.
Married Gladys Dove.
Residence: Dundee, Scotland.
16.09.1906
Dublin, Ireland
-
13.03.1979

Scotland
Prob. T/Lt.
20.11.1939
T/Lt.
01.05.1940, seniority 20.11.1939
T/A/Lt.Cdr.
< 10.1944 (reld < 07.1945)
20.11.1939
-
(04.)1940
HMS Cormorant (RN base, Gibraltar)
18.09.1940
-
06.05.1941
HMS Camito (ocaean boarding vessel) [ship torpedoed & sunk by U-97 west-southwest of Cape Clear]
25.06.1941
-
(12.1941)
Commanding Officer, HMS St Briac (Fleet Air Arm target ship)
06.10.1943
-
(10.1944)
HMS Copra (Combined Operations accounting base) (for landing barge (LB) duty)
Post-war he accepted a commission in the Royal Indian Navy.
White,
Leonard Arthur
L.A. White
?
-
Prob. S.Lt.
31.12.1936
S.Lt.
1937/38, seniority 31.12.1936
Lt.
20.08.1938
A/Lt.Cdr.
29.03.1941? (reld from active service 20.04.1946)
Lt.Cdr.
20.08.1946 (retd or died > 05.1950, < 05.1953)

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC
02.06.1943
HM's birthday 43 [investiture 15.02.44]
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
10.04.1946
?
05.09.1939
-
(02.)1941
Commanding Officer, HMS Kingston Turquoise (anti-submarine warfare trawler)
29.03.1941
-
(10.1944)
Commanding Officer, HMS Widgeon (sloop)
04.06.1945
-
(07.1945)
Commanding Officer, HM LST 303 (landing ship, tank)
White,
Samuel Norman
S.N. White
?
-
[1959 still alive]
Capt.
31.12.1932 (retd (> 08.1939, < 08.1942)
A/Cdre. 2nd cl. (retd)
22.04.1941
Cdre. 2nd cl. (retd)
13.09.1945
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
11.12.1945
wind up Europe 45
Mention in Despatches MID
27.06.1944
3 years service
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
?
?
28.10.1938
-
(08.1939)
RNR ADC to the King
22.04.1941
-
(06.1944)
Commodore of Ocean Convoys [HMS Eaglet]
(07.1945)


no appointment listed
White,
Sidney Alexander
S.A. White
?
-
T/Skpr.
27.09.1939 [W.S. 3046, T.S. 165]
A/T/Ch.Skpr.
08.11.1944 (reld < 04.1946)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC
01.01.1940
New Year 40
04.12.1939
-
(04.1940)
Commanding Officer, HMS Silver Dawn (armed drifter)
28.09.1940
-
(02.1941)
Commanding Officer, HMS Almandine (minesweeping trawler)
12.11.1943
-
(07.1945)
HMS Colonsay (RN base for minesweeping force, Humber)
Whitehouse,
Geoffrey Thomas
G.T. Whitehouse
18.08.1891
Bosmere, Suffolk
-
(12?).1979
Winchester district, Hampshire

...
...
Lt.
01.09.1916
Lt.Cdr.
01.09.1924 (retd 16.12.1924)
Cdr. (retd)
18.08.1931
A/Capt. (retd)
1941?
Commander of the Order of the British Empire CBE
1960/70s ?
?
Distinguished Service Cross DSC
WW I ?
?
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
11.1942
?
Distinguished Service Decoration (Greece) (24.11.1942; for services to the Greek Navy)
(04.1940)


no appointment listed
14.06.1940
-
(02.1941)
Naval Officer-in-Charge, Port Sudan [HMS Stag (RN base, Port Said)]
(12.1941)


HMS Sheba (RN base, Aden) *
17.08.1942
-
(07.1945)
HMS Eaglet (RN base, Liverpool) (for AND duties)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Whitfield,
Edwin
E. Whitfield (Photo courtesy of Mrs Jane Whitfield Smith)
Son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Casson) Whitfield.
Married Margaret Connell (1911-95), of Dundas, Ontario, Canada; two sons, one daughter.
10.02.1902
Austwick, Yorkshire
-
30.10.1997
Canada
T/S.Lt.
29.08.1939
T/Lt.
28.11.1939 (reld > 04.1946)
Lived in Bermuda since 1927.
29.08.1939
-
28.08.1940
HMS Malabar (RN base, Bermuda) (for service at Bermuda)
29.08.1940
-
(07.1945)
Examination Service, St George [HMS Malabar (RN base, Bermuda)]
(04.1946)
 
 
no appointment listed
After the war he and his family moved to Canada, where he led an active life until the age of 95.
Whitfield,
William
W. Whitfield
?
-
Lt.
27.07.1938
A/Lt.Cdr.
02.10.1941? (reld 1945/46)

