The Crew of HMS Exeter onboard at the Battle of the River Plate

Page updated 2nd May 2022

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There is no definitive list of the crew of HMS Exeter, during the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939. This page is based on a list compiled by Jim Smith, who has kindly allowed its inclusion on Exeter Memories. The list now contains 486 crew names, with additions added by family and friends, and research in various newspaper articles. The full complement for the Exeter was approximately 630. At the bottom of the list, are the names of the British Hospital, Buenos Aires nurses who attended the wounded in the Falklands.

If you can add a name to the list, or add some biographical details or correct an entry, please email me.

With thanks to the British Council and TIME/IMAGE for the use of the stills of the crew after the battle. The photos of the graves and the template courtesy of John T. Pitman.

Notes - Names in BOLD killed in action or ¤ decorated for services during the battle. The British Library Newspaper Archive was used for many biographical details.

Surname - Forename - Rank - Decoration

The graves of the four crew members
who were buried on the Falklands.

ABRAHAMS, Cyril, L Tel
ACKERMAN, R E, EA
ADAMS, Thomas W,
ADDYMAN A G, EA
AINGE Walter A, age 39, Chief Petty Officer
ALDER G T C, LTO
ALLEN R H, Pay Lieutenant

ALLEN, John,Allen was assigned to calculating the range, elevation and trajectory of the guns. He suffered shrapnel wounds, while the man next to him was killed. He joined HMS Liverpool which was torpedoed on Maltese convoy duty, and on HMS Frobisher on the Arctic convoys. After the war he remained in the Marines before transferring to the RAF, (Central Band in Uxbridge) rising to the rank of Warrant Officer as station bandmaster at various RAF bases. He left the RAF in 1967 to become a music teacher. He died in 2000 at the age of 81. Musician Royal Marines Band
AMY Arthur, LSA

ANNAL Thomas GeorgeThomas George Annal - served on HMS Rodney until 1939, then HMS Exeter from 1939 and later on the Russian convoys - submitted by his grandson James Thomas Annal., unknown
ANSTEAD C,
ARNOLD E, Royal Marines
ATTWOOD Harry, Sgt Royal Marines
ATWILL RonLieutenant Atwill wrote his account of the Battle at http://www.navyhistory.org.au/hms-exeter-at-the-battle-of-river-plate/., Lieutenant
AUKENHURST K, Royal Marines
AYRES J, Tel

The Falkland Islands News Weekly and Church Bulletin
Obituary
The most impressive ceremony ever witnessed in Stanley was seen on Monday, December 18, when P0 Frank Legg and Chief P.0. Richard Powton, members of the crew of HMS ‘Exeter’ who died of wounds from a Naval Battle off the River Plate, were laid to rest in Stanley Cemetery with full Naval Honours. The Funeral was attended by, His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief, the Commander, Officers and men of HMS “Exeter”, the Offices and a detachment of men from the Falkland Islands Defence Force, and a large percentage of the general public. The service in the Cathedral, conducted by the Rev. G.F. Grove, R.N. assisted by the Rev. GK Lowe, was, in keeping with the spirit of the Navy and Church, simple brief and dignified consisting of two Hymns, the usual lesson, read by His Excellency the Governor, and the reading of the Roll of Honour, the names of those who have died for God and their King and Country. After the service the funeral cortege led by the Firing Party with reversed arms, followed by the band, proceeded to the cemetery, where the final prayers were said, three volleys were fired, the Last Post and Reveille were sounded, and thus ended the simple but most impressive ceremony of committing the souls of sixty-three brave men to God. There were scores of wreaths from their shipmates and the general public. Among the many floral tributes was a wreath from the Officers and men of the SS “Karl Fritzen” bearing the following inscription “to those brave men from HMS Exeter who died for their King and Country.”

BACK Frederick Edwin ErnestERA Frederick Back was from Plymouth and aged 24. He served as an apprenticeship boilermaker with Willoughby Ltd before joining Exeter in 1937. His father had served in the Royal Navy for 24 years. He married in 1936 at St John's Church, Sutton-on-Plym to Miss Blanche Brash. He had an 18 month old daughter, Barbara. He lived at Beaumont Road, Plymouth. BLNA., Engine Room Artificer 4th Class
BAGLEY Leonard C, Bandmaster 2 ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
BAKER Frank ReginaldLancashire Eveing Post. "Three-Word Wire Brings Joy - A telegram of three words brought to a Blackpool mother vesterdav, when Mrs. N. Baker, a widow, of Devonshire-road, Blackpool received a reassuring message from her son, Frank Reginald Baker, of H.M.S. Exeter, that he is safe. The family, who until three weeks ago had lived in Lord-street. Blackpool had heard nothing from him since the River Plate Battle. The telegram said: 'Safe, well, love.'" LTO
BALL Alfred J,London Gazette – Alfred J. Ball, Able Seaman; who when taken wounded to the Fore Medical Station himself gave first aid to the other wounded and by his willingness and cheerfulness was of great help to the Fore Medical Able Seaman ¤DSM
BALLANCE J H, Lieutenant, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
BECKFORD W G, Wt Mech
BELL Frederick SeckerCaptain Bell was born in 1897. He was educated at Matfield Grange, Kent and the Royal Naval Colleges at Osborne and Dartmouth. He served at the Battle of Jutland and as executive officer of HMS Repulse between 1935–38. He was promoted to captain on 31 December 1938. He took command of HMS Exeter in August 1939. Bell was one of three officers to survive the hit on the bridge, suffering minor injuries. He ordered the remaining undamaged gun turrets to continue firing on the Graf Spee. Bell used a lifeboat compass for navigation, and passed commands along a chain of men to the lower steering compartment where there was a wheel that was directly connected to the rudder. After Exeter’s guns had been put out of action, Bell decided to ram with the enemy, saying "I'm going to ram the --------. It will be the end of us but it will sink him too". The Admiral Graf Spee turned to confront Achilles and Ajax, and Exeter withdrew for repairs at the Falkland Islands.”., CAPTAIN ¤CB
BELL Stephen LeonardSeaman Bell was a torpedo man, who was in A turret shell room during the action.Born 1920 died 2001, aged 80, he served on HMS Hermione after the battle, before being sunk in the Mediterranean by a torpedo. Left the Navy in 1948, to join Cunard as a seaman., Seaman

BERNTSEN Ernest BasilTwenty four year old Ernest Berntsen was one of at least two Falkland Islanders serving on Exeter., Officers Steward
BEST JStoker Best was from Hull. On his return, in March 1940, he became engaged. BLNA., Stoker
BETHELL Frank, age 19, Able Seaman
BETHELL Joseph, age 19, Able Seaman

BEVIS VincentVincent Bevis - lived in Bournemouth - named added by his great nephew Mark Bevis, Stoker Petty Officer
BIDGOOD L, Supply
BLACKMAN R,
BLACKMORE C G,
BLAKE A B,

BLAKE JamesAble-Seaman Blake was from Hilltown, Dundee. James Blake, who was 20 at the time of the battle, had joined Exeter aged 15. He operated one of the 8 inch guns. He said "I was a good ducker and escaped without a scratch. One chap who emerged from a door close by lost his life." Next piece from the Dundee Courier "CITY LAD ON H.M.S. EXETER Relatives in Dundee await news of James Blake (20), 249 Hilltown, who is serving on H.M.S. Exeter, one of the cruisers which engaged the Graf Spee... Son of Mr Charles Blake, shipwright, he entered a naval training school five years ago on leaving Rockwell School. Just before the outbreak of war James came home on leave, his first visit in three years, but was recalled to his ship on the day he reached home. A keen footballer in his schooldays, James was the goalkeeper in H.M.S. Exeter's football eleven.", Able-Seaman
BLANDFORD Bert, Royal Marines
BLEAKEN Royce DanielKnown as Dan Bleaken, he was 24 when on the ship at the battle., mechanic Fleet Air Arm New
BOILING R, ERA
BOND Frank L,London Gazette – Frank L. Bond, Engine Room Artificer, Fourth Class; who, on a shell entering the Flat in which he was, stood fast in the dense fumes, and, waiting until the last man was reported clear of a Magazine, then flooded it. He then went to the main centre of the fire to ascertain damage. He found the flooding valve spindles shot away, the fire main shattered but enough flow of water into the magazine from the damaged fire main. So he carried on fighting the fire in the Chief Petty Officers' Flat. After the action he performed his duties Engine Room Artificer 4 ¤DSM
BONHAM Walter George HughLieut. Bonham worked on suppressing fires and assisted with the steering mechanism. In 1940, he commanded a small ship evacuating troops off the beaches at Dunkirk. He was killed in action in 1943. From the Cornishman ""I was in bed at the time, having come off the middle watch, and had only 20 minutes sleep, when somebody shook me and said that the order had been given for action stations to be taken. I thought somebody was playing a practical joke, and took no notice for a few minutes until your order came through on the ships broadcast. I immediately dressed and went to my station on the after control tower. The Ajax, Achilles and Exeter was steaming in line. The Ajax and Achilles veered to starboard and we went in the opposite direction. The Graf Spee was coming to meet us and it was not long before we were with him point blank range of her guns. She concentrated the majority of her fire on the Exeter as the biggest ship, and registered several hits. Very soon the first turret was shot away, and one by one each of the Exeter’s guns was put out of action, until there was not a single one left to return the pocket battleship’s fire. It was only then that the Esther was forced to drop out of the action-crippled and helpless-but the damage to German had been done, and the Exeter stayed long enough to see that her enemy was powerless to cause any more damage to other English vessels.” , Lieutenant Updated
BOWES Raymond M, Ordinary Seaman
BOOTHROYD RobertStoker Boothroyd was welcomed back, along with seven of his shipmates, to his home town of Birkenhead, by the Mayor, after they returned to the UK in February 1940. , Stoker Updated
BOWES Raymond M, Ordinary Seaman
BOWMAN-MANIFOLD JohnWestern Morning News "Lieut.-Com. John Bowman-Manifold, who was killed in action at the battle of the River Plate on December 13. was the navigating officer of H.M.S. Exeter. Born at Winchester in 1909, he was younger son of Maj.-Gen. Sir Graham Bowman- Manifold, of Heathcot. near Worplesdon Station. Surrey, and grandson of Surg.- Gen. M. F. Manifold and of Adml. Sir Thomas Brandreth, K.C.B. He entered Dartmouth as naval cadet in September, 1922. passing out fourth in his term... Lieut.-Com. Bowman-Manifold's duties in H.M.S. Exeter also included supervision of the midshipmen and ship's boys, over whose welfare he took the utmost pains. He qualified as an interpreter in French, and his fluent Spanish enabled him to make friends among the naval officers of the Spanish-speaking Republics. He appreciated to the full the life in the Royal Navy, and by his death the Service has lost a promising young man of much talent with many interests." , Lieutenant Commander (N)
BOWN E,
BRADBURY CharlesCharles Bradbury was mentioned in the Nottingham Evening Post. "BAKEWELL HONOURS EXETER HERO. Standing in the market square of his native town, Bakewell, yesterday, Telegraphist Charles Bradbury, 20, of H.M.S. Exeter—one of the River Plate victors received an inscribed gold watch from the townspeople. His widowed mother watched the ceremony. Bradbury said: “if any of you ask me what it was like then, I will only say one thing- good. We waited three or four months for this final day, and when it arrived we all cheered." BLNA.,, Telegraphist
BRADBURY W, Stoker
BRAY G,
BRIERLEY Frank, Chief Stoker D/KX 79771
BRIGHT Daniel, Stoker Petty Officer
BRODERICK, ER, Able Seaman
BROOKS, Edwin Alfred, ERA 3rd Class 
BUCKLE, Musician Royal Marine Band
BUDD Albert SamualBudd was born in Exeter. He joined the ship on 23rd December 1936 and left on the 28th February 1940., Leading Signalman
BUDGE,
BURN S,
BURNS G,
BURNS R, Officers Steward
BURRAS Stanley W, Stoker First Class
BUTCHER, Royal Marines

