HMS Van MEERLANT - 1941

[Visje]

Hi Folkert,

Thanks for the info, but I'm not sure if I understand your post correctly

Van Meerlant was probably degaussed to protect the ship itself against magnetic mines (the degaussing installation compensated for the ship's magnetic field, basically making her immune to magnetic mines). This does necessarily mean she was capable of actively sweeping mines. For the latter, LL-sweeps as you said were used. I can imagine Van Meerlant having degaussing gear, but not an LL-sweep.

Well, there's a WW II saying .... every ship can be a minesweeper ...................once.

[JamesCollins]

I know this post is old now but I have only just found out that the Hugh George Collins mentioned in one of the replies was my grandfather (Naval Chaplain). I thought I would mention it in case it was of interest to anyone. The family story is that only three people survived, my grandfather being one of them, but I am not sure how true that is. If anyone has any more information abuot Rev. H G Collins RNVR I would be very interested to learn it.

Papers relating to Piggott's service in World War Two, 1939-1945, notably the sinking of HMS VAN MEERLANT, 4 Jun 1941, including typescript list of the ship's company, annotated to show survivors of the sinking, with manuscript notes by an unknown survivor relating to Piggott's exemplary conduct during the sinking, Jun 1941; manuscript letter to Piggott from Hugh G Collins, HMS WILDFIRE, relating to Piggott's injuries, the loss of HMS VAN MEERLANT, and to the writing of sympathy letters to the crew's next of kin, Jul 1941; letter to Piggott from Cdr Humphry Gilbert Boys-Smith, Royal Naval Reserve, relating to accomodation for Naval officers, Mar 1945; typescript notes on Piggott's career [1996].

Yours
James Collins

[Folkert]

Hello James

Where can you find out information about your Grandfather's Military career ??
Well His name was rev. Hugh George Collins ?? Let's Find Out

First:
Commander Piggott's typescrips are on the libery of Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives
King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, England, United Kingdom. Tel:+44 (0) 20 7836 5454

PIGGOTT, Cdr Arnold Howard (1904-1996)
Born in 1904; educated at Taunton School and HMS CONWAY; Midshipman, Royal Naval Reserve (RNR), 1921; service with Canadian Pacific Steamship Company, 1921; Lt, 1928; commanded Royal Naval Reserve contingent, Armistice Day ceremony, London, 1930; Lt Cdr, 1937; served in World War Two, 1939-1945; appointed to command inshore minesweeping flotilla, 1940; commanded HMS VAN MEERLANT, 1940-1941; wounded and lost a leg when HMS VAN MEERLANT sunk by mine, Thames estuary, Jun 1941; served in Admiralty on Staff of Second Sea Lord and in the Combined Operations Division; Cdr, 1944; retired from Royal Naval Reserve, 1945; died 1996.





Your Grandfather

Rev Hugh George Collins.jpg

the Rev. Hugh George

Son of William Collins (1863-1937), and Alice Jane Sapsford (1865-...).
Married (10.08.1932, Wesleyan Church, Southampton) Lillian Meehan; two sons.
Residence: (1940) Haslemere, Surrey


Education: University of London (1926); Queens College Birmingham (1938).
Deacon in Hull 1938; Priest (diocese of York) 1939.

T/Chapl.
12.1940, seniority 01.06.1940 (dispersal 20.12.1945) (reld 22.02.1946)
Vicar of Herne, Kent, 1946-1964; Vicar of Sundridge, Kent, 1964-1973/74.