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC
02.10.42
Operation Jubilee
Mention in Despatches MID
11.06.42
HM's birthday 42
02.10.1941
-
23.08.1943
Commanding Officer, ML 194 & SO 11th ML Flotilla [HMS Beaver III]
07.1944
-
(07.1945)
Commanding Officer, HMS Fleetwood (sloop)
Wilkinson,
Thomas
T. Wilkinson
Son of William and Esther Wilkinson, of Widnes, Lancashire.

Victoria Cross Reference

01.08.1898
Widnes, Lancashire
-
14.02.1942
(KIA) [age 52]
Malayan Straits, Java
[Liverpool Naval Memorial, panel 1, column 2]
T/Lt.
29.06.1940

Victoria Cross

VC
17.12.1946
attack Japanese convoy 14.02.42 *
* On 14th February, 1942, HMS Li Wo, a patrol vessel of 1,000 tons, formerly a passenger steamer on the Yangtse River, was on passage from Singapore to Batavia. Her company consisted of eighty-four officers and men, mainly survivors from HM ships and Army and Air Force units. Her armament was one 4-inch gun (with 13 practice shells) and two machine-guns. Since leaving Singapore she had beaten off four air attacks and had suffered considerable damage. Late in the afternoon she sighted two enemy convoys, the larger being escorted by Japanese fleet units, including a heavy cruiser and some destroyers. Lieutenant Wilkinson, with the unanimous backing of his mixed company, decided to engage the convoy and to fight to the last, inflicting what damage he could. He knew that his ship faced certain destruction. In the action that followed the machine-guns were used effectively, and a volunteer gun-crew fought the 4-inch gun to such purpose that they hit and set on fire a Japanese transport. After a little more than an hour, HMS Li Wo was critically damaged and was sinking. Lieutenant Wilkinson decided to ram the damaged transport. It is known that this ship burned throughout the night and was probably sunk. Having ordered his ship to be abandoned, Lieutenant Wilkinson himself went down with her. Lieutenant Wilkinson's valour was equalled only by the skill with which he fought his ship. The Victoria cross is bestowed upon him posthumously in recognition of the heroism and self-sacrifice displayed not only by himself but by all who fought and died with him.
Master, Li Wo (passenger steamer on the Yangtse river).
29.06.1940
-
14.02.1942
Commanding Officer, HMS Li Wo (auxiliary patrol vessel)
Williams,
David Thomas Morgan
D.T.M. Williams
11.05.1899
Brecknock district, Breconshire / Powys
-
(03?).1972
Wirral district, Cheshire
Lt.
20.04.1923
Lt.Cdr.
20.04.1931
Cdr.
30.06.1938
Capt.
30.06.1943 (reld 1945/46)
Mention in Despatches MID
01.07.1941
HM's birthday 41
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
?
?
(1941)


Nore Command [HMS Pembroke]
01.01.1944
-
(07.1945)
Salvage Department, Admiralty [HMS President]
Williams,
Patrick Michael Cay
P.M.C. Williams
?
-
S/Lt.
?
Lt.
?

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC
29.09.1942
air-sea rescue Dover 15.01.42
Mention in Despatches MID
02.12.1941
air-sea rescue Dover
(1942)
-
18.01.1943?
Commanding Officer, HM ML 141 (motor launch)
Williamson,
Hugh
H. Williamson
Son of John and Helen Williamson, of Fordyce, Portsoy, Banffshire; husband of Pearl Grant Williamson (nee Robertson), of Keith, Banffshire.
1898 ?
-
05.11.1940
(KIA) [age 42]
[Liverpool Naval Memorial, panel 15, column 1]
First Radio Officer
? [913236]