Sub-Lieutenant Causton with a broken leg

The graves on the Falklands of
Anthony C P Collings, Chief Shipwright
and Frank Legg, Petty Officer Cook

An extract from a personal account by Telegraphist Norman Schofield of the burials at sea
Clearing up operations began and our dead were checked as 64—five died afterwards on shore. The wounded were many and the wardroom was converted into a Sickbay... All the dead were draped in blankets and canvas and weights with chains etc. They were laid on the foc's'le and quarterdeck and the burial at sea took place. Chums and buddies of three years friendship were reverently committed to the deep in three minutes. I think many of us who were watching had to quell the sickly lump, which rose in our throats as their remains hit the water and sank. Everyone was given a tot of rum; an old naval custom. It was new to me, and my brother received half of my ration.

CALLEJA HugoHugo Calleja - from Malta, he served as a Petty Officer/cook. He was also on board in March 1942 - submitted by his grandaughter Charlotte Lanfranco., Petty Officer/Cook
CAME Charles He joined the Royal Navy as a boy sailor and would have been a very young man at the time the battle. Later in life he was a Chief Petty Officer working as a schools liaison officer for cadets in the early 1980’s. He was bedecked with medal ribbons and was a real old salt., Seaman Gunner
CAMERON ArchibaldLondon GAzette - Midshipman Archibald Cameron, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Exeter; who, when an 11-inch shell burst above an ammunition locker and set it alight, with great calmness and foresight ordered two guns' crews to take shelter. The locker exploded, wounding some of the second crew and setting alight another locker. As soon as the main fire abated, with the help of an Able Seaman, he smothered the flames of the burning woodwork. The two of them then threw the unexploded shells over the side. These were still hot and the brass cartridge cases were either missing or split open. The bottom row of ammunition had not burned, and this also was thrown over the side. Throughout the action he showed the utmost coolness and resource. He never failed to make the best use of his guns' crews., Midshipman ¤DSC
CAMPBELL Frederick P, Stoker 1
CARTER Albert HExeter and Plymouth Gazette "Among those board HMS Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate was Seaman Gunner Albert H. Carter, old boy of Ladysmith-road School, Exeter, whose father and mother live at 46, Stuart-road Heavitree, Exeter. Albert Carter left school in 1929 and joined the Navy about five and half years ago. Before joining the Exeter three years ago this month, he served on HMS Furious. On HMS Exeter he took part in the rescue work during the Chilean earthquake some time ago, and was one of those who helped to quell the riots at Trinidad and made a trip the New York's World Fair.", Seaman Gunner
CARTER Sidney A,London Gazette – Sidney A. Carter, Master-at-Arms; who, though wounded in the right knee and severely bruised by a splinter early in the action, carried on tirelessly and devotedly Master-At-Arms ¤DSM
CARTTES S,
CAULDWELL R,
CAUSTON Jack Edward, Probationary Paymaster Sub Lieutenant, RNVR (pictured right)
CHALKLEY Herbert V,London Gazette – Herbert V. Chalkley, Acting Petty Officer; who, shortly after an eleven-inch shell burst in the Chief Petty Officers' Flat above the dynamo room in which he was, managed to open the door in the escape truck and crawl over the wreckage to the switchboard hatch. He could not clear the wreckage away, and realising that his services could be dispensed with in the dynamo room, he scrambled up the dynamo escape trunk to the upper deck, returned to the flat and helped the fire parties in getting the fire under control and isolated circuits there. The conditions in these two flats were very bad at the time that he was trying to escape from the dynamo room. His work with Acting Petty Officer ¤DSM
CHANDLER R, ERA
CHAPMAN T Cd Eng
CHEDGEY G LTO
CHEESEMAN,
CLARKE George C Royal Marines
CLARKSON Richard Mortimer Roy, age 18,  Able Seaman
CLIFT MWM, EA
CLOAKE J,
CODMAN RW, Able Seaman

COGSWELL Reginald J, ElectricianReginald Cogswell joined the Royal Navy, straight from Grammar School in June 1926. He served as a Warrant Officer on the South American cruise. During the battle he was trapped below deck, tasked with maintaining power to the ship, gun directors and turrets. He marched with the ship's company through London to an investiture by King George VI and the Lord Mayor's reception at the Guildhall. His memoirs were published in "Exeter, a Cruiser of the Medium Size" ISBN: 9781904459729. Warrant Officer

COLLARD WilliamWilliam Collard - Chief Petty Officer served on Exeter during the South American cruise before war broke out. Sunmitted by his great-grandaughter Yvonne Helicon. Western Daily Press - "Tuesday 23 April 1940 WHALE FOR MUSEUM? PETTY OFFICER W. COLLARD, of Weston-super-Mare, who was on the HMS Exeter in the River Plate battle, has made the novel gift, of a bottled embryo whale to the Weston Museum. He procured the whale at the whaling station in South Georgia. It was with his possessions on H.M.S. Exeter during the River Plate episode." , Chief Petty Officer
COLLIER, Musician Royal Marines Band
COLLINS Anthony C PAnthony Collings was badly burned when a shell burst in the Chief Petty Officers' Flat. He carried on supervising repair work until he fell unconscious. He later died of pneumonia in the hospital at Port Stanley on the 23rd December and was buried in Falklands (see photo). He was from Millbrook, and married with a son. His parents were from Island House, Millbrook. BLNA., Chief Shipwright 2 ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
COMLEY WilliamWilliam Comley was a regular Royal Marine. He was in the gun turret that was manned by the Royal Marines. When it was hit he was pulled out on fire. He operated the "range finder" which was a big piece of equipment & he said that is what saved his life. He ended up in hospital in the Falkland Islands., Royal Marines
CONYON J, Petty Officer, Gun Layer Armourer
CONNOR F, Royal Marines
CONNOR Horace ArolHorace Arrol Connor - service number D/JX 149298 - survived the Battle but sadly not the war. There is a photo of Horace pointing to damage on the funnel of HMS Exeter after the encounter with the Graf Spee. He was in the parade in London after the battle. Horace was killed when he was torpedoed in the Mediterranean whilst serving on HMS Bonaventure. Details added by his stepbrother Donald Connor., Signalman
COOK A E, Dir Gnr
COOPER Horace Samuel, Able Seaman

CORMACK John TJohn T Cormack - Stoker, Petty Officer, his number was DK/X.92237. He died in Australia in1973 - submitted by his daughter, Helen Cormack. , Stoker Petty Officer
COWANS, ERA
CRAGG George RobertNottingham Evening Post - 18 October 1940. "Seaman Cragg was on HMS. Exeter when it took part in the Battle of the River Plate, and since then had been transferred to HMS Ajax, whose notable achievements last week in sinking two Italian destroyers and crippling a third, is described one of the finest naval feats of the war." BLNA.
CRITCHLEY M,
CROCKER George I, Chief Stoker ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
CROKER Alfred John, age 25, Marine Royal Marines

CROSS Victor"Served on her prior to and during early part of WW2, he was an Able Bodied Seaman at the time of the Battle of the River Plate against the Graf Spee. Thought likely to have been on the 4.5 inch guns during the battle (but not certain). I have his Royal Navy book covering the cruise of HMS Exeter of South America, from 1936 to 1939 just before the battle. Victor was married to Violet Pickton (nee Vinant) on the 14th August 1948 in his uniform. Discharged from the Navy dead on 23rd September 1948. He was killed as a result of a Gunnery accident at Wembury. A shell had become stuck in the breach and blew up, with the blast killing him. He died having had no children of his own. Buried at Canford Cemetry Westbury On Trim." Colin Cross nephew., Able Bodied Seaman
CROWE Thomas H, Seaman
CROWLEY GeorgeNottingham Evening Post - 10 August 1940 "Chief Petty Officer George Crowley, of Plymouth, who was aboard H.M.S. Exeter in the Battle of the Plate, was married this afternoon at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Belgrave-square, Nottingham, the ceremony being conducted by the Rev. G. Walker. His bride was Miss Florence Dver only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Dyer, of 68 Chadwick-road, Nottingham." BLNA.
CURNOW Frances JohnFrom comments page "Frances John Curnow was born on 28th august 1919, and passed away 14th February 1987. He served 22 years, until 1962. He was chief engine room artificer - Captain Bell promoted him to Chief PO after the battle. My father played rugby for Cornwall under 16, got his cap, was also a champion wrestler, 4 years on the trot [Cornish] got his trophies, plus photos, Lord and Lady St Leven on St Michael Mount presenting., Chief Engine Room Artificer
CUSSEN John, Surgeon Commander ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
DAKIN EricAberdeen Journal - 16 July 1940 "FROM FALKLAND ISLES TO MARRY Miss Mary S. J. Miller, a nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Falkland Isles, has travelled ten thousand miles to Leicester to make her home. She has become engaged to a sick berth attendant, Eric Thomas Dakin, of Dronfield Street, Leicester, who was awarded the D.S.M. for bravery on H.M.S. Exeter in the River Plate battle. Miss Miller wos born on the isles, and the couple first met in a hospital there." BLNA. London Gazette – Eric T. Dakin, Sick Berth Attendant; who had been in the ship only a week, having been lent from H.M.S. Ajax, his first ship. His conduct throughout the action was exemplary. He carried out instructions perfectly, his first-aid treatment was very good and his quiet gentle manner gave great confidence to the wounded. His ability to take charge and keep order in difficulties was splendid., ¤DSM