08.09.1905
Harlow, Epping district, Essex
-
28.04.1974
New Romney, Shepway district, Kent


01.06.1940
-
13.06.1940
RN Barracks, Portsmouth [HMS Victory (RN base, Portsmouth; additional)]

14.06.1940
-
10.02.1941
HMS Isle of Jersey (hospital carrier) [based at HMS Prosperine (minesweeper & anti-submarine base, Lyness, Scapa Flow)]

11.02.1941
-
28.01.1942
HMS Wildfire (RN base, Sheerness; additional) [from 13.02.1941 additional, for general duties] [from 24.03.1941 additional, for duties with auxiliary vessels based at Sheerness & general duties]

29.01.1942
-
05.1942
HMS Nile (RN base, Alexandria, Egypt; additional) [from 26.05.1942 for disposal]

05.1942
-
13.09.1942
HMS Sphinx (accommodation camp, Alexandria, Egypt)

14.09.1942
-
02.1944
HMS Saunders (Combined Operations base, Kabret, Egypt)

23.06.1944
-
19.10.1944
HMS Pyramus (RN base, Kirkwall) & for duty in HMS Robin (RN Air Station, Grimsetter, Kirkwall, Orkneys) [till 25.06.1944 additional]

20.10.1944
-
19.12.1945
RN Barracks, Portsmouth [HMS Victory; additional]

[Folkert]

New name on the list


Seaman MURDO JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 9 South Shawbost
Son of John and Christy Macleod, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: LT/JX173143
Date of death: 4 June 1941 at the age of 24
Killed in mining of HMS Van Meerlant, formerly Royal Dutch Navy
Memorial: Lowestoft Naval, panel 5, column 3
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar

[Folkert]

Leslie ADAMS
Ordinary Seaman LT/JX 240290, H.M.S. Van Meerlant, Royal Naval Patrol Service. Died 4th June 1941. Aged 28. Son of James William and Emma Adams, of Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire. No known grave. Commemorated on LOWESTOFT NAVAL MEMORIAL, Suffolk. Panel 6, Column 1.

[Folkert]

RNPS Memorial at Lowestoft

Below are set out the names on the RNPS Memorial at Lowestoft in date of vessel HMS van Meerlant (former Royal Dutch Navy Hr.Ms. van Meerlant minelayer)
List and name orderpersonal onboard 14th March 1941

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

ADAMS : Ord. Sea. LESLlE

LT/JX. 240290. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 28. Son of James William and Emma Adams of Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

ADAMSON : Seaman WILLIAM

LT/JX. 185757. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Son of John and Elizabeth Adamson of West Wemyss Fife; husband of Janet Adamson of East Wemyss, Fife.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

ANDREWS : Ord. Sea. GEORGE

LT/JX.240148. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

BALL : Ord. Sea. AUSTIN

LT/JX. 240372. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 20. Son of William and Jane Ball, of Hesketh Bank, Lancashire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

BERRY : Ord. Sea. ALEXANDER

LT/JX. 240169. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 19. Son of Alexander and Maggie Wilson Berry, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

CASTLE : Seaman ERNEST ALFRED

LT/JX. 183115. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

DICKERSON : Engineman ROBERT WILFRED BARR

LT/KX, 99065. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

DORRELL : Seaman WILLIAM ROY STEPHEN

LT/JX. 191697. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 20. Son of William and Alice Frederica Dorrell, of Leicester.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

FRASER : Ldg. Steward JOHN ISLES

LT/JX. 173462. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 31. Son of John and Annie Fraser; husband of Elizabeth Fraser (nee Hodge), of Perth.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

GILLAM : Seaman HARRY GEORGE

LT/JX. 211008. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

GREEN : Sto. FRANCIS VICERY

LT/KX. 101043. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 23. Son of Thomas and Agnes Green, of Market Har­borough, Leicestershire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

HAMPSON : Engineman WILLIAM

LT/KX. 101097. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 22. Son of Frederick and Mary Jane Hampson, of Wigan, Lancashire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

HAWES : Sto. CHARLES FREDERICK

LT/KX. 111056. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 39. Son of George Henry and Mary Elizabeth Hawes, of Middlesbrough, Yorkshire; husband of Muriel Hawes, of Middlesbrough.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

JOHNSON : Sto. BASIL

LT/KX. 130936. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 32. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Basil Johnson; husband of Bahia Johnson, of Cardiff.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

KEEPER : Ord. Sea. CYRIL ARTHUR ALFRED

LT/JX. 228707. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 23. Son of Henry William and Florence Mary Keeper.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