Naval Auxiliary Personnel (Merchant Navy), serving under the T.124 agreement
15.09.1939
-
05.11.1940
Chief Radio Officer, HMS Jervis Bay (armed merchant cruiser)
Willis,
William Austin
W.A. Willis
Son of Frederick William Willis.
Married (1950) Frances Thompson; one son, one daughter.
17.05.1914
Belfast, Northern Ireland
-
04.1986
T/Lt.
25.05.1942
T/A/Lt.Cdr.
08.1944?
06.08.1942
-
(12.1943)
HMS Ulster Queen (auxiliary anti-aircraft ship)
08.1944
-
(04.1946)
Commanding Officer, HM LSE 2 (landing ship, emergency repair)
Master Mariner. Master of Esso tankers. Went to Namibia, 29.12.1951. He was a Director of Willis Lund and Company Shipping Line. Mayor of Walvis Bay for 7 years. Master of the fish factory ship L'Interpeche, c. 1970-1978.
Wilson,
John
J. Wilson (Photo courtesy of Mr Forbes Wilson)
J. Wilson (Photo courtesy of Mr Forbes Wilson)
J. Wilson (Photo courtesy of Mr Forbes Wilson)
Son of John Watson Wilson and Margaret Wilson. Married Jane Farquharson Wilson; two sons.

website
15.02.1899
Newhaven, Leith, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
-
27.09.1967
Edinburgh
Deck Hand
15.02.1917 [DA14647]
Skpr.
08.09.1924 [WS 2354]
Ch.Skpr.
08.09.1934
Skpr.Lt.
31.12.1941 (reld 24.11.1945) (retd 15.02.1949; age limit)
Distinguished Service Cross DSC
11.07.1940
HM's birthday 40
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration (pre-1941 model) RD
27.11.1939
?
British War Medal; Victory Medal; 1939-45 Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45
15.02.1917


entered RNR
15.02.1917
-
06.12.1917
HMS Boadicea 2 (Auxiliary Patrol Parent Ship, Dublin)
07.12.1917
-
26.04.1918
HMT Emley (hired trawler)
27.04.1918
-
03.06.1918
HMT Trumpeter (hired trawler)
04.06.1918
-
31.12.1918
HMT Grosbreak (hired trawler)
01.01.1919
-
09.02.1919
HMS Gunner (Auxiliary Patrol Base, Granton)
09.02.1919
-
29.08.1939
demobilised, returning to his civilian occupation (trawling); remained in the RNR, having training for a few weeks every few years, until being recalled for actual service with the Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS)
29.08.1939
-
21.09.1939
HMS Pembroke X (RNPS base, Lowestoft)
22.09.1939
-
08.11.1939
HMT Regal (anti-submarine trawler)
09.11.1939
-
05.12.1939
HMS Romola (minesweeping base, Lowestoft)
06.12.1939
-
20.04.1940
HMT Rutlandshire (anti-submarine trawler)
21.04.1940
-
08.06.1940
HMS Europa (RNPS base, Lowestoft)
09.06.1940
-
23.08.1943
HMS Pembroke IV (RN accounting base, Great Yarmouth)
24.08.1943
-
09.10.1943
HMS Europa (RNPS base, Lowestoft)
10.10.1943
-
17.09.1945
HMS Caroline (RN base, Belfast)
18.09.1945
-
24.11.1945
HMS Europa (RNPS base, Lowestoft)
Wilson,
Joseph Havelock
J.H. Wilson
(09?).1888
Sunderland district, Co. Durham and Tyne and Wear
-
23.06.1942

(illness) [age 54]
[Camberwell New Cemetery, London, square 15, grave 7343]
A/Asst.Paym.
?
Asst.Paym.
07.02.1916, seniority 25.08.1914
Paym.Lt.
25.08.1916
Paym.Lt.Cdr.
25.08.1924
Paym.Cdr.
31.12.1932 (retd 12.06.1938)

Royal Naval Reserve Decoration (pre-1941 model)

RD 
24.07.1931
-



may have been connected with running a prisoner of war camp for German naval personnel in WW1
15.04.1941
-
23.06.1942
HMS Eaglet (RN base, Liverpool) (additional; for various services)
Wilson,
Wallace Franklin
W.F. Wilson
Son of William and Flora Wilson, of Hull.
Husband of Florence Wilson, of Gipsyville, Hull; one son, one daughter.
(12?).1904
Sculcoates district, Yorkshire
-
24.07.1942