DALLAS-SMITH Peter, Midshipman
DALLAWAY Stanley J, Gnr ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
DANCE S T, Musician Royal Marines Band
DANN H, Sub Lieutenant, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
DAVEY A,
DAVIES F,
DAVIES Gilbert L, Able Seaman
DAVIES Stanley, Able Seaman
DAY E, Seaman
DAY H, Seaman

DAY Percy George"... my grandfather was a member on board. He was a signalman during the Second World War, and saw active duty at the Battle of the River Plate. i have just watched the archive footage of the ship arriving back at Plymouth - I think it is him in the front right of the picture, on the YouTube HMS Exeter Comes Home." submitted by his grandson Dave Mitchell., signalman
DEAR H,

DEVINE Richard VictorFrom Liverpool, he was 21 at the time of the battle. His parents were Mr and Mrs Robert Devine of Bran-street, Dingle near Liverpool. He was probably an Able-Seaman., signalman
DINGLE K,

DOUGLAS-DON Robert W DRobert Don was from Cheltenham. BLNA. London Gazette – Midshipman Robert W. D. Don, Royal Navy; who, throughout the action showed great calm, resource and initiative, especially in running hoses into the burning Marines' barracks, in fighting a fire over the lower steering position, and in rescuing the wounded.
Dundee Courier - 10 February 1940 IN EXETER THEN AJAX
On a flying visit to Angus this week was Acting Sub-Lieutenant ROBERT WILLIAM DOUGLAS-DON, son of Captain Douglas-Don, of Maulesden, Brechin, and of Mrs Baxter, of Invereighty. Sub-Lieutenant Douglas-Don was midshipman in H.M.S. Exeter, and took part in the battle which sealed the fate of the Graf Spee. Educated at Cheltenham, he underwent his cadet training at Portsmouth, following which he was on two voyages of about three months each in H.M.S. Vindictive. In May 1937 he was appointed midshipman in the Exeter. Following the defeat of the Graf Spee he came home on H.M.S. Ajax, and, after a few days in London, came north. He returned last night to England to undergo his qualifying course as a lieutenant.,  Mentoned in Despatchess ¤DSO
DOVE Gilbert H, Acting Petty Office
DOUST Ernest A, Snr Master ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
DRAKE,
DURHAM R , Seaman
DYER Frederick W GWestern Morning News "Before joining the Navy he served his apprenticeship in Devonport Dockyard. Then, like his father, he decided to go to sea. Mr. Dyer's parents live at 11, Phillimore - street. Devonport". Express and Echo "... who was a well known figure in Devon Rugby circles a decade ago. A Plymouth Albion stalwart, he was a fine full-back and centre-threequarters, and played for Devon County for two seasons, his last game being against Cornwall. In this he was badly hurt, and was forced to retire.", Shipwright 3

EARP H,
EAST R D, MA Tempy. Instr Lieutenant
EDDEY W, EA
EDMONDS, Norman, Able Seaman
EDNEY Ivor HaroldLeading stoker Edney crossed the line on Exeter on the 11 January 1937. After the battle, Exeter, badly damaged, limped into St. Georges on the Falkland Islands. He was one of the crew who used sheets from the Whaling Sheds for repairs. He was born on the 13th of February 1910, at Penryn, Cornwall, after the War he settled in Kiddiminster., Leading Stoker
EDWARDS ArthurArthur Edwards had been in the Navy for fourteen years at the time of the battle, when he was in the Fire and Repair Party. He lived at Pinkerton Place, Rosyth. (BLNA), Petty
EDWARDS, Royal Marines
EMBLETON Chas James, Stoker

EMMETT Stephen AnthonySteven Anthony Emmett - he was also in the crew when Exeter was sunk on the 2nd March 1942 and held as a Japanese POW. Name added by his son Mark Hernandez., Stoker
ENGLAND Philip A, EA 1 ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
ENNIS Ivor JohnIvor John ENNIS, who was 20 years in 1939, had been on the ship during the Chilean earthquake, and for which was awarded a non-commissioned rank award. , Stoker New
EVAN George AlwinSeaman, in Y Turret shell room during the battle. From West Corby on the Wirral, he was the brother in law of Seaman Stephen L Bell, who was also on the Exeter during the battle. He served on HMS Banaventure after he left the Exeter, when she was sunk. After the war he worked for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, and died in the early 1970s., Seaman
EVANS David GwynDavid Gwyn Evans joined the Royal Navy in 1926 as a boy sailor. During the battle he was in the blacksmith’s shop. He gave two interviews to mark the 50th anniversary, one to RTE and another to the Imperial War Museum. , Able SeamanNew
EVANS R

FLETCHER FrederickFrederick Fletcher was one of the crew manning a gun turret in which six were killed. He was 19 years old, and from Admiralty Road, Rosyth. (BLNA), Royal Marines
FARTHING F CF C Farthing was from Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset. Western Daily Press "THE battle of the River Plate was thrillingly recounted to a packed audience at the BURNHAM-ON-SEA Town Hall, when a presentation was made to Mr F. C. Farthing. Burnham's sole representative on H.M.S. Exeter." BLNA., LTO
FLOWERS W, Seaman
FOGWILL Reginald Albert, Seaman
FORBES Alexander S, Boy 1st Class
FOWLER George CW, Lieutenant Cdr (O)
FOX George Cyril, Petty Officer
FRANCIS H W, Seaman
FREDERICKS J TSeaman Fredericks was 20 years old at the battle. He sustained a shrapnel wound in his head, from which he died in Buenes Aires on 14 March 1940. BLNA., Seaman
FREEMAM Peter JamesGunner Freeman was born in Liverpool on the 27th January 1920, joining HMS Ganges as a Boy Sailor on the 9th July 1935 aged 15. After a brief stint at HMS Drake and then 'Queen Elizabeth' he was posted to HMS Exeter on 7th June 1936 where he served until 11th July 1940. He later served on HMS Kenya with action supporting the Vaasgo raid in Norway and the onerous Malta Convoys, Operations Halberd and Harpoon as well as Pedestal where the Kenya received severe damage from a torpedo. He saw action in the Norwegian Sea escorting convoys to Murmansk. He represented Devonport in the Field Gun Crew in 1947., Gunner (AB)
FRENCH Frederick T, Able Seaman
FRENCH, Boy
FROST L GAble-Seaman Frost received shrapnel wounds during the battle. Western Morning News "L. G. Frost, one of the crew of H.M.S. Exeter engaged in the battle of the River Plate, was presented with an inscribed Bible and cigarettes by the Mayor (Mr. J. Lewis). Making the presentation, the Mayor said: "Tiverton is proud of you." ...Congratulating Able-Smn. Frost on the way he and his comrades had played their part upholding the great traditions of Britain, the Mayor remarked: "No matter what great battles take place in the future, whether on sea, land, or in the I air, Tiverton is more sure than not to have one or more of its sons taking part." BLNA., Able-Seaman

FULLERTON Roy GRoy G Fullerton - joined Exeter for the 1936 South American cruise. He was presented with a medal by his home town, Alloa, Scotland after the battle. He died in 1988. Name added by his son Bert Fullerton. , age 29, Able-Seaman.
FUTCHER, Tel

CPO Willie Claude Truman, PO Nemo of HMS Ajax and PO J Green of the Exeter, in Capetown.

GARDNER LH, Corporal Royal Marines Band
GARRARD J S,
GARRETT V,
GASKELL J L, Ck
GEORGE Evan I, Leading Stoker - died 15th December
GIBSON Stanley C, Able Seaman
GIBSON, Musician Royal Marines Band
GILPIN L, Ck

GLEADELL OwenStoker Gleadell was one of at least two men from the Falkland Islands, serving on Exeter. BLNA., Stoker
GLOVER Kenneth EdgarExeter and Plymouth Gazette - 24 May 1940 "... Boy Kenneth Glover, one of the Exeter heroes of H.M.S. Exeter's famous encounter with the Graf Spec, visited Exeter Guildhall on Saturday, and was welcomed the Mayor and Mayoress ... and the Sheriff ... . Still carrying his left arm in a sling, he was accompanied by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. N. T. Glover, of 63. Shakespeare-road, and his six-year old brother, James. With the Mayoress was Mrs. Oakley, of 54a St. Leonard's road, Exeter, cousin of Lt.-Comdr. J. Bowman-Manifold, navigator of H.M.S. Exeter, who had charge of the midshipmen and boys on the ship, and who was killed in the action the River Plate. Boy Glover is on leave from hospital, to which he is to return shortly for a grafting operation to his injured arm. The civic heads were intensely interested in the reminiscences related by young Glover..." Boy Glover attended Bradley Rowe School, leaving in 1936. BLNA., boy 1st class
GOODE T, EA
GOODHALL F, Tel

GOODWIN Horace (Harry)Horace Goodwin - Stoker, First Class NoKX92154 Served 21st April 1938 to 29th Feb 1940 - submitted by his son Roy Goodwin., Stoker First Class
GOURD C, Chief Petty Officer Wtr
GRAHAM R,