MACLEOD : Seaman MURDO JOHN

LT/JX. 173143. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 24. Son of John and Christy Macleod, of Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

MARSHALL : Ord. Sea. SAMUEL imWARD

LT/JX. 242460. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 21. Son of Samuel Edward and Margaret Marshall, of Chadwell St. Mary, Essex.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van

Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

MARSHALL : Sto. WILLIAM

LT/KX. 115352. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 28. Son of Robert Sidney and Hannah Marshall, of Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

McNICHOLAS : Sto. JAMES

LT/KX. 103795. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 24. Husband of Freda McNicholas, of South Bank, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

MILLER : Sto. SAMUEL

LT/KX. 106729. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

MOORING : Sto. HAROLD

LT/KX. 111981. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 21. Son of James William and Lizzie Mooring, of Nuneaton, Warwickshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

NEWTON : Ldg. Sea. ALBERT

LT/JX. 197289. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 35. Son of James and Charlotte Annie Newton, of Hull.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 5, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

ROWLAND : Ldg. Sea. FRANK JOSEPH

LT/X. 21432A. RNR. (Patrol Service). H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 24. Son of Frank Cecil and Ellen Rowland; husband of Gwendoline Mary Rowland, of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

SANGSTER : Ord. Seaman-Steward ALFRED

LT/JX. 226416. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 23. Son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Sangster, of Foleshill, Warwickshire.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

SHARMAN : Ord. Sea. WILLIAM MAURICE

LT/JX. 242495. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 21. Son of Henry and Sarah A. Sharman, of BrightIingsea, . Essex.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

SMITH : Sto. GEORGE ERNEST

LT/KX. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 29 Son of John and Harriet Smith; husband of Alice Elizabeth Smith, of Plaistow, Essex.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

SMITH : Sto. JOHN

LT/KX. 107932. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

STILL : Sto. THOMAS WALKER

LT/KX. 107940. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 20. Son of Alexander and Isabella Still; husband of Mary Helen Still, of Aberdeen.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 2.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

STOKER : Ord. Sea. GEORGE THOMAS

LT/JX. 242494. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 21. Son of George James Stoker and Constance May Stoker, of West Mersea, Essex.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 7, Column 3.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

THOMSON : Ord. Seaman-Steward ROBERT ANDREW

LT/JX. 214213. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Son of Andrew Adam and Ada Thomson, of Cambridge.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Van Meerlant
Panel 6, Column 1.

H.M.S.
Minelayer

THURSTON : Seaman JAMES DAVID

LT/JX. 242068. RN. Patrol Service. H.M.S. Van Meerlant. 4th June, 1941. Age 35. Son of Horace and Sarah Thurston.

Notes or comments: An ex Royal Dutch Navy minelayer taken over by Royal Navy on 14th March 1941, apparently in use as an Anti Aircraft convoy leader, and lost to a mine in the Thames Estuary near the Girdler Light Vessel (Foynes: Battle E Coast; dutchfleet.net)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dutch Fleet Forum
A dual langauge site in both Dutch and English and source of information about the Royal Netherlands Navy, which helps solve many of the cross-language problems of identifying vessels in use during WW2

[JamesCollins]

Hi Folkert
I got his war records from the Royal Navy and sent the details through to the site where I think you got the information you posted. Unit Histories? There was already some record of him there and I also sent the site the other personal details that they have. I was interested to get to see the letter mentioned in the paragraph I posted. And to find out anything else I can about Rev HG Collins' war activities. Is there a full story about the attack on the Van Meerlant somewhere? I'me very new to the military side of my ancestry research.

Thanks for the quick reply though. I'll be back to explore the forum more in a couple of days.

