Saturday, October 17, 2009

Naval Crewmates of the Second World War

Stoker Bruno Darby (seated) and two crewmates

Photograph: Courtesy of Mrs Colette Hodkinson (niece of Bruno Darby)
The above photograph shows Stoker Bruno Darby, R.N. and two crewmates sharing each other's company and enjoying a few moments of relaxation. Unfortunately the names of the other two in the photograph are as yet unknown. Stoker Darby lost his life in April 1943 when HMS Beverley was sunk and as only four of the crew were rescued it is likely the other two were also lost.
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Blogger ritsonvaljos said...

Additional information:

The above photograph shows Stoker Bruno Darby, R.N. and two crewmates sharing each other's company and enjoying a few moments of relaxation. Unfortunately the names of the other two in the photograph are as yet unknown. Stoker Darby lost his life in April 1943 when HMS Beverley was sunk and as only four of the crew were rescued it is likely the other two were also lost.

In World War Two most British towns or groups of towns banded together to raise money for aircraft or Naval Vessels and this led to HMS Beverley being linked to the Welsh town of HMS Beverley. A large sum of money was raised by Merthyr Tydfil during 'Warship Week' and the town was subsequently informed its donations had been used to finance the cost of HMS Beverley.

Hence, with a financial interest in HMS Beverley the local newspaper of Merthyr Tydfil - the 'Merthyr Express' - covered different activities of the vessel before it was lost. There was also a short item in the newspaper when it was known that HMS Beverley was lost.

Acknowldegements:

(1) Colette Hodgkinson
(niece of Bruno Darby for photograph and family information)

(2) Carolyn Jacob, Merthyr Tydfil library
(for information about the HMS Beverley / Merthyr Tydfil link)

Tuesday, 20 October, 2009  

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