GRAHAM Robert RCommander Robert Graham suffered a shrapnel injury during the battle. Nottingham Evening PostMay 1940 "EXETER HERO KILLED IN ACTION. COMMANDER GRAHAM. Commander Robert Rule Graham, who won the D.S.O. in H.M.S. Exeter during its fight with the Graf Spec, was killed in action on May 3rd, while in the French destroyer Bison. In the "London Gazette" notice of the D.S.O. award, it was stated that when the day for action came he heartened all by his readiness, example and encouragement." In the battle he received more than a dozen shrapnel wounds.", Commander, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.
GREEN JamesHaving evacuated the wheelhouse, PO Jimmy Green suffered very bad burns when a shell exploded between the ERA and Petty Officers' messes., Petty Officer - Chief Quartermaster
GREEN William E,London Gazette – William E. Green, Petty Officer; who, as Chief Quartermaster, when the upper steering position was put out of action by an 11-inch shell exploding on a Turret ensured that the secondary steering position was correct and fully manned. Finding it to be so he started aft to see that the after steering position also was correct; on his way he was seriously wounded. REPORTED WOUNDED ON H.M.S. "EXETER" BIDEFORD PETTY OFFICER Among those reported wounded on H.M.S. "Exeter" in the outstandingly successful naval battle of three British cruisers against the German "pocket" battleship "Admiral Graf Spec," in which the "Exeter" played such a gallant part, is Petty Officer W. E. Green, of Florencia, Clovelly Road, Bideford, and son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. John Headon, of Sunny Dale, Clovelly. Mrs. Green is now staying with her parents at Clovelly. Before making their home at Bideford, P.O. and Mrs. Green, who were married about nine years ago, lived at Clovelly. They have many friends in both places, who with relatives, last week anxiously awaited further news as to the extent of his injuries. Coming from a Portsmouth Naval family, P.O. Green has nearly completed his time in the senior service, being due in the normal course of events for retirement. In the last war he was wounded at the age of fifteen. Chief Quarter Master ¤DSM
GREEN L, Seaman
GROVE George FrederickNAME OF 'EXETER' GIVEN TO BABY Christening In Famous Cruiser At Plymouth NAMES of Barry John Exeter were given to the 18-months-old son of Warr.-Eng. J. J. Tayler when he was christened in H.M.S. Exeter at Plymouth yesterday. The ship's bell, inverted and resting in a lifebuoy which bore the ship's name, was used as the font, and Capt. F. S. Bell, captain of the Exeter, was godfather. The ceremony was performed in the captain's lobby by the ship's padre. Rev. G F. Grove, the presence of officers, officers' wives, and the ship's company. Mrs. Tayler had journeyed from Portsmouth with her baby son to meet her husband when the Exeter arrived at Plymouth. Unaware that he was in surroundings now famous in naval history, the baby cried lustily during the christening ceremony. , Ship's Chaplain
GWILLIAM W GLondon Gazette – William G. Gwilliam, Able Seaman, H.M.S. Exeter; who helped Midshipman Cameron to smother the flames of a burning ammunition locker, and to throw hot shells, with their brass cases either missing or split open, over the side. He showed no regard for his own safety in putting out fires–on the Upper Deck near the aircraft from which petrol was leaking.,Seaman ¤CGM

HALLAS Charles F,London Gazette – Charles F. Hallas, Petty Officer; who was the Torpedo Gunner's Mate in charge of the torpedo tubes. Although wounded at the start of the action he remained at his station until all torpedoes were fired. He then formed parties to deal with fires on deck and help the wounded. After the action he worked unceasingly in repairing damaged circuits. His cheerfulness throughout was a great encouragement to all who were working with him. Petty Officer ¤DSM
HALLIDAY Leonard FrancisWritten by his son in law "During the Battle of the River Plate Len was in Y battery... usually referred to as "Lazy Y" because during nearly every gun practice Y battery used to break down. They knew the Exeter was being hit and the first impact on Y battery was they lost the external fire control. Having been in the navy a long time, starting at Greenwich college, Len was a very experienced gunner so they continued firing using "line of sight". They were getting better results this way, and were scoring more hits. The turret took a hit and they lost one gun and all the hydraulics. They then had to carry the shells up from the magazine by hand and do everything else manually. I think Len said that they emptied the magazine but I am not certain about this.
HAMBLIN Victor A, Seaman
HARDING, Royal Marines
HARRINGTON Stanley P, Marine Royal Marines
HARRIS C,
HARRIS David, Stoker PO
HARRIS HughWestern Morning News "H.M.S. EXETER HERO Newquay Man One Of Victims In Graf Spec Action Official confirmation has been received at his home, 31, St. Georges-road, Newquay, that P.O. Teleg. Hugh Harris was killed while serving H.M.S Exeter during the action with the German battleship Graf Spec. Mr. Harris, single man, aged 39 years, served in the last war, and was present at the Battle of Jutland, being then 15 ½ years of age. Prior to joining the Navy he was a member of Newquay branch of the Sea Scouts. P.O. Harris was the second son of the late Mr Adolphus Harris, and has served in the Royal Navy for the past 22 years, being due for retirement on pension this Christmas. He was a very jovial disposition, and much sympathy is expressed in Newquay for his relative", Petty Officer Telegraphist
HARRISON TysonNorthern Daily Mail "Stoker Petty Officer John Tyson Harrison of H.M.S. Exeter, whose home address is 21 Winterbottom Avenue, West View, Hartlepool offered me his cigarette case and remarked “I’m afraid I can't tell you very much.” But it was not an ordinary cigarette case writes a "Northern Daily Mail" reporter. Of leather, it carried a crest embossed in gold. This cigarette case—a replica of which was presented to each man of the Exeter at the Lord Mayors banquet—and a few fragments of Nazi shrapnel are his only tangible reminders are one of the greatest incidents in British naval history—the battle of the River Plate. Hartlepool's representative—incidentally, you are sure to find the Hartlepools represented on most of our ships—is home again. Petty Officer Harrison had five days leave in August, and then the crisis called hurriedly back to the ship. "Action stations." Harrison, In the depths of the ship heard the first details of the challenge through Exeter’s loud speakers from which instructions to the crew went into action sailing at full speed.", Stoker Petty Officer
HARRIS S T, Sig
HASKIN WilliamStoker Haskin served on HMS Exeter from 8th December 1936 to 1940. He joined H.M.S.Drake on 1 March 1940. KX 80007., Stoker 1
HATTON J,
HAUGHTON F, Chief Ordinance Artificer. Mentioned in Despatches

HAYLETT GeoffreyEngraved watch given to Geoffrey Haylett after the battle. This is the only evidence of Haylett being in the battle., AB
HEARSON G, Cdr (E)
HEENAN Robert Lawrence, Lieutenant, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve Met
HEGGIE R M, Surgeon Lieutenant, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
HICKS A, LSA
HIGGINBOTTOM Alan, Chief Yeoman of Signals
HILL Leonard C, Able Seaman - died from wounds 14th December 1939
HILL RichardRichard Hill was 19, and had been on Exeter for two years. He was from Dowell Street Honiton, Devon. When the order "Action stations" was sounded he was in his hammock, having been on duty the previous night. During the battle shrapnel hit his locker, ruining some of its contents. His relief look-out, Ernest Basil Squire, was killed in the engagement. BLNA., Gunner
HILL Ronald B, Boy Bugler RM
HINDLE F,
HOARE D J,
HOARE E,
HOCKINGS Henry Herbert"Our father served on HMS Exeter from 14 December 1936 to 27 February 1940, which included the South American Tour of Duty and The Battle of the River Plate. During the latter he was one of 15 Royal Marines manning the Forward B Turret. We have in our possession a solid cast handle with 'OPEN FIRST SHUT LAST' engraved on it and badly twisted from shellfire..from B Turret maybe? I remember being told it saved my father's life as he was holding on to it when they got hit... He was a keen sportsman and partook in boxing, rugby,tug of war, polo and swimming teams. Sadly he died in Exmouth at the age of 53." Name added by his daughter Mrs P Packer., Corporal Royal Marines, from Exmouth
HOGG Donald, Stoker
HOLMES Charles Edwin"Stoker Charlie, as he was known, spent 16 hours in the stokehold before the lighting failed. On the 16 February 1940, the Daily Sketch published his poem about the battle.
‘You’ve heard of Britain’s heroes bold in air, on land or sea.
But here’s a tale will ‘ere be told, the fate of the Admiral Spee.
The 13th of December was her unlucky day.
’Twas then she met the Exeter hard by the River Plate.
And tho’ she was the stronger in armaments indeed.
We’d speed aboard the Exeter and men of bulldog breed.
We met as dawn was breaking. She raked us with her shell.
But we put trust in the turbine’s thrust, and our faith in Captain Bell.
Tho’ many of our comrades fell even at victory’s gate.
Theirs was the death of heroes, her’s an inglorious fate.
Sunk by her captain’s orders, a woeful sight to see.
No more shall ride Germania’s pride, the Admiral Graf Spee.’", Petty Officer Stoker
HONEY Leslie F L, Leading Signalman
HORSLEY W, unknown
HOWARD Horace, Stoker
HOWELL Bernard L, Photographer
HUXSON, Royal Marines
HUNT, Royal Marines
HURLEY,
HUTTON J, Torpedoman

IVEY W G,

JACKSON E, Corporal Royal Marines Band - met girl in Falklands after the Battle and married her.
JAMES Thomas L, Steward
JAMIESON, Percy, Musician Royal Marines Band
JANES , Charles,J.23732, Petty Officer Janes, joined HMS Exeter, from HMS Ajax on 2 December, 1939 and left her on 19 February, 1940. He was awarded the Wounds & Hurts Certificate for "wounds received in action." Petty Officer
JEFFERIES James Emmanuel,Joined as a Boy 1st Class in October 1934. Discharged from Exeter on 29 February 1940. Crossed the line on Exeter on 11 January 1937. Discharged from RN August 1948 as not fit for service. Able Seaman
JEFFERY W,
JEFFERY W J, Seaman
JEFFREY A D, OA
JENNINGS Richard B,London Gazette – Commander Richard B. Jennings, Royal Navy; who throughout the action controlled the main armament with great calmness and skill. When only one Turret was left in action he tried to spot from the after control position though standing over the muzzles of the guns. Throughout and after the battle he was untiring in his work of keeping the turret in action and in directing the ship's company to clear away the debris, the Commander being wounded. Lieutenant Commander (G) ¤DSC
JOHN James Edward L, WO Gunner
JOHN Henry B, MBE Pay Cdr ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
JOHNS R,
JOHNS William, E Ch OA 1 ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
JOHNSON Leslie Robert, Royal Marine

JOHNSTON James AlfredJames Johnston joined HMS Exeter on 8 December 1936 and left on the 1 March 1940. He was present in the Victory Parade of the 23 February 1940, held when the crew returned to the UK. He is one of the crew on the front cover of Picture Post, parading through London to the Guildhall, London. Info from Blair Johnston. New

JOLLIFFE CharlesCharles Jolliffe - he served on HMS Diomede after he returned to England after the battle. Submitted by his grandson Rich Harvey.
JONES Albert S, Stoker Petty Officer ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
JONES C J, Seaman

JONES EdwardEdward Jones - lives in Adelaide, Australia (2009) - name added by Bill Hartland (Ted), Musician Royal Marines Band
JONES J H, Royal Marines
JONES R M, Rev
JOPLIN Walter, Stoker

KAVANAGH Michael T, Telegraphist

KEARS William NormanRobert Kears wrote of hid father "... my dad was an able seaman on board Exeter during the battle. He told me that he helped to push a catapolt air plane overboard during the battle. He also told me that he had a fire hose to put out a fire during the battle, but that shrapnel had severed it. I do know that he became a petty officer and a coxwain on MTBs before the end of the war.", Able-Seaman

KEELING J HJ H Keeling lived in Westgate Street, Gloucester. Along was Able-Seaman Powell, he was greeted by the Mayor on his return. BLNA., Able-Seaman
KELLY Albert E, Stoker 1
KEMBALL H N EH. N. E. Kemball. R.N., was the second son of Col. H. F. Kemball, D.L., of Newlands, Ingatestone near Chelmsford., Lieutenant
KENT W H, Royal Marines
KENWARD, Musician Royal Marines Band
KING D,
KNIGHT Frederick,London Gazette – Frederick Knight, Joiner (Third Class); who, while bleeding in the face and badly shaken by the 11-inch shells exploding on the forecastle Messdeck, used great initiative in improvising stretchers for the wounded, in examining compartments underneath the damage and in plugging holes in the upper deck. ¤DSM

Stoker Lewis with a broken neck after the battle.

