HMS Urge left Malta for the north coast of Egypt on 27 April 1942 carrying a 32-strong crew, 11 other naval personnel and a journalist. However, it failed to reach the city of Alexandria on the rendezvous date of 6 May and was never seen again. It was officially reported missing in the Mediterranean on 29 April 1942.
On 30 October 2019, it was announced that the wreck of Urge had been found in 130 m (430 ft) of water two miles off the coast of Malta. The search was conducted by staff from the University of Malta, in an area that had been heavily mined during the war. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the wreck is the missing submarine. The wreck has heavy damage to the bow consistent with striking a mine. The wreck had been discovered a few months earlier, but no announcement was made until the Ministry confirmed that the remains were of HMS Urge It now appears that they may have all perished on or about the 27 April 1942, giving the location of submarine.
The discovery came after Francis Dickinson, the grandson of HMS Urge's captain Lieutenant-Commander E.P. Tomkinson, requested the university team search an area that had been heavily mined during the Nazi's two-and-a-half year siege of the island. A sonar image revealed a submarine-like shape at a depth of 130 metres.
Read more at wrecksite:
https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?16108
A ceremony to declare the site an official war grave will take place in April 2020 in Malta.
H.M. Submarine Urge N17. (Virtual War Memorial, compiled 5 November 2019)
All information is provided in good faith but, on occasions errors may occur. Should this be the case, if new information can be verified please supply it to the author and corrections will then be made.
Below are listed the Men of H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) who perished on or about 6 May 1942 of the coast of Malta.
DAVID BENNETT ALLEN. D.S.C., M.I.D. Lieutenant, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17)
Born 23 March 1920 at Leek, Staffordshire. Son of Jessie Josephine Allen, nee Challinor and George Bennett Allen, Engineer Rear Admiral, Royal Navy. Died at sea 6 May 1942 aged 22 years of the coast of Malta. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - David Bennett Allen of Drumslea, Newark Street, Greenock, died on or since 6 May 1942 on war service. Administration Llandudno 9 July 1943 to George Bennett Allen, Engineer Rear Admiral, R.N.
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Mention in Despatches
Sub-Lieutenant David Bennett Allen, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) H.M.S. Urge
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge: The Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant David Bennett Allen, Royal Navy
HAROLD GEORGE ASHFORD. D.S.M. Leading Telegraphist D/JX 127562 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) Born 11 January 1910, baptised 20 March 1910 at St George’s Church, Edington to George and Esther Dinah Ashford, of Frome, Somerset. 1911 residing with his parents at Edington, Bridgwater, Somerset. Enlisted 27 July 1926 as Boy Class 2 on HMS Impregnable. Occupation prior to enlistment motor mechanic. 11 January 1928 on HMS Ganges Ordinary Telegraphist. Died at sea 6 May 1942 aged 32 years of the coast of Malta. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - Harold George Ashford of 15 Somerset Road, Frome, Somersetshire died on or since 6 May 1942 on war service. Administration Bristol 21 December 1942 to George Ashford, retired police sergeant.
WILLIAM GEORGE ASHFORD. D.S.M. Petty Officer Stoker C/KX 82966), Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 11 June 1913 at Streatham, London to Henry George and Alice Maud Ashford, nee Rolfe. In 1911 he parents and siblings were residing at 206 Mellison Road, Tooting, London. Husband of Violet Frances Ashford, nee Boffin of Merton, Surrey who he married in 1939. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 28 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent,
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services The Distinguished Service Medal. Acting Stoker Petty Officer William George Ashford, C/KX.82966, H.M.S. Urge.
LESLIE GORDON BAXTER. Able Seaman C/LD/X 3971) Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on H.M. Submarine Urge, (N17). Born 7 June 1917 at Laytonstone to Harry and Violet Edith Baxter, nee Trayler. Wife of Edith Nora, nee Sprackling who he married in 1939. She passed away in 1999.
He died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial Kent.
HENRY JOHN BOTTING. Petty Officer C/JX 137747 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine (N17). Born 20 February 1917 at Maidstone, Kent to Eli Amos and Florence Ellen Botting, nee Austin. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 25 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial Kent.
