Service remembers HMS Warwick victims

Members of the Royal British Legion held a memorial service yesterday for three men who died in the sinking of HMS Warwick 75 years ago.

(Photos by David Sherris. Click on pictures to enlarge)

Able Seaman Leslie J Hales, Able Seaman Eric William Killey and Stoker Robert Peacock were all killed when the destroyer was torpedoed by a Nazi U-boat off Trevose Head in Cornwall in 1944.

The service took place in Old Town Churchyard, where the men - all 20 years old - were buried. The nearby grave of an unknown sailor is thought also to be that of a member of the ship’s crew.

(Photos by David Sherris. Click on pictures to enlarge)

British Legion members in attendance included Scilly's Branch president Smudge Smith, chairman Richard Wiltshire, vice-chairman David Duncan and Standard-bearer David Corners.

Leading the prayers, Canon Perran Gay spoke of “the sheer enormity of the cost of conflict”, saying that for every single person ”there is a story”. A two-minute silence was observed.

HMS Warwick was an Admiralty 'W" class destroyer that saw conflict in both world wars. The ship acted as an escort boat during World War Two, protecting British vessels from German submarine attacks.

The ship sunk in six minutes, with 66 crew members lost. torpedo from the submarine U-413

Eight Legion events took place around the country, including at Warwick Castle, Padstow Harbour and Penzance Cemetery.