LAMB Geoffrey Silverwood"I am writing as my grandfather served on HMS Exeter during the Battle of the River Plate. He was a pilot and officer and his name was Geoffrey Silverwood Lamb. After returning to the UK, he was invalided out of the Navy as he suffered from trauma. We believe he was re-assigned to test Spitfires at Southampton Eastleigh airfield. Here he and his engineer were killed on 1st July 1942 when their Spitfire crashed into a pylon or tall structure. Allegedly, he had frequently spoken about the probability of this occurring when a certain cross-wind was blowing." Rosemary Greenfield (nee Lamb), Lieutenant (Pilot)
LANCASHIRE Roger W G,London Gazette – Surgeon-Lieutenant Roger W. G. Lancashire, Royal Navy; who, during the action and throughout the passage to the Falklands, with no sleep, worked cheerfully and unceasingly in tending the wounded. Surgeon Lieutenant ¤DSC
LANGMEAD E,
LANSDOWNE Cyril, H L Tel, Mentioned in Despatches
LEGG FrankPetty Officer Legg died 16th December and was buried on the Falklands. (see photo) BLNA., Petty Officer Cook
LAXTON Reginald James, Able Seaman
LEWIS C G,
LEWIS D S G, Stoker 1 (pictured right with broken neck)
LISTER AndrewMarine Andrew Lister sustained a laceration to the lower third of his right leg , and a shrapnel wound to his head, during the battle. He served on the Exeter between 3 September 1939 and 27 February 1940. He later served on HMS Repulse, HMS Caradoc, and HMS Duke of York., Marine New
LLEWELLYN,
LOCKER G,

LONDON JamesStoker James London (right) and Commodore Rt'd Chris Richards in the White Ensign Club, Exeter, March 2017. Photo Jessica Davis., Stoker

LONSDALE Leonard H"He had joined the vessel in Devonport at the end of 1936 for a 3 year commission to the West Indies Station, returning home to Devonport again in the Summer of 1939. He was ordered to re-join the vessel in August 1939 as it was feared WW2 would break out at any time. Again, Exeter, with my father on board sailed to the Americas, subsequently meeting up with Graff Spee on 13th December... Engraved on the rim of his Good Conduct and Long Service medal is: 'L.H.Lonsdale Mech.1 K63823 H.M.S Exeter.' He survived the action and went on to serve on the Cruisers HMS Charybdis; HMS Kenya; HMS Abdiel and finally HMS Orion. His war ended when HMS Orion finally returned to Devonport in 1946 after carrying out a support role against Communists trying to overthrow the Greek Government. He was subsequently pensioned off after 22 years service." Larry Lonsdale, son., Chief Mechanician
LOVELL A,
LUMSDEN Arthur R, Telegraphist
LYNN John Thomas, Acting Gunner (T)

MACLEOD William, age 25, Stoker 1st Class
MACNAMARA W,
MAGEE (McGee?), Musician Royal Marines Band

MAKIN JamesJames Makin - he served on the 1936/39 South American Cruise through to the sinking in March 1942, and then held in a Japanese POW camp. Submitted by James Oldfield-Williams., Able Seaman
MANNING GeorgeWestern Morning News "LOST IN H.M.S. EXETER. Totnes Man Among Those Killed First Class Sto. George Manning, of Landscove, near Totnes, was one of those killed in H M.S Exeter in the battle with the Graf Spee. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss... he was one a family of ten children. Mr. ana Mrs. Manning had had their home at Plymouth for many years. Mr. Manning only enjoyed hours' leave after a three-years commission on the West Indies Station before being recalled. He had only eighteen months to serve for his pension. " , age 37, Stoker 1st Class

MANSON TomTom Manson - from South Shields, he was a Royal Marine Corporal who served on Exeter between 24th September 1938 to 14th March 1940, on gunnery station during the battle - submitted by his son Ray Manson., Corporal Royal Marines
MARSH William George Robert, age 21, Corporal Royal Marines
MARSHALL A S, Signaller
MARSHALL A SBrother of Stanley Marshall, below, he was given a message to deliver to the bridge wireless office, just before the bridge was hit, where several were kiled., Marine
MARSHALL StanleyDaily Mirror - 2 January 1940 FAMILY IN THE NAVY JUSTLY proud of their family record service in the Navy and Marines are the Marshalls, of Spencer-avenue. Exeter. Mr. W. E. Marshall has been called up for service in the Marines, in which he served twenty-one years... and his second son, Stanley, is in H.M.S. Exeter. No news has been heard of him since the sinking the Graf Spee, so the family presume he is safe. , Marine
MARTIN R B Commander (Staff Officer)
MASON,
MATHER James, Seaman
McAUSLAN,

McBARNET Donald TMarried February 1940 at Antony House, Torpoint. The bride was given away by Captain Bell., Lieutenant RN ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
McCORMACK Alfred JamesGunner James McCormack, SSX22762, was from Middlesbrough. He joined the navy age 16 in 1934. He married on 16 March 1940, just two weeks after arriving back in England after the battle. He died in 1989., Gunner
McDONNELL Francis, H Able Seaman
McEVOY James P, Marine Royal Marines
McGARRY James,London Gazette – James McGarry, Engine Room Artificer, Second Class; who on his own initiative at the beginning of the action flooded the petrol compartment. After the two shell bursts near him and in dense fumes, with dead and dying around him, himself blown against a bulkhead and temporarily stunned, he maintained complete charge. He got Shipwrights to investigate damage and organised stretcher parties and the work in his area. On the arrival of'the Engineer Officer he made a complete report while a messenger supported him. Engine Room Artificer 2 ¤DSM
McGEE W,
McGINN Jock,
MCGREGORNothing more is known about this member of the crew apart from this tragic newspaper story. "FATHER'S DEATH TRAGIC HOMECOMING FOR EXETER HERO A sad homecoming awaited son who went to Perth, Western Australia, on convalescent leave after serving H.M.S. Exeter in the River Plate battle. His proud father, Mr. Allan McGregor, set out to cycle to Perth from a country district to meet his son. A few days later the father was found on the road dead from thirst, with an empty water-bottle beside him." BLNA.
MEDLEYExtract from a letter to a friend, sent on 15 February 1940, on the day Exeter returned to Devonport. "Well no doubt you will know that today is a very happy & busy day for us as we arrived home in Eng after out dangerous twenty-five day voyage, (with all Hitlers navy looking for us through sinking the Graph Spee) well I am afraid he was foiled once again, & sometimes I wish we had met another & we would send that to 'Davy Jones' also... We are all absolutely worn out after our task of getting the ship sea worthy & home. I only wish that you could see the poor old Exeter now, with her masts half shot away & several patches in the side, the funnels with at least a dozen holes in and two boats missing, believe me you would not recognise it... this war is affecting you but I think it is almost as bad as an earthquake to a country & I shall be pleased when it is over." , Reginald, Royal Marines
MELLORS AlbertTwenty Five year old Leading Seaman Albert Mellors was wounded at the battle. His family received the following telegrams – “Dec 17th.–Regret to inform you that your son, Albert Mellors, has been wounded in action in HMS Exeter. Dec 19th.–Condition of your son is fairly satisfactory. Further reports will be forwarded when received. Jan, 1st.–Condition of your son has improved so much that he has been removed from seriously ill list, and no further reports will be forwarded.” (Worksop Guardian) Albert Mellors was from Worksop and had attended the Worksop Central School., Leading Seaman
MELLOW GodfreyLancashire Evening Post NEW YORK FAIR BY OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT NOT so long ago the Graf Spee and H.M.S. Exeter were In New York Harbour together for the World’s Fair. Said the crew of the pocket battleship to the men of the Exeter: “We'll give the British Navy socks if ever it comes to a showdown.” To which the Exeter men retorted grimly: “You’ll be surprised! ” Able-Seaman Geoffrey Mellows told his mother that story when he was home on leave In August. He was aboard the Exeter, and was one of those who said the wait-and-see bit. He knows about it coming true, too, for he fought in the Battle of the River Plate... Geoffrey Is one of five sons in the Royal Navy. Mrs. Mellows' sixth and last son will join the Navy this month. One son-in-law is in the Navy, too… I wish all my 11 children had been boys that they could all have joined the Navy," said Mrs. Mellows to me at her home at Knaphill, near Woking… Well, let us get back to Mrs. Mellows's own sons. You know something about Geoffrey. He joined H.M.S. Exeter as a boy seven years ago, and has been with her ever since. He was with her when she made her trip through the Kiel Canal, the first British warship to do so after the last war. , Able Seaman
MELLOW G,
MICHAEL H,
MILEHILL H,
MILLS Edward, Marine Royal Marines
MILLS G,
MINHINETT John L,London Gazette – John L. Minhinett, Stoker, First Class; who, when taken wounded to the After Medical Station, refused all attention until he was certain that the message he had been carrying had been delivered. This message stated that the steering had been changed Stoker 1 ¤DSM
MITCHELL H B, Seaman

MOFFATT James AndrewJames Andrew Moffatt - an Able Seaman from Swarland in Northumbria, he manned one of the guns during the battle - submitted by his daughter, Sarah Clark. , Able Seaman
MOFFETT W, Stoker 2
MOLONEY J, Stoker 2
MONK L,
MONKS Christopher, Stoker 2
MORGAN John David, Marine 11277
MORSE Clyde Anthony Leeds, Acting Sub Lieutenant ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
MOTT John W, Sub Lieutenant (E) ¤ Mentioned in Despatches

