Stoker 1st Class Wilfred James Findon

[muckaroon1960]

Wasn't sure if to post this in the pictures section but as this is Naval history thought it better in this forum.

My Uncle was P/KX89100 Stoker 1st Class Wilfred James Findon (Uncle Jimmy) killed in action 8th April 1940 aboard HMS Glowworm.

HMS Glowworm was part of the cover for the minelaying operation "Wilfred" (apt name as its the same as my Uncle) off the coast of Norway, when she ran into the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Lt Commander Gerard Broodmeade Roope was the skipper of Glowworm and although outgunned rammed Hipper causing enough damage to force Hipper to head to Trondheim for repair. Out of the crew 111 were killed and 39 taken prisoner.

The German Commander recommended Broodmeade Roope for the V.C. which was awarded posthumously after the end of the war.

My Uncle is on the left of this original picture. I have no idea who the other sailor is or what happened to him?

I know there was a larger picture of Jimmy in his uniform and his medals on the wall of my Grandparents house and they used to put a poppy on this picture every Remeberance Sunday.

[muckaroon1960]

This is a repaired version of the original picture.

[Brian Wolfe]

A great piece of family history.

I like what has been done to the original photo, it's amazing what can be done.

I'm glad you posted it here as I think more of the membership will get to see it and read your interesting write up.

Regards

Brian

[muckaroon1960]

Thanks Brian, this is my own memorial to my Uncle. This is what I see every morning descending my staircase. I was born 20 years after my Uncles death but I know this event had a big impact on not only my Grandparents but his Siblings especially my Father who was only 14 when this happened.

Not Forgotten.

Top middle is a copy of the Atlantic Star, bottom left is the repaired/retouched photo as shown previous, bottom right an original postcard size picture of HMS Glowworm.

I was promised by my Grandfather many years ago my Uncles medals but this never happened after my Grandfather died. I have no idea what happened to them?

[Mervyn Mitton]

I agree with Brian - a very interesting post - living history.

[leigh kitchen]

It's what our hobby is about - not just hoarding shiny medals & badges but memories they represent kept alive by family & in the absence of family by us.

[muckaroon1960]

Thanks Guys for your comments and like you say Leigh it's not just about collecting it's also about Rememberance.

[muckaroon1960]

70 years ago today!

[c17rsf]

On 09/02/2010 at 20:01, muckaroon1960 said:

Wasn't sure if to post this in the pictures section but as this is Naval history thought it better in this forum.

My Uncle was P/KX89100 Stoker 1st Class Wilfred James Findon (Uncle Jimmy) killed in action 8th April 1940 aboard HMS Glowworm.

HMS Glowworm was part of the cover for the minelaying operation "Wilfred" (apt name as its the same as my Uncle) off the coast of Norway, when she ran into the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Lt Commander Gerard Broodmeade Roope was the skipper of Glowworm and although outgunned rammed Hipper causing enough damage to force Hipper to head to Trondheim for repair. Out of the crew 111 were killed and 39 taken prisoner.

The German Commander recommended Broodmeade Roope for the V.C. which was awarded posthumously after the end of the war.

 

My Uncle is on the left of this original picture. I have no idea who the other sailor is or what happened to him?

I know there was a larger picture of Jimmy in his uniform and his medals on the wall of my Grandparents house and they used to put a poppy on this picture every Remeberance Sunday.

This is one of my great grandads and whilst I was reasearch the family history have come across this post. 

[Farkas]

On 09/02/2010 at 20:01, muckaroon1960 said:

Wasn't sure if to post this in the pictures section but as this is Naval history thought it better in this forum.

My Uncle was P/KX89100 Stoker 1st Class Wilfred James Findon (Uncle Jimmy) killed in action 8th April 1940 aboard HMS Glowworm.

HMS Glowworm was part of the cover for the minelaying operation "Wilfred" (apt name as its the same as my Uncle) off the coast of Norway, when she ran into the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Lt Commander Gerard Broodmeade Roope was the skipper of Glowworm and although outgunned rammed Hipper causing enough damage to force Hipper to head to Trondheim for repair. Out of the crew 111 were killed and 39 taken prisoner.

The German Commander recommended Broodmeade Roope for the V.C. which was awarded posthumously after the end of the war.

 

My Uncle is on the left of this original picture. I have no idea who the other sailor is or what happened to him?

I know there was a larger picture of Jimmy in his uniform and his medals on the wall of my Grandparents house and they used to put a poppy on this picture every Remeberance Sunday.

 

 

On 08/07/2024 at 17:10, c17rsf said:

This is one of my great grandads and whilst I was reasearch the family history have come across this post. 

Gents…