During the 2nd WW the ship was adopted by Beckenham, Kent. As the sister of Lt Cmdr P Vian (Later Admiral) – Marian Vian had a school in Beckenham named after her. Reg Morrison passed the 11 plus whilst attending in 1942. A plaque marking the adoption was put up in the town hall. This building was demolished in 1991 to make way for a supermarket. The area is now under the London Borough of Bromley.

HMS Cossack F03

Ships Company

Start typing to discover family names.

Gretton Peter William
Rank: Lt.

Remarks: Lt. DSC (Jimmy the One) Joined L03 5 April 1940. Royal Humane Society’s Testimonial on Vellum for rescue of Sgt A. (624917) Johnstone RAF 6 July 1940. 1st Lieutenant at Battle of Narvik. Joined the RN as a Cadet in 1926. Later Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton. KCB DSO ** DSC . OBE

Ships include Royal yacht Victoria and Albert (1934) RENOWN, DUNCAN, COURAGEOUS, DURBAN, IMPREGNABLE, OSPREY, VEGA, SABRE (in command), WOLVERINE, GAMBIA. Retired in 1963 as 5th Sea Lord. Married to Leading Wren Judy Du Viver. Three sons and a daughter. Born 27 August 1912 the son of Major G. F. Gretton. Attended Roper’s Preparatory School and then the Royal Naval College Dartmouth winning a prize for 5 First class Certificates in his Sub Lt courses.. Died 11 November 1992 aged 80.

Documents:

Pay Book Number: P/MX 56013
Rank: Engine Room Artificer 4th Class
Relation: sister Mary, a brother Jim and a father (also George Albert) who was a coal miner.

Remarks: Engine Room Artificer 4th Class
P/MX 56013.
Believed to be onboard from commissioning date. Born 8th December 1913.Died 13 April 1940 (Battle of Narvik)
Joined the Navy on 29th November 1937, signing up for 12 years. He was single when he was killed and had a sister Mary, a brother Jim and a father (also George Albert) who was a coal miner.
The family home was 4 Corn Hill Terrace West, Southwick, Sunderland. His occupation on joining the Navy was said to be "A Fitter” (Motor Mechanic in a garage)

"Certificate of Service of GA Griffiths in the Royal Navy"
"Certificate of the inspector of Seaman's Wills" listing Bar Gratuity and Naval Prize Money

Letters received by the family after his death :
- from Cdr. Sherbrook, R.St. V
- from Surgeon Lieut R. Rhydwen
- from Sam Cleall CERA (at that time serving in HMS Zulu, dated 20/04/1940)

The telegram notifying his father of his death on war service

Local Sunderland newspaper cuttings about his death and the official Legal Notice posted in the paper

Covering letter for Navy Pay Order

Membership card for the ERA's Sports & Social Club in Malta dated 14/07/1939



Gallery:

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Remarks: Ordinary Seaman. October 1939 to March 1940?

Rank: Acting Leading Telegraphist

Remarks: Acting Leading Telegraphist. January 1939 to March 1940?

Pay Book Number: P/JX 212236
Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Remarks: Ordinary Seaman. Leading Seaman Able Seaman. P/JX 212236.’ A’ Gun (Blown in to the water and broke his leg 23.10.41 and discharged to Military Hospital and HMS Cormorant)

Pay Book Number: P/JX 212236
Rank: Ordinary Seaman. Leading Seaman Able Seaman.

Remarks: A’ Gun (Blown in to the water and broke his leg 23.10.41 and discharged to Military Hospital and HMS Cormorant).

Rank: Able Seaman

Remarks: Able Seaman. January 1939 to March 1940?

Rank: Petty Officer Telegraphist

Remarks: Petty Officer Telegraphist. January 1939 to March 1939?

Rank: Ordinary Seaman

Remarks: Ordinary Seaman. June 1938 to May 1940. Navigators Yeoman. At Altmark Incident. Although not part of the official boarding party was asked to volunteer to release the prisoners so armed himself with a bayonet. Went with Brian Besford to search cabins where they found Captain Starr and Captain Brown. After L03 he joined the Submarine Service. Left the RN as a Leading Seaman

Rank: Ordinary Seaman
When Allotted: June 1938

Remarks: Navigators Yeoman. At Altmark Incident. Although not part of the official boarding party was asked to volunteer to release the prisoners so armed himself with a bayonet. Went with Brian Besford to search cabins where they found Captain Starr and Captain Brown.
After L03 he joined the Submarine Service.
Left the RN as a Leading Seaman

Hidden Gems

The HMS Cossack 1938-1941 was accepted on 10 June 1938 and dented, whilst coming alongside the jetty in Portsmouth on 12 June 1938.

Anchor crest

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