MOUNTJOY William HenryWilliam Henry Mountjoy was born at Bideford 26 September 1904. He joined the Exeter on 8 December 1936 and left on 1 March 1940. He was invalided on 1 March 1942. He died of TB associated with inhalation of engine oil during Exeter's shelling during the battle. , Stoker Petty Officer

MOYNIHAN DenisDenis Moynihan - served on Exeter during the South American cruise. Submitted by his grandson Shane Allen. , Able-Seaman
MUDGE G, Petty Officer Ck
MULBERRY ME,
MULVENNY,

MURPHY ErnestHe was 20 years old at the time of the battle, and from Dunluce-street, Walton, Liverpool. In December 1940, Murphy's parents home was bombed. His mother recovered a framed photo of her son in uniform, from the ruins., Seaman

MYERS Leslie RLeslie R Myers served on HMS Exeter between 1938-1940. He was killed in action on 31st March 1941 when his ship HMS Bonaventure was torpedoed by the Italian submarine AMBRA near Sollum, off the North African coast., ERA D/MX 54767
NAPIER
NAYLOR Thomas H, Able Seaman
NEWMAN Harold E, Chief Petty Officer Tel ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
NICHOLS S,
NOBLE R, Stoker
NODDER F,
NORTHCOTT Patrick, Seaman
NORTHCOTT W P, Royal Marines

O'BRIEN P,London Gazette – Stoker (First Class) Patrick O'Brien, H.M.S. Exeter; who, when ordered from the Damage Control Headquarters to make contact with the Main Switchboard, found his way through the Chief Petty Officers' Flat where an 11-inch shell had just burst. Through the dense and deadly smoke, escaping steam and high explosive fumes, he made contact with the Main Switchboard and so with the Engine Room Artificer in the Forward Dynamo Room. From there he returned by way of the Upper Deck and led his party into the reeking Flat. Stoker 1 ¤CGM
O'LEARY Patrick J, Stoker 1

OLIVER FrederickFrederick Oliver was from Long Ground, Frome, Somerset. He married Miss Lily Witcombe in March 1940. He was a former pupil of Frome Church of England School, and was a former member of Frome Rugby Club. BLNA., Stoker

O'NEIL Leslie James Collingwood (Bill)After the battle, when Exeter was at the Falklands, O'Neil was billeted ashore with a local family. In 1970 Bill O'Neil as the senior salvage officer of Risdon Beazley Ltd, was sent to the Falkland Islands to look into the feasibility of salvaging the Great Britain. His report led to Brunel's ship returning it to Bristol. Shipwright

Template for the graves carved by PO Harold Head Pitman.

The graves on the Falklands of
Richard F Powton Chief Petty Office Cook,
Marine Wilfred A Russell Royal Marines

PARRY David John, Telegraphist
PARSONS A W C, Sgt Royal Marines

PARSONS Basil FrancisBasil Francis Parsons - Petty Officer Stoker was on the ship as part of the 8th Cruiser Division. After the Battle he was transferred to HMS Lively and was lost, with the ship in 1942. Submitted by his nephew John Bronda., Petty Officer Stoker
PAYNE OD,
PEARCE L, Seaman
PEARSALL J K, Lieutenant

PEATE John Henry"My dad was on the Exeter. He is my hero. Whenever times get difficult I think of him as a 19 year old gunner on the Exeter during the battle, wondering if the next moment would be his last. I then think my troubles are trivial... John Henry ('Jacky') Peate, Able Seaman. He was very badly injured during the battle as the Exeter took most of the heat. The decks were make of wood and, with all the shelling, he had so many splinters in him, his mate Blacky said he looked like a porcupine. The ship limped to the Falklands Islands, where he recuperated with the Reid family. Later he and all his surviving shipmates marched through the City of London and were feted at the Guildhall, with Winston Churchill in attendance. "Julie Peate daughter., Able Seaman
PENN-GASKELL Leslie De Nedham WilliamHe ended his service in the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. Died in 2010 at the age of 88. Source: Telegraph, Paymaster Shipman ¤Mentioned in Despatchess
PETTIT S, Royal Marines
PETT Bryan TExeter and Plymouth Gazette "We heard with regret the death of Bryan Pett. of Shebbear, who lost his life on H.M.S. Exeter. He was about 20 years of age, and was well known in the parish.", Stoker 1
PETT L A, Stoker
PHILLIPS Alfred V, Acting Leading Seaman - died 14th December

PHILLIPS Thomas GThomas Phillips was from Saltram Place, Plymouth. On his return he married at Charles Church, Plymouth on 2nd March 1940. London Gazette – Thomas G. Phillips, Engine Room Artificer (Third Class); who got the two extra dynamos on load in record time. As the result of an explosion he and his party were trapped in the forward Dynamo Room which filled with dense fumes and smoke. One dynamo had stopped and with the exhaust fan out of action he skilfully effected the repairs needed to get , Engine Room Artificer 3 ¤DSM
PIERCE L B, Seaman

PITMAN Harold HeadHarold Head Pitman - served on Exeter from December 1936 to February 1940. He designed and carved the headstones of the four crew buried in the Falklands. Additional information from his son, John Pitman., Petty Officer
POINTON TCS, Lieutenant (E)
POPE C L, Sig
POPE Charles DCPO Charles Pope was the officer in charge of the sick bay at the battle. The first hit from the Graf Spee at 06.24 hit to the rear of B gun turret and continued through the sick bay, with bursting. CPO Pope was knocked unconscious and the bottles of morphine sulphate which he was carrying were smashed. London Gazette – Charles D. Pope, Sick Berth Chief Petty Officer; who, when returning from the fore part of the Sick Bay with bottles of Morphine Sulphate Solution, was knocked flat and temporarily unconscious by a shell bursting and badly perforating that end of the Sick Bay. The bottles were broken, but when he recovered he went back through the smoke and fumes and not finding more solution brought back with him Morphia Ampoules. Throughout the action he displayed great coolness, initiative and cheerful optimism despite the floods in the Sick Bay. After the action his nursing and devotion , Sick Berth Chief Petty Officer ¤DSM
POSTLE L,

POWELL H MH M Powell lived in St Catherine Street, Gloucester. He was greeted by the Mayor, along with his shipmate J H Keeling, on his return in early March 1940. BLNA., Able-Seaman
POWTON C

POWTON Richard FRichard Powton died of his injuries on the 17th December, and was buried on the Falklands (see photo). From Godolphin Terrace, Plymouth, he left a widow, an 11 year old daughter and a 6 year old son. BLNA. Western Morning News "GIFT FROM FRANCE Sent To Stoke Girl Who Lost Father In H.M.S. Exeter Miss Kathleen Powton, of 18. Godolphin-terrace. Stoke, whose father died from injuries received in H.M.S. Exeter, in which he was serving as a chief petty officer cook, has received a beautiful gift from the French Minister of Marine, consisting of an attache case containing needlework materials and also a French doll and a drawing book. An accompanying note says: " This toy comes to you as your share a gift made through the French Ministry of Marine from the wives and families of French sailors to the children of men the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who have lost their lives in the present war.", Chief Petty Officer Cook
PRIEST E L, Seaman
PROBERT BenBen Probert was a gunner at the battle. The Gloucester Journal reported that he was best man at a wedding in Coleford in March 1940. BLNA., Gunner
PUDDIFOOT George Welch, Sgt Royal Marines ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
PUGH Albert V, CPO
PULLYBANK L W L, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 50647
PULLAR George OliverGeorge joined the HMS Exeter from HMS Rodney on 15 December 1936.

PUNCHARD Edwin GeorgeEdwin George Punchard was originally from Dartmouth. He was stationed at the aft control station, essential for steering the ship after the bridge was damaged., Engine Room Artificer (Stoker)
QUINCY Gordon J,

RAMSDON,
RANDLE FrankStoker PO Randle was aged 41 years old. He lived at Kingston, and left a widow and eight children between 3 and 18. He had previously served in the Navy for three years during the First War. BLNA., Stoker PO
RAYMOND Angus KeithAngus Keith Raymond - Leading Air Fitter (Airframe) Service No FX 75879 Served 24 Aug 1939 to 28 Feb 1940 - submitted by June Goddard (nee Raymond) daughter., Leading Airfitter (Airframe)

READ Ernest EdwinErnest Edwin Read - Marine who joined the ship in August 1939. He was on the 'B' gun turret during the action. Submitted by his grandsons Ian Wilson and James Read., Marine
REAGAN, Tel
REAY F, Stoker

REMICK TomBorn in May 1900, Tom Remick joined the Navy in 1915: family tradition has it that his motivation was to avenge the death of his uncle, Jonathan Remick, lost with all hands aboard HMS Monmouth at the Battle of Coronel in November 1914. At the Battle of the River Plate, Tom was on the bridge of HMS Exeter when the forward gun tower was hit, sending shrapnel flying up. This hit the ceiling of the bridge and ricocheted down, killing the men below at the very start of the engagement. He had been on HMS Exeter's cruise around the coasts of North and South America from 1936 to August 1939 and had but four days leave before being recalled to the ship. He had been due to retire in May 1940, and had been engaged by the Royal Canadian Navy to train young signalmen at their training school in Vancouver. Submitted by Liz Broughton, granddaughter., Chief Yeoman of Signals
RENDLE Charles E,London Gazette – Warrant Shipwright Charles E. Rendle, Royal Navy; who controlled the shoring up and general repairs to the after section of the ship during the action. His untiring energy and great skill in effecting repairs, and so making the ship watertight after action, were beyond Warrant Shipwright ¤DSC
RICHARDS Brynmoor, Able Seaman
RICHARDS Glyndwr, Leading Seaman
RICHARDSON A Duncan, Tel
RICHARDSON D A, Pay Sub Lieutenant, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
RICKORD John S, Midshipman, Mentioned in Despatchess
RIGLAR Arthur SamuelTelegraphist Reglar, who was 20 years old, was the son of Mr and Mrs S Riglar of West Milton, near Bridport, Dorset. He attended Beaminster Grammar School and joined the Navy at the age of 15 years. He was a keen sportsman and had represented the ship at cricket, water polo, hockey and football. He was also a skilled oarsman. BLNA., Telegraphist
ROBERTS Ron MHe was a member of our Taunton Branch Royal Naval Association early 1980’s and once told me about his experiences onboard Exeter. He was trapped in a closed compartment with others when the lights went out and his mates were killed. He was in the dark compartment with his dead mates for hours before he was rescued. As a result of his severe injuries Ron was taken back to Devonport then sent to hospital for a long time, so he missed Churchill’s visit and the march through London. Submitted by Alick Lavers, Stoker
ROBERTS, Chief Petty Officer
ROBBINS J,
ROBINS I, Seaman
ROBINSON F, Seaman
ROBINSON S,
ROGERS C, Stoker PO
ROLFE J S, Seaman
ROOKE R,
ROOSKEY Joseph A,London Gazette – Joseph A. Rooskey, Chief Mechanician (Second Class); whose work was outstanding among all those on the catapult platforms jettisoning the aircraft. His calmness, skill and initiative were most valuable and set a splendid example to Chief Mechanician 2 ¤DSM
ROPE, Musician Royal Marines Band
ROSS A M, Captain Royal Marines
ROTHWELL Victor, Seaman