CYRIL BROWN. Stoker 1st Class P/KX 84490 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) Born 9 June 1914 at Dronfield, Derbyshire to Rufus and Hilda Eliza Brown of Coal Aston, Derbyshire. His parents correct names were Alexander and Ethel Brown, nee Wheeldon. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 28 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial Hampshire.
His father Rufus Brown had served as Corporal 2448, Royal Army Service Corps (General Service) Enlisted at Drill Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire on the 7 August 1916 aged 30 years and 3 months. Resided with his wife and children at 58 Rupert Road, Old Whittington nr Chesterfield. He was married 20 June 1904 at St John’s Church, Newbold, Chesterfield to Ethel Wheeldon. On the 25 April 1917 he served in Egypt and was demobilized on the 6 November 1919.
ALBERT EDWARD BRYANT. M.I.D. Stoker 1st Class P/K 61633, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) Born 6 November 1904 at Bridgewater, Somerset to Albert and Rose Bryant. Husband of Ethel Mary Bryant, nee Kerley. Enlisted into the navy 16 January 1929 on HMS Cyclops (XI). Civilian occupation, farm carter. His naval record show he transferred to the royal Fleet Reserve 10 July 1938, number, PO/B19177 still on HMS Dolphin. 1939 he was on shore leave with his wife at 35, Newton, Mere and Tilsbury, Wiltshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 38 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Mention in Despatches on HMS Urge
SIDNEY WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN. Leading Seaman P/SSX 22878, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17), Born 23 October 1919 at Brighton, Sussex to Ernest William and Emily Lavina Chamberlain, nee Elms of Brighton. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
ROBERT DAVISON. Able Seaman D/JX 190316), Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born Born 7 August 1920 at North Walsham, Norfolk to Robert James Davison and Agnes Davison, of North Walsham, Norfolk. 1939 residing with his parents 14 Buxton Road, North Walsham, occupation, grocer’s assistant. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 21 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon
FREDERICK DAY. Able Seaman C/SSX 20578 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 17 September 1920 at Hackney 1920 to Annie Day. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 21 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent
RONALD HENRY GOSS. M.I.D. Able Seaman D/SSX 20989 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 1920 to Samuel and Daisy Goss, of Cwmbran Monmouthshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial Devon.
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Mention in Despatches on HMS Urge
LAURENCE FRANK GROVES. D.S.M. Leading Seaman C/J 101563 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 25 November 1905 at Tunbridge Wells, Kent to Frank and Rose Groves. Husband of Gladys Winifred Groves, of Fleetwood, Lancashire. Enlisted 3 July 1929 on HMS Pembroke I. Civilian occupation, grocer’s assistant. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 36 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services The Distinguished Service Medal
STANLEY GORDON HARMAN. Engine Room Artificer 4th Class, C/MX 76070), Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 16 May 1915 at Coventry, Warwickshire. 1939 residing with Alice Ethel Jarrett nee Harman born 1887 and her daughter Alice Patricia Ellen Jarrett, at 12 Cecily Road, Coventry. His occupation was centre lathe operator, tool maker. He may have been the son of Alice Ethel. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - Stanley Gordon Harman of 12 Cecily Road, Cheylesmore, Coventry died 6 May 1942 on war service. Administration Birmingham 12 June 1943. to Alice Ethel Jarrett, (nee Harman)
REGINALD HELLYER. D.S.M. Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class C/MX 47775 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 27 January 1914 at Portsmouth to Ernest and Alice Annie Olive Maud Rose Hellyer, nee Hoar. Husband of Veronica Ann Hellyer. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 28 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services The Distinguished Service Medal. Engine Room' Artificer Third Class Reginald Hellyer on H.M.S. Urge
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - Reginald Hellyer of 1 Amberley Road, North End, Portsmouth died on date stated. His effects went to his widow.
