These fragments have been sent to me over the years and I thought it worth creating a space for them on the web site about HMS Hecla in case anybody recognises a face or name and can provide further details. Get in touch if you can.
A Debt Repaid - as told by the Daily Mirror
Harry Langley and James Gow shared a Carley float - one died and the other lived.
James Gow was 42 when he died and his name is recorded on the Chatham Naval Memorial. He and the four canteen assistants were civilians and consequently their dates of service were not recorded in the Pay and Victualing records from which the crew list for HMS Hecla on the 12 November 1942 was compiled:
George Hardingham, Canteen Assistant
Raymond L Lilley, 1st Canteen Assistant
Ronald R Holile, 2nd Canteen Assistant
Frank A. Smith, 3rd Canteen Assistant
James Gow would have been known to most ratings on Hecla and non
of his four assistants are listed as "Missing Presumed Killed" and if
still alive might be able to add something more to this story. I
would like to hear from them and the families of AB William H. ("Harry") Langley
(JX219770) and James Alexander Gow (CN/X2722), the Canteen Manager on HMS Hecla. This cutting from the Daily Mirror was sent to by David Holmes Golby, the son of Electrical Mechanic, Norman Holmes, one of those who died that night.
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