(accident) [age 37]
[Haltemprice (Hessle) Cemetery, Comp. 53, plot 8, Grave 1]
Skpr.
14.06.1939 [WS 2930]
01.12.1939
-
12.09.1940
HMS Welcome Home (minesweeping trawler) *
12.11.1941
-
24.07.1942
Commanding Officer, HMS John Stephen (minesweeping trawler)
* (02.1941) still indexed, but no longer listed as such
Winder,
Ralph Spearing
R.S. Winder
Son of Ralph Humphreys Winder, and Florence Edith Winder.
Husband of Florence May Winder, of St. John's Wood, London.
1907 ?
-
22.06.1941
(KIA) [age 34]
[Portsmouth Naval Memorial, panel 60, column 1]
Prob. Lt.
01.07.1937
Lt.
15.06.1938, seniority 01.07.1937
17.04.1939, seniority 18.02.1937

Distinguished Service Order

DSO 
22.07.1941
destruction U-boat [presented to next-of-kin]
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE
01.01.1941
New Year 41 [investiture 20.05.41]
19.03.1940
-
(02.)1941
Commanding Officer, HMS Kingston Peridot (anti-submarine warfare trawler)
(03.)1941
-
22.06.1941
Commanding Officer, HMS Visenda (anti-submarine warfare trawler)
Wood,
Edmund
E. Wood
Son of Captain George E. Wood and Lucy Wood. Husband of Beatrice Mary Wood.
1897 ?
-
11.02.1945

(KIA) [age 48]
[Liverpool Naval Memorial, panel 1, column 1]
Lt.
28.02.1920
Lt.Cdr.
28.02.1928 (retd 26.10.1935)
Cdr. (retd)
20.04.1936

Royal Naval Reserve Decoration (pre-1941 model)

RD 
?
?
(04.1940)


no appointment listed
(02.1941)


HMS Stag (RN base, Port Said) *
17.10.1943
-
11.02.1945
HMS Lucifer (RN base, Swansea) [on board SS Persier when torpedoed]
* indexed, but not listed as such
Wood,
Norman Edgar
N.E. Wood
?
-
T/Lt.
15.09.1939 (reld 05.11.1940; commission terminated)

Distinguished Service Order

DSO 
23.01.1941
action with enemy raider 05.11.40



serving under the T.124 agreement
15.09.1939
-
05.11.1940
HMS Jervis Bay (armed merchant cruiser) (ship sunk)
Wood,
Thomas Albert Edward
T.A.E. Wood

28.07.1901
Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
-
(09?).1974
Haverford West district

T/Bm.Skpr.
01.07.1941 (reld < 04.1946)
Trawler skipper at Milford Haven.
(12.1941)


HMS Barstoke (boom defence vessel) *
02.1943
-
(08.1943)
HMS Barrier (boom defence vessel)
04.02.1944
-
(07.1945)
HMS St Columba (boom defence depot, Greenock)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Woods,
Sidney Richard James
S.R.J. Woods (Photo courtesy of Mr Sid Woods)
S.R.J. Woods (Photo courtesy of the PC Cother family, via Mr Tony Drury)
S.R.J. Woods (Photo courtesy of the PC Cother family, via Mr Tony Drury)
S.R.J. Woods (Photo courtesy of the PC Cother family, via Mr Tony Drury)
Married; at least one son.
14.10.1906
Plymouth
-
16.02.1968
Glasgow
(died of emphysema)
Midsh.
01.01.1924
A/S.Lt.
14.10.1927
S.Lt.
15.03.1930
Lt.
06.02.1932
Lt.Cdr.
06.02.1940
Cdr.
31.12.1944 (demobilized 06.1946) (retd 14.10.1956)

Distinguished Service Cross

DSC
01.08.1944
destruction U473 Western Approaches 06.05.44
Mention in Despatches MID
14.11.1944
attacks U605 & U385 Plymouth Area
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
05.1942
?
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration RD
?
?
Served Clan Line.
05.09.1939
-
17.05.1940
Commanding Officer, HMS Aquamarine (trawler; armed boarding vessel)
(05?).1940
-
30.09.1940
Commanding Officer, HMS Comet (minesweeping trawler) (sunk)
11.1940
-
07.1942
Commanding Officer, HMS Burwell (destroyer)
07.1942
-
(10.)1943
Commanding Officer, HMS Witch (destroyer)
08.11.1943
-
(04.)1946
Commanding Officer, HMS Wren (destroyer)
1946
-
06.1946
Commanding Officer, HMS Sansovino (infantry landing ship)
Returned to Clan Line and commanded a number of vessels until retirement, 11. 1967.
Wooldridge,
Edward Arthur
E.A. Wooldridge
Son of ... Wooldridge, and ... Johnson.
11.11.1912
Kingston upon Hull
-
(03?).1973
Holderness district, East Riding of Yorkshire
T/Skpr. 20.08.1940 [TS 716] (reld < 10.1944)
(01.1941)     HMS Victory (RN base, Portsmouth) *
04.01.1941 - (04.1944) HMS Stag (RN base, Port Said)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Wright,
George Murdoch
see: RNVR section  
Wright,
James Alfred
"Jimmy"
J.A. Wright (Photo courtesy of C. Wright)
25.10.1912
-
03.01.2001
Devon
Prob. T/Lt.
30.12.1940
T/Lt.
?, seniority 30.12.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr.
< 07.1945 (reld > 04.1946)

