Halcyon Class Minesweepers HMS Harrier - Crew
 
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This page contains all the names of crew members that have been found so far. If you can add to the information please contact me.

COMMANDING OFFICERS FROM TO
     
Lt.Cdr. B. L. Clark, RN (retired) 15 June 1939 17 December 1940
Cdr. Eric Perceval Hinton, MVO, DSO, RN 17 December 1940 16 July 1942
Cdr. Alan David Hastings Jay, DSC, RN
DSO awarded on 8 December 1942
Bar to DSC awarded on 15 June 1943
16 July 1942 October 1943
Cdr. Harry Ernest Huston Nicholls, DSC, RN
Bar to DSC awarded on 1 January 1944
October 1943 28 August 1944
Cdr. John Foster Cochrane, RN 28 August 1944 December 1944
A/Cdr. Trevor George Payne Crick, OBE, DSC and Bar, RN December 1944 -


(Source: Martin Cooper)

Crew Members who lost their lives while serving on HMS Harrier
LAST NAME FIRST NAMES RANK SERVICE NUMBER DATE OF DEATH AGE FAMILY DETAILS COMMEMORATION DETAILS
CONSTABLE  Harry George  Able Seaman  C/J42388 31st March 1941 -

-

  ABERDEEN (GROVE) CEMETERY Coll grave 1988
LANCASTER  Alfred William  Leading Seaman  C/J48303 31st January 1945  45

Son of John Dodds Lancaster and Mary Lancaster, husband of Ethel Lancaster of Boldon Colliery, Durham

BOLDON CEMETERY Durham  Section D, Grave 1911
RAY  Charles Stephen  Leading Seaman  P/JX264071 2nd May 1943   34  Son of George William and Emily Ray, of Grays Essex; husband of Dorothy Mary Ray, of Grays REYKJAVIK (FOSSVOGUR) CEMETERY Plot C46, Grave 10
ROBINSON  John Richard  Able Seaman  C/JX 353758 27th April 1947  23  Son of Harry and Nell Robinson; husband of Winifred Robinson, of Dagenham  DAGENHAM (CHADWELL HEATH) CEMETERY Essex Section E, Grave 2420

Crew members of HMS Harrier 1944 -46

Unknown crew members of HMS Harrier (possibly front left is Les Whitaker)
Photo source AB Dewis Wilson1944-46

Other Members of the Crew of HMS Harrier

LAST NAME FIRST NAMES RANK SERVICE NUMBER DATE AGE

SOURCE

             
Adams William Gisby PO Telegraphist (Ty) C/J42383 or C/J41383 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published on the 18 June 1943
Aldous W (Bill)     1.5.43 - 9.12.44   http://www.hmsfiredrake.co.uk/firedrake8.htm
Aldridge John Luttrell Lt   10.10.44 - 7.45   Navy List for July 1945
http://www.unithistories.com/
Baker S Tempy Elect Lt       List of officers in 1st and 6th Minesweeping Flotillas 18th May 1942 IWM 92/50/1
Bankins Tom Ldg Signalman   1945   Minesweeping - DSM awarded for great gallantry and endurance in clearing the Scheldt estuary of mines Sep-Nov 1944.
http://www.mcdoa.org.uk
Bayley J M Commander       ADM 199/264 Report of Proceedings
Benning Albert Henry         My grandfather Albert Henry Benning served on HMS Harrier during the Russian Convoys and including the saving of the crew of the Edinburgh. He was born in 1918 in Kent where he still lives with his wife. He served in the Royal Naval Reserves (Wavy Navy) and ended up as Lieutenant.  He also served on the HMS Queenborough.  One of his sons (my father) has the middle name of "Hinton" after the Commander of HMS Harrier.
Source: Jamie Benning Dec 2007
My Grandfather Albert Henry Benning passed away on 14/12/08
Source: Jamie Benning Jan 2008
Bradley Frederick Tempy Lt   05.41 - 02.43   ADM116/4544 Awarded DSC - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
http://www.unithistories.com
Bramley P Tempy Lt   12.5.44   Navy List for July 1945
Caddick James Tempy Leading Writer C/MX86912     London Gazette 14 June 1945
Cawthra J D Tempy Lt   8.5.45   Navy List for July 1945
Clapham J A Tempy Elect Lt   10.5.45   Navy List for July 1945
Clarke B L Lt Cdr   15.6.39 - 17.12.40   Navy List for Dec 1939
Cochrane John Foster Cdr   28.83.44 - 12.44    
Colman Frank Leading Steward (Ty) C/LX26186 1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Cooper 'Digger' William (Bill) Joseph RANR AB/SD S4802 2.7.41 - 9.7.42  

HMS Harrier - Bill Cooper

 

I am writing to you on behalf of William Joseph “Bill” COOPER was a member of the Royal Australian Navy during World War II.  During his service he was seconded to the Royal Navy and after completing his ASDIC training at Dunoon,  joined HMS Harrier. 