CHARLEY JOHN JACKMAN. M.I.D., D.S.M. Chief Petty Officer P/J 110919 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 1 January 1909 at Portsmouth to Gloster and Catherine Arabella Jackman. 1911 residing with his parents and siblings at 11 Gloucester Street, Portsea, Portsmouth. Enlisted 13 September 1929 on HMS Vernon. Husband of Elsie Rosalie Jackman, nee Pearson of Brockenhurst, Hampshire, Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. aged 33 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Supplement to the London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve" the following Awards for like services Mention in Despatches Acting Chief Petty Officer Charley John Jackman, D.S.M., P/J.110919, H.M.S.Urge
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal. Chief Petty Officer Charley John Jackman, P/J. 110919
JAMES WILFRED LAMB. M.I.D. Leading Stoker P/KX 94635 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 20 October 1916 to Clarence Lamb, and of Jane Ann Lamb, nee Smith of York. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
ERIC CHARLES LAW. M.I.D. Leading Signalman C/JX 145120 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) Born 20 September 1919 at Islington, London to Charles Frederick and Louisa Alice Law, nee Mead. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
HIs father Charles Law served in the re-enlisted into the Royal Navy Yeoman Signals 231582 on the 27 August 1939 on HMS Pembroke I as Yeoman Signals (Pensioner). Left the navy off HLS Wildfire 1 August 1941 When he was married on the 9 October 1915 he was serving as Leading Signalman on HMS Locust
Supplement to the London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve" the following Awards for like services Mention in Despatches. Acting Leading Signalman Eric Charles Law, C/JX. I45I20, H.M.S. Urge
RONALD WILLIAM LEEKE. Leading Signalman P/JX 154364 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 16 March 1922 at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire to Thomas William and Ada Dorothy Leeke, nee Quince of Scotter, Lincolnshire. 1939 his parents were residing at 8 Grayingham Road, Glanford Brigg. Lincolnshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 20 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
JOHN MAIDMENT. Leading Telegraphist P/SSX 22031 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 30 November 1919 at Wincanton, Somerset to John and Ethel Mary Maidment, of Dorchester, Dorsetshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
FRED MCDIARMID. Able Seaman P/SSX 32644 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 16 April 1921 to George and Elizabeth B. McDiarmid, nee Booth of Glossop, Derbyshire. 1939 his parents were residing at 22 Cliff Road, Glossop, Derbyshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
JOSEPH CRESSWELL DIXON MCMILLAN. M.I.D. Stoker 1st Class D/SSX. 32970 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 23 May 1921 at Fauldhouse, West Lothian to Robert and Mary A. McMillan, of Fauldhouse, West Lothian. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 21 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge: Mention in Despatches
FREDERICK HAROLD MORRIS. Leading Seaman P/JX 145545 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 9 July 1919 at Kingston, Surrey, mother’s maiden name Morris. His parents may have been Joseph Charles Justice and Mary Ann Morris. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
JESSE NORRIS. Leading Seaman C/JX 142500 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 2 May 1918 to Jesse and Minnie Norris, nee Knight of Rochester, Kent, Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - Jesse Norris of House factory Farm, Borstal, Kent. died in or since 6 May 1942 on war service. His effects went to his mother, Minnie.
JOHN O'NEILL. M.I.D. Able Seaman P/JX 217252), Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 19 December 1919 to William John and Annie O'Neill, nee Coleman of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge: Mention in Despatches
HERBERT GEORGE ARTHUR OSBORN. D.S.M. Leading Seaman C/JX 134094 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17. Born 24 July 1914 to Herbert Charter Osborn and Rose Emily Osborn. Husband of Violet May Osborn, nee Purdham of Cambridge. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 27 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge. The Distinguished Service Medal
JOHN LESLIE PARKINSON. Able Seaman D/JX 204152 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 20 March 1918 to Joseph and Edith Parkinson, of Coppull, Lancashire. Husband of Ada Parkinson, nee Graham of Coppull, Lancashire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
JAMES MALCOLM STUART POOLE. D.S.C. Lieutenant, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 1919 at Stafford, Staffordshire to James and Florence May Poole, nee Jessop. Husband of Lilian Elizabeth Anne Poole, nee Axford of Streatham Hill, London. He was married 1941 at Portsmouth. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 23 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941. His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve" the following Awards for like services. The Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant James Malcolm Stuart Poole, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17) H.M.S. Urge.
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942.
For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge:
Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross. Lieutenant James Malcolm Stuart Poole, D.S.C., Royal Navy.
JOHN SANDEMAN DEANE RANSOME. (Jock) D.S.C. Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 11 December 1915 to Captain Frank Deane Ransome and Celia Noel Ransome, nee Sandeman. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 26 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - He resided at 125 Maldon Road, Colchester died on date stated. His effect went to his father, retired army officer.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve" the following Awards for like services. The Distinguished Service Cross. Temporary Sub-Lieutenant John Sandeman Deane Ransome, R.N.R., H.M.S. Urge.