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

OBE 
31.08.1945
3 U-boats destroyed [KolaInIt ?] 04.45
Mention in Despatches MID
10.07.1945
North Russian convoys 44-45
(02.1941)


HMS Pembroke (RN base, Chatham) *
(05.1941)


First Lieutenant, HMS Northern Foam (anti-submarine warfare trawler)
30.10.1941
-
(08.1943)
HMS Northern Duke (anti-submarine warfare trawler) (eventually as First Lieutenant)
13.02.1944
-
1945
Commanding Officer, HMS Honeysuckle (corvette)
07.1945
-
(04.1946)
Commanding Officer, HM LST 3027 (landing ship tank)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Wright,
Percival Murdoch
P.M. Wright
Son of Richard Thwaites and Fanny Wright, of Liverpool.
(06?).1893
West Derby, Lancashire
-
22.03.1941
[age 47]
[Roodeweg Cemetery, Island of Curaçao, A.156]
T/Lt. (E)
14.01.1941
(02.1941)


HMS Drake (RN base, Devonport) *
?
-
22.03.1941
HMS Black Bear (armed yacht)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Wright,
William Duncan Ward
W.D.W. Wright
(09?).1910
Woolwich district, Greater London
-
 
Prob. T/S.Lt. 15.04.1940
T/Lt. 1941?, seniority 15.07.1940
T/A/Lt.Cdr. < 10.1944 (reld < 04.1946)
(10.1940)     HMS Vernon (torpedo school and experimental establishment, Portsmouth) *
12.1940 - (12.1941) HMS Carnarvon Castle (armed merchant cruiser)
(10.1944) - (01.1945) no appointment listed
07.02.1945 - (07.1945) Commanding Officer, HM LST 538 (landing ship, tank)
* indexed, but not listed as such
Wykes,
Frederick Edgar
F.E. Wykes (Photo courtesy of Mr Philip Wykes)
Married 1st ((03?).1942, Wigton district, Cumberland) Madeleine F. Derosville (née Rouillon); ... children (one daughter?).
Married 2nd (24.11.1947, Antwerp, Belgium) Jeanne Lemmens, daughter of Oscar Lemmens and Mme. Lemmens-de Lattre.
29.01.1907
Elgin, Moray, Scotland
-
30.03.1966
Antwerp, Belgium
T/Lt. 30.10.1939
T/A/Lt.Cdr. > 02.1941, < 101941
T/A/Cdr. 1945? (reld > 04.1946)
T/A/Capt. (1946)
Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE 11.12.1945 wind up Europe 45
Mention in Despatches MID 13.03.1945 assault Normandy 06-11.44
Croix de Guerre (France) CdeG ? Operation Neptune (Normandy 06.44)
Officer, Order of Leopold I (Belgium) LeoI ? liberation of Belgium
01.01.1940 - (04.)1940 HMS Victory (RN base, Portsmouth) (for miscellaneous services)
02.07.1940 - (02.)1941 HMS Eaglet (RN base, Liverpool) (for flotilla duties)
29.04.1941 - (10.1943) HMS Clio (RN base, Barrow) (from c. 06.1943 shown as for sea transport duties at Silloth)
(06.1944) - (07.1945) HMS Odyssey (accounting base for naval parties) *
(06.1944)     Naval Party 1502A (Port-en-Bessin)
? - (04.1946) Divisional Sea Transport Officer, Antwerp
* indexed as HMS President, but not listed as such
       
 
PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE

 A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Walgate, R.
to
Wykes, F.E.


 

These websites may be worthwhile visiting:


general naval history, campaign summaries, etc.


U-boats and almost all the Allied ships they fought


Warships' photographs