PO Clarence Cuthbert KEEM C/JX607977 DSM
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 1:13 pm
I am wondering whether anyone can provide me with any information (including any contemporary photographs), about my Grandfather who was killed in action on 1st October 1944 while aboard MTB 360 during an engagement with enemy forces near Ijmuiden off the Dutch coast? He was awarded a posthumous Mention in Dispatches on that occasion.
My Grandfather's nickname was 'kipper' and my understanding is that he was Lt Ian Trelawney's coxswain in 11 Flotilla based at Felixstowe (HMS Beehive). On the night in question, Ian Trelawney was to go on patrol with six other vessels. My Grandfather was off duty but one of the duty cox'ns received a telegram advising that his little son was very ill. The cox'n was given immediate compassionate leave but his son died later that night. My Grandfather stood in for his colleague and joined the patrol. The subsequent action in which my Grandfather lost his life is described in great detail in Peter Scott's book 'The Battle of the Narrow Seas.
However I am struggling to obtain any details of the circumstances in which my Grandfather was awarded his DSM, other than it involved an action which also included Ian Trelawney, who was awarded a DSC for the same action.
The late Sandy Powell (MTB Telegraphist), who knew my Grandfather, mentioned another incident which took place on a patrol one night. One of the MTB's of the flotilla had struck a mine and my Grandfather, from his vessel, heard cries coming from across the water. He tied a rope around himself and dived into the water, pulling three survivors to safety. I know no other details about this incident.
It's a big ask I know but if anyone has any information about my Grandfather's wartime service at HMS Beehive or indeed, at any other Unit, I would be most grateful.
Hope you are all keeping safe out there. Kind regards,
David Court
My Grandfather's nickname was 'kipper' and my understanding is that he was Lt Ian Trelawney's coxswain in 11 Flotilla based at Felixstowe (HMS Beehive). On the night in question, Ian Trelawney was to go on patrol with six other vessels. My Grandfather was off duty but one of the duty cox'ns received a telegram advising that his little son was very ill. The cox'n was given immediate compassionate leave but his son died later that night. My Grandfather stood in for his colleague and joined the patrol. The subsequent action in which my Grandfather lost his life is described in great detail in Peter Scott's book 'The Battle of the Narrow Seas.
However I am struggling to obtain any details of the circumstances in which my Grandfather was awarded his DSM, other than it involved an action which also included Ian Trelawney, who was awarded a DSC for the same action.
The late Sandy Powell (MTB Telegraphist), who knew my Grandfather, mentioned another incident which took place on a patrol one night. One of the MTB's of the flotilla had struck a mine and my Grandfather, from his vessel, heard cries coming from across the water. He tied a rope around himself and dived into the water, pulling three survivors to safety. I know no other details about this incident.
It's a big ask I know but if anyone has any information about my Grandfather's wartime service at HMS Beehive or indeed, at any other Unit, I would be most grateful.
Hope you are all keeping safe out there. Kind regards,
David Court