The details of his service on Harrier were:-  Joined the ship on the 2nd  July 1941 as an ordinary seaman and while onboard on the 29th August, 1941 was promoted to Able Seaman (AB/SD) and served until 9th July, 1942.  His service no. was S4802.  During his time on board the ship was involved in Russian Convoy escorts, operations in the Lofoten Islands and with evacuation of the crew off HMS Edinburgh.
Source: David Buckley April 2008
We both live in Sydney, NSW, Australia

Cox G F Tempy Sub Lt   6.11.44   Navy List for July 1945
Crick Trevor George Payne Commander   12.44 -   Navy List for July 1945
Dancer David John          
Dimock G C   CJX578533 1945  

G C Dimock
Photos via HMS Hazard Association

Doy F J Cd Engineer   Nov 39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Eldred John OS 1941 - late 1942     My father John Eldred who on July   10th 2008 "crossed the bar" served aboard from 1941 to late 1942. He was on board when the Harrier picked up survivors from the Edinburgh and witnessed the sinking of the Matabele.
John Eldred (Son) July 2008
Emery Edward Thomas ERA 4th class C/MI6456 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published on the 18 June 1943
Ferguson John William Signalman C/JX211219 1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Gaskell John Henry Signalman   1943 -1946  

My father, James Henry Gaskell served on HMS Harrier up to it being scrapped at Harwich. I don’t know when he joined the ship but he joined the navy in 1943 as a signaller. My father is still alive aged 82 and lives in Australia.
Source: Tom Gaskell (son) Sept 2008

Giles Christopher Douglas AB C/SS11813 1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published on the 21 August 1942 
             
Hayward Frank William Able Seaman C/JX158849 1942   ADM 1/ 12427 Mention in Despatches: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942
Higson K H Lt   4.9.39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Hinton Eric Perceval Commander   17.12.40 - 16.7.42   ADM116/4544
Awarded DSO: London Gazette Issue 35648 published on the 28 July 1942
Hoare H L D Tempy Lt   8.11.39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Hogg A L S Lt   1.6.39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Holgate Donald Wilcock Lt   1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942 
Houghton Robert Desmond A/Ldg Seaman LD/X7832C 1942   ADM 1/ 12427 Mention in Despatches: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942
Jay Alan David Hastings Commander   16.7.42 - 10.43   DSC - London Gazette No. 35495 of 24th March 1942. ADM 1/ 12427 Awarded DSO: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942


Drawing IWM Art LD3534

KNOLLYS Courtenay Hugh Henry First Lt Flotilla Navigating Officer 28.9.43 - 6.44   Jack Williams, They Led The Way http://www.unithistories.com/
Knight William Clifford CERA       William Clifford Knight 1943  HMS HarrierMy Father William Clifford Knight from Manchester UK . He served onboard HMS Harrier as a chief PO ERA. He is still alive living here in Australia. I am hoping to bring him home to England.
Lance Knight Sept 2008
LEWIS Harold Able Seaman JX 185980 19.11.41 - 30.8.44  

 

See separate page for details

MacGregor Thomas Roy Leading Cook (O) Ty C/MI62663 or C/MX62663 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published on the 18 June 1943
Mason E G Act Lt   Seniority 18.5.41
Appointed 12.6.41
  List of officers in 1st and 6th Minesweeping Flotillas 18th May 1942 IWM 92/50/1
McLean B C M (Christopher) Paymaster Lt   5.42   Last Call for HMS Edinburgh, Frank Pearce.
List of officers in 1st and 6th Minesweeping Flotillas 18th May 1942 IWM 92/50/1
Meader William Henry Able Seaman C/J108158 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published 18 June 1943
Melbourne M E Tempy Lt   8.11.39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Mills Leonard Wireman C/MX65447 6.40 - 3.43 23 My name is Leonard Mills and I served on HMS Harrier from June 1940 to March 1943.  I served as a Wireman. C/MX65447  I was 20 when I joined her and 23 when I left, to go to Chatham for Petty Officer Course.  I would be pleased to hear from any surviving people who remember me.  My e-mail address is lenmills@tiscali.co.uk
Milner Denis          
Miskelly Ian Surgeon Lt       Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Moore John Douglas David Lt (Navigating Officer)      