ROY WILLIAM GEORGE ROGERS. D.S.M. Leading Telegraphist D/SS 26082 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 25 July 1919 at Barnet, Hertfordshire to George William and Edith Louisa Rogers, nee Roberts of Whitstable, Kent, died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
His father served in the Kings Hussars as Corporal of Horse in World War 1.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services The Distinguished Service Medal. Telegraphist Roy William George Rogers, D/SSX.26082, H.M.S. Urge
JOHN KENNETH ROWLEY. D.S.M. Able Seaman C/SSX 21371 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 22 September 1914 at Birmingham, Warwickshire to Harvey Swann Rowley and Sybil Mary Rowley, nee Clark of Hall Green, Birmingham. 1939 Absent voters list. he gave his address as 113 Tixall Road, Birmingham. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services The Distinguished Service Medal.
RONALD FREDERICK RUTTER. Electrical Artificer 4th Class C/MX 59915 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 31 July 1917, baptised 18 November 1917 at Uxbridge Moor, Hillingdon, Middlesex to William Thomas and Ellen Louisa Rutter, of Uxbridge, Middlesex. At the time of his baptism his parents were residing at 121 Waterloo Road, and his father was a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - Resided at 121 Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, Middlesex died on date stated. His effects went to his father, county court bailiff.
MARCUS STANGER. Stoker 1st Class D/KX 90258, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 16 May 1918 to James and Annie Stanger, nee Hollings. Husband of Georgina Alexandra Stanger, nee Williams of Plymouth. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 26 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Information about his father -
James Stanger fought in the Great War as Private 1474, 6th Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment. He joined 7 March 1912 aged 18 years and 9 months., occupation, ropeman. He left the army on an unknown date (pages missing) On 5 August 1914 he re-engaged into his old regiment with his original number. He embarked from Folkstone to join the BEF in France 13 April 1915. 17 July 1915 he was at the front, he received a bomb wound (shrapnel) to his right thigh. He was treated in the field at 2nd West Riding Field Ambulance 18, transferred to 17 Causality Clearing Station. 19, transferred to Ambulance Train bound for Rouen. 20 admitted into No 6 General Hospital, Rouen. 28 invalided to England on Hospital Ship St George. (pages missing as to which hospital he was admitted, etc). At date not known he was discharged fit for war service. On 23 March 1916 he embarked from Southampton for France. He joined his regiment in the field 9 April 1916. On the 22 December 1918 to England – Miner. Auth. A.F.Z9
EDWARD PHILIP TOMPKINSON. D.S.O., M.I.D Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 1912 to Robert Edward and Beatrice Lucy Tomkinson. Husband of Myrtle Alice Tomkinson, of Langham, Suffolk. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 30 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to give orders for the following Appointment to the Distinguished Service Order, and to approve the following Reward for outstanding bravery, skill and resolution in successful Submarine patrols.
To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. Lieutenant Edward Philip Tomkinson, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Urge. Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, Lieutenant Edward Philip Tomkinson, Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). H.M.S Urge
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Mention in Despatches. Lieutenant Edward Philip Tomkinson, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Urge
CHARLES HERBERT TOMS. D.S.M. Chief Engine Room Artificer D/M 35358 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 20 April 1904 at Kensington, London to Herbert George and Alice MaryToms, nee Cullingford. 1911 residing with his parents and siblings at 11 Windmill Road, Chiswick, London. Husband of Vera Muriel Toms, of Gosport, Hampshire. Enlisted 26 January 1920 on HMS Indus as Boy, Engine Room Artifice civilian occupation. scholar. On the 20 April 1922 he attained the age of 18 years and he engaged for a period of twelve years on HMS Indus. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 38 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry - He resided with his wife at 15 Lyndhurst Road, Gosport, Hampshire and died on dated stated. His effects went to his widow.
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Publication date 12 December 1941.
His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to give orders for the following Appointment to the Distinguished Service Order, and to approve the following Award. For courage, skill and resolution in successful Submarine patrol. The Distinguished Service Medal.
HENRY ERNEST TWIST. D.S.M. Telegraphist, D/JX 225829 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 21 August 1920 at Devonport, Devon to William Henry and Mary Ellen Twist, nee Crookes. Husband of Salvina Felicia Borg, native of Malta
Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
London Gazette dated 2 December 1941 - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like services. The Distinguished Service Medal.
