by Kim Hardie
HM Naval Base Clyde staff joined together today to commemorate the wartime sinking of HMS Neptune.
The memorial service was held in the Naval Base Church and was led by HMS Neptune chaplain, Reverend Mark Allsopp who gave an account of the tragic sinking. The story of the only survivor was read by Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Keith McKewan.
“This morning, the personnel of HMS Neptune paused in reflection to honour the memory of their forebears who served onboard HMS Neptune, which, almost 84 years ago to the day, was sunk at the height of the Second World War.” Said WO 1 McKewan.
“HMS Neptune was leading a force tasked with sweeping for enemy minefields and disrupting Axis convoys off the coast of Tripoli. In darkness and heavy seas, she struck multiple mines in rapid succession; disabled and unable to escape the minefield, she sank swiftly, resulting in the loss of all but one of her 765 serving personnel.
“Drawn from across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, the ship’s company displayed steadfast courage in the face of overwhelming danger. Their loss remains one of the greatest single‑ship tragedies endured by the Royal Navy during the conflict, and their sacrifice continues to be honoured by today’s HMS Neptune.”
During the service, a minute’s silence was observed to honour those lost, followed by HMS Neptune’s First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander Phil Nicholson, laying a wreath to mark the anniversary.
This year marks 84 years since the Leander-class light cruiser bravely led the Force K fleet to intercept an enemy convoy bound for Tripoli. HMS Neptune later hit four mines laid by enemy forces losing 737 crew members.
Cruisers Aurora and Penelope tried helping HMS Neptune but were themselves struck by mines and unable to assist. Destroyers Kandahar and Lively attempted a tow but the former was hit by another mine. Neptune signalled for Lively to stay clear, not wanting to risk another blow to a ship.
Thirty members of crew initially survived the sinking, later succumbing to their injuries, losing their lives in the proceeding days. As a result, 764 crew members lost their lives, 150 of which were from New Zealand.
Able Seaman Norman Walton was the sole survivor of the sinking, escaping by climbing down the ship’s anchor and occupying a nearby raft. He was later captured by an Italian ship, spending 15 months as a prisoner of war.