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A2076518 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942

Murray Geoffrey Holker T/Surg Lt       ADM 1/ 12427 Mention in Despatches: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942
Newman Raymond George Stoker 1 C/KX144418 or C/KX103610 1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Nicholls Harry Ernest Huston Cdr   10.43 - 28.8.44   Bar to DSC awarded on 1 January 1944
Nicolle E C Tempy Lt   16.4.45   Navy List for July 1945
Philpott Thomas George PO 70440 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published on the 18 June 1943
Roberts Alfred Edward A/CPO Torpedo Cox'n C/JX 136574 1942   ADM116/4544 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942 ,
ADM 1/ 12427 Mention in Despatches: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942
Robinson Philip Edward ERA 1 C/M8008 1942   ADM116/4544 Awarded DSM - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Scott   Surgeon Lt   1944   ADM 101/658
Stonell William Charles Ldg Seaman 17832C 1942   ADM 1/ 12427 Mention in Despatches: London Gazette Issue 35815 published on the 4 December 1942
Streeton Wilfred Arthur Dalglish PO C/JX126214 1.9.42 - 10.2.43   ADM 1/14351 Mention in Despatches - London Gazette Issue 36062 published on the 18 June 1943
Sutherland D Tempy Lt   18.5.44   Navy List for July 1945
Swan Edward AB C/J109583 1942   ADM116/4544 Awarded DSM - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
SWANSON John Stoker   1941?-?   John Marsden (see separate page)
Wallace Sydney Walter Coder   1944   Diary of Sydney Walter Wallace  (IWM 11737 02/2/1)
White D R G Tempy Sub Lt   19.3.43   Navy List for July 1945
Wilson Dewis Norman AB C/JX570673 13.9.44 - 15.7.46   AB Dewis Wilson HMS Harrier

His name is Dewis Norman Wilson (service number C/JX570673) and he served as an able seaman on the Harrier from 13th Sept 1944 to 30th April 1946. His main responsibility was manning the Oerlikon guns. 

He says they would also try and shoot down any doodlebugs that came within range and they must have had some success because he remembers having to clear the deck of shrapnel from one hit. 

He also remembers the overcrowding. He says some of them used to go where the depth charges were stored and put their hammocks up there and sleep over the depth charges. 

I’ve attached a photograph of my father and also another photograph that he has of six of the crew. Unfortunately, he cannot remember any of their names except I think the one front left is Les Whitaker who he kept in touch with after the war. If anyone wants to contact him, I would be happy to pass on any messages.

Wilson R T Sub Lt   15.6.39   Navy List for Dec 1939
Wilson T Hugh P Lt   13.11.44   Navy List for July 1945
Winter George AB C/JX 730370 Early 1944 1946
Joined ship early 1944. left ship when she paid off and was part of the steaming crew that beached her on the mud on the river Orwell at Harwich.
She was a fine Ship very overcrowded, men sleeping on tables and benches many having no lockers to keep their gear in, always at sea (except when broken down) and more often at action stations than just steaming.
we did a great job in those days minesweeping at D Day and off the French and Dutch coast.

George Winter  Sept 2007

Woodward Henry John LSBA (Ty) C/MX52344 1942   ADM116/4544 Awarded DSM - London Gazette Issue 35679 published 21 August 1942
Woolley Francis James Quartermaster JX165349    
My late father Francis James Woolley (JX165349) was the Quartermaster onboard HMS HARRIER when HMS EDINBURGH was sunk.
 
I remember him telling me about the makeshift Admiral's Flag as mentioned by David Moore, the Flotilla Navigating Officer (WW2 Peoples War)  As my father was the Quartermaster. It would be interesting to know if he remembered him.
Paul Woolley (Aug 2007)
             
             
     

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This site was last updated 17 Januar 2012