ERIC VARLEY. M.I.D. Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class D/MX 52497 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 27 March 1914 at Horden, County Durham to John and Hannah Edden Varley, nee Surtees of Horden, Co. Durham. 1911 he parents and siblings were residing at 13 Swan Street, Bearpark Colliery, Durham. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 28 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge: Mention in Despatches.
HENRY ROLAND JOSEPH WATTS. D.S.M. M.I.D Petty Officer P/JX 129967 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 20 July 1911 at Wargrave, Wokingham, Berkshire. to Joseph Evans Watts and Edith Clara Watts, Nee Hillier of Arborfield, Berkshire. Enlisted 17 May 1927 on HMS Ganges as Boy Class 2. Occupation, pupil at Greenwich School.
Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 31 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire
His brother Stanley Horace Watts also fell.
Supplement to the London Gazette dated 26 July 1940. - His Majesty has also been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards for like good services. Mentioned in Despatches. Leading Seaman Henry Roland Joseph Watts, T.G.M., P/J.129967.
Supplement to London Gazette 29 September 1942 - For bravery and devotion to duty on successful submarine patrols in H.M.S. Urge the Distinguished Service Medal
WILLIAM PETER WHITE. Engine Room Artificer 4th Class C/MX 76840 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 15 June 1920 at Poplar, London to George Victor and Charlotte Leask White, nee Cowie of East Ham, Essex. 1939 residing with his mother at 115 Flanders Road, East Ham, Essex, occupation, marine engineer.
Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 21 years. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.
RICHARD WILDMAN. Able Seaman D/JX 204322 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 11 January 1920 to Richard John and Mary Alice Wildman, nee Peel of Lancaster. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 22 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial 22 06/05/1942
SAMUEL CORNELIUS WILKES. Leading Stoker C/KX 81223 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 28 December 1912 at Tynemouth, Northumberland. Son of Ernest and Mary Ann Wilkes, nee Williams. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 29 years. Husband of Edith, nee Travers. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Devon.
PETER DUGDALE WISEMAN. M.I.D Petty Officer Telegraphist D/JX 134000 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). 28 June 1914 at Tynemouth, Northumberland to Thomas and Jane Wiseman, of Blyth, Northumberland. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 27 years. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.
Supplement to London Gazette dated 16 December 1941 - Mention in Despatches Petty Officer Telegraphist Peter Dugdale Wiseman, D/JX.I34OOO, H.M.S. Urge
JOHN EDWARD WOOLRICH. Leading Stoker P/KX 90716 Royal Navy on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Born 14 January 1918 at Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire to William Edward and Edith Woolrich, nee Wall of Chell, Staffordshire. His parents were married on 1904 at Wolstanton Registry Office, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. Died at sea of the coast of Malta 6 May 1942 aged 24 years. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Civilian
BERNARD GRAY. Born 14 May 1906 at Donington on Bain, Louth, Lincolnshire. to Robert and Edith Ann Gray. 1911 residing with his parents and siblings at Donington on Bain, Lincolnshire. On the 4 March 1929 at the Cathedral and Parish Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George, Manchester, he married Dorothy Bentley. His occupation was a journalist and his residence at the time of marriage was the Victoria Hotel, Manchester. He qualified as a pilot on an Avian 80h.p. Cirrus Mk II at Lancashire Aeroplane Club on the 16 May 1930. His profession, journalist. his residence was given as 6 Woodland Drive, Hazel Grove, Stockport. 1939 his wife was a schoolteacher, residing at the home of the Edwards family at Gipsy Hill, Altrincham, Cheshire. At the time of his death he was reporter, War Correspondent and passenger on H.M. Submarine Urge (N17). Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval memorial, Devon
Small extract from Times of Malta -
Working for The Sunday Pictorial, a now defunct Mirror Group newspaper, he lived up to his reputation as a "richly piratical" reporter by using well-placed friends to wangle his way on board HMS Urge. Mr Gray covered the British retreat from Dunkirk, which was commanded by Lord John Gort who later became governor of Malta. Museum archivist George Malcolmson said it was possible that the journalist's contact with the governor secured his fatal place on HMS Urge.
He was eager to cover the Egyptian desert campaign, the war's biggest story at that time.
