1914-15 Star Trio.
To:
SS.111240. E. MEE. STO.1. R.N.
Long Service God Conduct Medal (R.F.R.)
SS. 111240. P.O. B 8533. E MEE STO 1 R.F.R.
&
1939-45 Star , Atlantic Star, War Medal.
To:
D/236517 Able Seaman Ernest Mee. R.N.
Killed In Action
while serving in
Aircraft Carrier, HMS COURAGEOUS on 17th September 1939.
(Captain William Totfield-Jones. R.N.)
Sunk by German Submarine U-29, off Ireland, this was the first Royal Navy loss of the Second World War, Sunk only 14 days after the start of hostilities with the loss of 518 men.
One of the most powerful images of the early part of the war was the terrible sight of the sinking of HMS Courageous.
After sinking the Courageous, HMS Ivanhoe counterattacked U-29 which evaded 3 depth charge attacks without damage. Adolf Hitler personally greeted and decorated the 29 member crew of U-29 upon its return to Wilhelmshaven. The men received Iron Cross 2nd Class and Captain Otto Schuhart both 1st and 2nd Class.
He was later, in 1940, awarded The Knights Cross. Much research is available on this subject via the internet with many survivors stories well written up for the keen researcher.
A wonderful group to a long serving sailor of both wars who made the final sacrifice in the first few days of WW2.
Ernest Mee was the Son of James Christopher and Caroline Mee: husband of Dorothy Mary Mee, of South Harrow, Middlesex.
Remembered with Honour
PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
£795 (RESERVED)