RUGMAN RichardRichard Rugman, from Stoke Gifford, was born in 1900, near Bristol, joining the Royal Navy on 13 June 1916. He served on submarines in 1930, and became a Stoker Petty Officer in 1932. He transferred to HMS Exeter on 8 December 1936. After the battle, on 10 April 1940, he was transferred to another ship, and discharged in 1945. In civilian life he became a heating engineer, and worked to the age of 72. , Chief Stoker
RUSE R, Ch ERA
RUSSELL A,

RUSSEL Wilfred AWestern Morning News "Mne. Wilfred Russell, son of Mr. and Mrs. J E. Russell, of Weir Field, Totnes, and formerly of Harberton, was wounded on the Exeter during the action. Mne. Russell has been in the Royal Marines for fourteen years. His wife and child lived at Plymouth. He and is one of four who were buried in the Falklands (see photo). London Gazette – Wilfred A. Russell, Royal Marines, H.M.S. Exeter; who, having his left forearm blown away and his right arm shattered when a Turret was put out of action by a direct hit from an 11-inch shell, refused all but first aid, remained on deck and went about cheering on his shipmates and putting courage into them by his great fortitude; and did not give in until the heat of the battle was over. He has since died of wounds., Royal Marines ¤CGM

SALMON,
SAMPSON E, Seaman
SARTAIN, Musician Royal Marines Band
SCANLAN C J, Seaman
SCHOFIELD Harold, Stoker (brother of Norman below)
SCHOFIELD NormanNorman Schofield remained on the Exeter after her refit, and was one of the few from the River Plate action to also be on her during the Battle of the Java Sea, when she was sunk. He survived and was held in a Japanese POW camp for three years. He returned to England and died in 1999., Telegraphist
SCOBLE Clifford J, SBPO ¤ Mentioned in Despatches

SCOOLAR JJ Scoolar was not on original list. He came from Liverpool., Able-Seaman

SCOTT GeorgeJ George Scott was a forward Gunner during the Battle. He suffered severe burns when the turret took a direct hit, and became profoundly deaf after. He was born and lived in Jarrow Tyne and Wear apart from when at Sea. He died about 2000. , Gunner
SCOTT-KERR JHA,  Mentioned in Despatches
SEFTON, Royal Marines
SERCOMBE,
SHANNON Eric, Ck
SHAUGHNESSY PatrickConnacht Tribune 29 January 2015
Baptism of fire
The victims of a terrible Chilean earthquake, an enjoyable time at the New York World’s Fair, where he was a bodyguard for the King and Queen of England on the occasion of their visit, and, more recently, active service in the biggest sea battle fought in the present war, are some of the experiences of 23-years-old Patrick Shaughnessy, St. Brendan’s-avenue, Wood Quay, Galway. Mr. Patrick Shaughnessy, formerly a pupil of St. Brendan’s national school, was a ‘bus conductor in Galway prior to leaving for England about three years ago. He is now first-class stoker on H.M.S. Exeter, the 8,000 ton cruiser which, with the smaller cruisers, Ajax and Achilles, crippled the 10,000-ton German pocket battleship, Graf Spee, in mid-December and drove her limping into the port of Montevideo, from which she steamed a few days later to be scuttled by her own crew. He visited Galway for a month’s leave last August, but was recalled after three days owing to the threatening situation in Europe. The weeks rolled by and war broke out but no news was heard from him. Then came the story of the battle off Montevideo and his parents became anxious when it was learned that the Exeter had suffered heavy damage in the battle. Their fears were, however, allayed shortly after when his sister, Mrs. J. Glynn, Courthouse Square, Galway, received a wire from him informing her that he was fit and well and had received no injury in his first baptism of fire. He is still with his ship “at an unknown station”. First Class Stoker
SHAW E, Stoker
SHEFFIELD C, ERA

SHELTON RobertRobert Shelton - Stoker Shelton was also a Merchant Seaman. Originally on the unconfirmed list, his place on the ship was verified by his nephew, Clive Shelton., Stoker
SHOESMITH Eric A,London Gazette – Eric A. Shoesmith, Acting Leading Airman, F.A.A.; who on his own initiative, despite his clothing being soaked in petrol, climbed on to the top of the centre section of the aircraft and cleared the triatic stay which had fallen across it, thus freeing' the aircraft for jettisoning. While he did this the ship was under heavy fire, the petrol leaking from the aircraft was a great danger, and a Turret was firing on a forward bearing. Acting Leading Airman ¤DSM
SHORTEN J, Cd Gnr
SILCOCKS, PO Ck

SIMMS CEAwarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. London Gazette “Commander (E) Charles E. Simms, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Exeter; who, by his zeal and energy, brought his engines to full power in record time, and by his thorough knowledge of the ship and perfect organisation, checked the damage. His calm and cheerful manner set a fine example to his fellows.”, Cdr ¤DSO
SIMONS A,
SKERRY A E, Royal Marines
SMALL Richard JWestern Times "HEMYOCK. Sympathy is extended to Mrs. Small. has received of the death her husband. Blacksmith P. 0.. R. J. Small, on H.M.S. Exeter. His mother, the widow of ex-P C J Small, resides at Uffculme. He joined the Navy as a boy in 1917 and has been aboard H.M.S. Exeter since its commission. ", First Class Blacksmith 3
SMITH Charles JTorpedo Officer Lt. Cdr C. J. Smith R.N. succeeded, on his own initiative, in passing an order through to the Lower Conning Position, which resulted in the ship being brought back on course, while Captain Bell was making his way aft. London Gazette – Commander Charles J. Smith, Royal Navy; who showed great calm and resource when communications had failed, in passing an order for port helm and in firing the starboard tubes at the correct moment. When required he conned the ship from aft, and after the action worked tirelessly to repair electrical damage, although wounded in the leg., Commander (T) ¤DSC
SMITH, John Ernest FM
SMITH George E,London Gazette – George E. Smith, Plumber, Third Class; who, shortly after the explosion in the Chief Petty Officers Flat, took a party of Stokers there to free the Main Switchboard Room's hatch. At the time the flat was in darkness, reeking with fumes and smoke, full of debris. and with Plumber 3 ¤DSM
SMITH H, Royal Marines

SMITH Harold EdwardHarold Edward Smith - was a Gunner and Commander's Writer. His marriage was postponed in August 1939 when he was recalled to the ship – he eventually married in February 1940. He died in 1972 and his ashes were buried at sea from the Commanders Barge, Portsmouth. Submitted by his son Frank Smith., Gunner
SMITH Joab, Able Seaman
SMITH Stephen,London Gazette – Stephen J. Smith, Petty Officer; who was in charge of the After Repair Party. A few minutes after the action opened a shell bursting close to the ship aft caused the flooding of Number 3 Breaker Room and much damage to the leads there. His prompt action in running emergency circuits to a Turret and the after steering motor helped to maintain the ship in action Petty Officer ¤DSM
SMITH William (Bill), Able Seaman
SOLT W, Stoker PO
SOPER M, Stoker
SPARKS Martin H, Seaman
SPARKS William JohnWilliam Sparks was from Honiton, and the youngest son of Mr and Mrs F Sparks. He married Miss Winifred May Meecahm in March 1940. He was a former footballer for Crewkerne Town. BLNA., Able-Seaman
SPENCER Harry, Able Seaman
SPIERS W R, PO
SPILLER, Corporal Royal Marines
SPLAINE S,

SQUIRE Ernest BSeventeen year old Ernest Squire was one of two boy buglers killed on the bridge by shrapnel. He was from Broadhembury, in Devon, where, on the anniversary of the battle in 1940, an inscribed clock and photograph was unveiled in his old school. BLNA., Boy Bugler
SQUIRES, Horace (Harry)
STABB Douglas Harold, Stoker 2 DKX/92833
STAVERS R,
STEELE Robert M, Stoker Petty Officer

STEPHENS A C· Distinguished Service Medal GVI 1st type bust (MX.48888 A.C. STEPHENS. E.R.A. 4. H.M.S. EXETER).
· 1939-1945 Star unnamed as issued.
· Atlantic Star unnamed as issued.
· Africa star with bar North Africa 1942-43 unnamed as issued.
· War Medal unnamed as issued.
· Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal GVI 2nd type bust (MX.48888 A.C. STEPHENS D.S.M. C.E.R.A. H.M.S. VICTORY)
· Chile: Concepción Earthquake Medal for January 24, 1939 as awarded to the crews of HMS Ajax and HMS Exeter., Engine Room Artificer 4th Class ¤DSM

STEPHENSON Cecil Robert"... when he returned on leave after the Battle there was a dance in his honour where he lived (East Drayton, Notts). He was presented with a gold watch, he never spoke about the battle suffering flash backs and sleepless nights hearing the wounded scream. I do know he was on bucket detail to keep the ship afloat, also he had a friend on board who was wounded he was leading sea man albert mellors of worksop notts. He left the Navy in 1948 as a CPO. He married my mother in 1946, and worked on the ambulances in Retford Notts, he then worked at Bevercoats Colliery as a winding engineer until he retired - he died in 1982." Robert Stevenson., stoker
STILES E, Ck
STOBBS John, Lieut Signals Communication Officer

STONE JohnJohn Stone was from North Devon. He recovered from his injuries in the Falklands, before arriving back in the UK in late February 1940. BLNA., Signalman
STRIKE Daniel J, Wtr
STUBBS Agean, Marine Royal Marines
STURDEE ARB,  Mentioned in Despatchess
SUMMERLING L F, Steward

SURKITT TrevorTrevor (Tom) Surkitt - it is claimed he was the youngest member of the crew at the battle, being just 17. Submitted by Gillian Thwaites, cousin. When he returned to his home town of Cambridge after the battle, he was presented with a statuette of a sailor and a sum of money, raised from donations from members of the public., Gunner
SYMONS Harrold EEvidence that Harold Symons was on the ship is from several postal envelopes that survive from letters to his mother., Chief Shipwright New
SWATTEN F, Royal Marines
TAYLOR HarryThis clock was given to Stoker Taylor by the Crosby Hotel, Scunthorpe, after he returned home after the battle., Stoker

TAYLOR Robert,
TEAGUE Samuel B P, Chief Petty Officer Stoker
TELFER, Joe, Petty Officer Gunner
THOMPSON James E, Stoker 1

TILBURY RobertRobert Tilbury - was wounded at the battle and left the service as a result. Submitted by his friend Corwin A Bel.
TIMMS W, Canteen
TINDLE L, Stoker
TOASE Aiden ELondon Gazette – Lieutenant Aidan E. Toase, Royal Marines; who was very active and resourceful in assisting to render the turret safe after it had been hit by an 11-inch shell., Lieutenant Royal Marines ¤DSC
TOPE I, Seaman
TOVEY George E, Stoker Petty Officer
TOWELL W, Seaman
TREGIDGO Alfred Frederick FrancisWestern Times "PLYMOUTH CASUALTIES. A Plymothian who lost his life in H.M.S. Exeter was Stoker Petty Officer Alfred Frederick Francis Tregidgo, aged 36, eldest son of Mr. A. and the late Mrs. Tregidgo, of Brunswick-road, Plymouth. S.P.O. had served two commissions on the Exeter, and had enjoyed only five days of his leave before being recalled to his ship at the outbreak of war.", Chief Petty Officer D/J 89888
TOZER PeterPeter Tozer, Chief Petty Officer, was serving on HMS Exeter and went down with the ship in 1942. His full name is Rupert Peter Tozer but he always went by the name Peter). He was a POW to the Japanese, and was liberated in 1946. He and those captured at the time spent many months in Australia for rehabilitation before being repatriated home. He has a number of medals, one of which is the Burma Star., Chief Petty Officer
TREGARTHEN, Tel
TREGLOYNE T, Musician Royal Marines Band
TREHANE G L, FAA
TRIM, Royal Marines
TROTT BasilBasil Trott was born on 22 December, 1919 in Catford, South East London. He joined the Royal Navy on May 8, 1935 at the age of sixteen and first served on HMS Exeter. At the time of the Battle, Basil was 19 years old. Basil left the Exeter in 1940 to serve on HMS Kenya. He then served on the Wallace (1944-1945), HMS Soleby (1946-1948), HMS Comus (1950-1952), and finally the Whitby (1955-1958). On January 1, 1958 he left the Royal Navy and pursued a career as a local government officer. Trott Lane in Ajax, Canada is named after him. Source: Ajax Public Library, Seaman
TROUT
TRUMAN WPO Truman, was wounded in his right leg and left eye, and recuperated in South Africa. He was from Exmouth, Devon. The Western Morning News reported "He was looking fairly well after his severe ordeal, and showed a representative of "The Western Morning News" some of the splinters of metal taken from his eye. Fortunately the eye itself was not pierced, but he has not yet regained his full sight. His leg has also made good improvement, and he is able to walk, though with a slight limp. The fight with the Graf Spec was pretty hot while it lasted, he states. P.O. Truman was on the bridge at the time as range-finder." BLNA., Petty Officer
TURNER T W, Seaman
TWEDDELL T, Seaman

TWITCHIN Morris E GTorpedoman Twitchin was wounded in the River Plate Engagement. After, he served as “ST” on HMS Bonaventure, in the Mediterranean. He survived Bonaventure sinking in six minutes after she was torpedoed by the Italian Submarine Ambra. He was medically retired as “Physically unfit for Naval service”. Until the end of the war, he was employed at Pikes Garage, Exeter, where Spitfires were repaired. Service Number JX 143158, he joined the Royal Navy 6/11/1934 as a Boy Sailor at HMS Ganges Training Establishment., AB Torpedo operative
TYE, Sig
TYLER Donald HowardAged 21. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette "Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant Tyler. FORMER HEADMASTER'S TRIBUTE. Paymaster Sub-Lieut. Donald Howard Tyler, killed. H.M.S. Exeter's fight with the Graf was the younger son Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Tyler, 52, Polsloe-road, Exeter. Mr. Tyler, sen., who has resided in Exeter since 1926, inspector for Lloyds Bank Limited for the Devon and Cornwall area. Paymaster Sub-Lieut. Tyler was trained in H.M.S. and was next appointed to the Royal Sovereign. In December, 1936, he was transferred to H.M.S. Exeter, and left for foreign service the end of that month... He was educated Exeter School from September, 1926, to December, 1935, and is described able boy of fine and manly character. He took a leading part in the whole life the school, and was a prefect. In 1935 he gained his Rugby colours, and he was sergeant-major of the Officers' Training Corps.", Paymaster Sub Lieutenant

VAUGHAN, Musician
VENNING
VINCENT, William

Skeues, the ship's cat. Photo courtesy Dave Eckersall.

WADE W,
WAKEHAM C F, Seaman
WALSH Thomas, Stoker?

WALFORD Albert"My grandfather able seamen Albert Walford was on the Exeter during the battle of the River Plate. He lost an eye, and spent time in the Falkland's hospital. He returned to Plymouth, too late to join a ships crew march through London, but got there to stand with the crowd. Churchill spotted his hat band and called him forward. He presented my granddad to the King and Queen. It was published with a photo in the Daily Mirror on Saturday 24 Feb 1940, of which I have a photo copy. My granddad, having missed a lunch for the crew at the Guildhall, was invited to lunch with Lady Astor at her Mayfair home. Up until the the Battle of the River Plate, my granddad had been in the Navy for some 23 years, and whilst in Montevideo, Lady Effie Millington Drake gave him a south American silver tea pot to give to my Gran on his return to England." Chris Walford., Seaman New

WARDER Simeon Henry HarrisSimeon Warder joined the Royal Navy as a boy, in the 1920s. He remained in the Navy until the end of the war, ending his service in a shore posting at a gunnery school. Update details from his nephew Robert Parry., Leading Seaman
WARREN OD,

WATTS Joseph WestcottLondon Gazette 23rd February 1940. In Recognition of the gallant and successful action with the Admiral Graf Spee. Throughout the action and during the passage to the Falklands C.P.O.S. Watts worked with efficiency and tirelessly and was of every encouragement to the wounded. He stayed below decks for a period of 48 hours on end without thinking of taking a brief respite. He had practically no sleep, Chief Petty Officer Steward ¤ Mentioned in Despatches
WAY A,
WEAVER Evan (Ianto),
WEAVER Evan (Ianto)Evan Weaver hailed from the Welsh village of Coychurch. near Bridgend. In May 1940 a concert was arranged by the local Women's Institute in which a presentation was made to Evans for having faught on HMS Exeter in the Battle of the River Plate. WEEKS E, Stoker
WHITE R B,
WHITING D, Sig
WHITEHEAD A, Seaman
WHITEHEAD C, Seaman
WHITEMORE E, Royal Marines
WICKHAM D T, Lieutenant
WICKHAM K J, Lieutenant (E), Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
WILDE Arthur B, SergeantLondon Gazette – Arthur B. Wilde, Sergeant,. Plymouth; who ordering the evacuation of a Turret after the Gun House had been hit by an eleven-inch shell, calmly put a tourniquet of rope round the stump of a Marine's arm. He then returned to the Gun House where he found a fire over the rammer of the left gun. This rammer contained a charge of cordite. He organised a chain system of buckets to the turret, put out the fire, removed the cordite, and threw the charge over the side. Royal Marines ¤DSM
WILKINS L W, Seaman
WILLIAMS E,
WILLIAMS J D, Sig
WILSON E, FAA
WILSON Patrick, Stoker 1
WINSTANLEY F,
WINTER, ERA

WRIGHT WilliamPhillip Wright wrote of his father "My late father William Wright (Stoker) served on HMS Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate. I also have a very large photo of all the ship's crew with Commodore Harwood but not sure of the year. I also have a silver football medal when HMS Exeter won a footbal inter ship final.", Stoker
WOOD James Stanley, Petty Officer
WOODS Humphrey Ropner Duncan, Captain Royal Marines

WOODS WilliamWilliam Woods married in February 1940. His rank is unknown. BLNA
WOODWARD Griffith George, CERA ¤Mentioned in Despatches

YOUNG

The following names are of those who served in Exeter during the commission December 1936 - August 1939, but have not been confirmed as members of the crew during the battle.

ARBERRY, Seaman
BLACKBURN, Boy
ELSTON,  L Stoker
FAULKNER, Seaman
GILL, Stoker
HICKS, LSA
HIGMAN, OA
HOCKINGS, Seaman
LANGUARD, Leading Stoker
LOVESAY, Leading Steward
LOWTHER, Stoker PO
LUKEHURST, RM
MOORCROFT, Leading Seaman
MORGAN, Leading Stoker
MOUNTJOY, Leading Stoker
NORTHEY, Stokerr at HMS Drake. He was killed
PICKERING, Stoker
ROBINS, Petty Officer
SOADY, Stoker
EMMOTT, J Able Seaman
FLEMING, J P, Able Seaman
HAYES, F W, Petty Officer
RAVENSCROFT, J T, Stoker PO
ROBERTS, LF, Able Seaman
WILSON, G B, Leading Seaman

Dr Pennington and the nurses who went to the Falklands
to treat the injured from HMS Exeter.
Supplied by Alejandro Miles Stuart Pennington

British Hospital, Buenos Aires nurses led by Dr M J Petty, who were taken to the Falklands on SS Lafonia to look after the wounded. See Falkland Nurse's Account.

Mrs. I. Watson, Miss Potts. Miss Elder. Miss Ford, Miss Reid, Miss Shaw, Miss McGreave. Miss Sutton, Miss Sandleir, Miss Robson-Smith, Miss Haines, and Miss Mallas.

Dr Pennington, a radiologist from Buenes Aires accompanied the nurses on SS Lafonia. He was awarded the OBE by King George VI for his services to the injured.

At the time of the battle, HMS Exeter had two ships mascots, one of which survived.

SKEUESSkeues was a ginger and white cat that joined the ship as a stowaway in Bermuda. She survived the battle and returned to the UK. She was to have her portrait painted, to raise funds for the families of the dead, but she died on the 7 March 1940 in Chiswick. BLNA., Ship's Cat

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