James

[stewart mcloughlin]

My goodness this post has become active all of a sudden.
I suppose it is time to show the benefits of my research, much aided by the valuable hints, pointers and contributions I received from the very knowledgeable and helpful members of this forum. It could not have been done without you. I think that there are maybe a few little pieces of information yet to be found, the log book of Van Meerlant and any record of the subsequent enquiry into her loss, but I have significantly been unable to locate them.
However, you are free to view that which I have found by going to our village web-site at:-
longtononline.co.uk
Click on HISTORY (top left)
Click on WW2 MEMORIAL (centre)
Click on BALL, Austin (our casualty) and there is some 88 pages of accumulated information of the Van Meerlant and her ultimate demise, along with her crew. There is a full list of the casualties and the survivors.
Should you have any further contributions or pointers you can e.mail them to me at the address found elsewhere in the web-site. It is NOT my web-site and it is managed by a third party on behalf of our village. I am only a contributor.
Some of the information contained is copyrighted by others and I would ask that you contact me if you wish to use anything, which must be of a non-commercial activity, and to respect any privices found.
Again, many thanks to all members of this forum for their invaluable assistance.
Stewart McLoughlin

[Folkert]

List Dutch Navy ships 10 jun 1940

Royal Dutch Navy

Destroyer - ISAAC SWEERS incomplete at Portsmouth.

Sloops - FLORES, GRUNO, both at Sheerness

Dutch trawler (allocated as tender to Dutch ships at Falmouth) - auxiliary minesweeper VIKINGBANK

Minelayers – DOUWE AUKES at Falmouth, JAN VAN BRAKEL at Tyne, JAN VAN DER GELDER arr Liverpool 10 Jun, MEDUSA at Falmouth, NAUTILUS arr Middlesbrough 6 Jun, VAN MEERLANT at Falmouth, WILLEM VAN DER ZAAN at Portsmouth

Submarines - O.21 (Lt Cdr J F Van Dulm RNN), O.22 (Lt Cdr J W Ort RNN), O.23 (Lt Cdr G B M Van Erkel RNN), O.24, all at Portsmouth

Torpedo boats - G.13, G.15, Z. 6, all dep Falmouth 7 Jun, Z.5, Z.7, Z.8, all at Portsmouth

[Folkert]

New list HMS van Meerlant (ex Hr.Ms van Meerlant )

HMS Van Meerlant, a former Dutch vessel, was a mine layer, sunk by a mine on 4th June 1941, off the Thames Estuary.


HMS Van Meerlant, ship loss at 4 jun 1941

ADAMS, Leslie, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240290, MPK
ADAMSON, William, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 185757, MPK
ANDREWS, George, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240148, MPK
BALL, Austin, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240372, MPK
BERRY, Alexander, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX240169, MPK
BLAIR, Donald I, Ordinary Telegraphist, P/JX 210070, MPK
CASTLE, Ernest A, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 183115, MPK
DICKERSON, Robert W B, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 99065, MPK
DOLAN, James P, Ordinary Telegraphist, C/JX 221171, MPK
DORRELL, William R S, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 191697, MPK
FRASER, John I, Leading Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 173462, MPK
GILLAM, Harry G, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 211008, MPK
GREEN, Francis V, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 101043, MPK
HAMPSON, William, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 101097, MPK
HAWES, Charles F, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 111056, MPK
JOHNSON, Basil, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 130936, MPK
KEEPER, Cyril A A, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 228707, MPK
LENNON, Thomas, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 194324, killed
MACLEOD, Murdo J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 173143, MPK
MARSH, Jack E, Signalman, C/JX 160638, MPK
MARSHALL, Samuel E, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242460, MPK
MARSHALL, William, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 115352, MPK
MCNICHOLAS, James, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 103795, MPK
MILLER, Samuel, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 106729, MPK
MOORE, Nigel, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
MOORING, Harold, Stoker, RNPS, LT/JX 111981, MPK
NEWTON, Albert, Leading Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 197289, MPK
PALMER, Robert C, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
PERRETT, Reginald R G, Ty/Lieutenant (E), RNR, MPK
QUICKFALL, Charles S B, 2nd Hand, RNPS, LT/JX 228137, killed
ROWLAND, Frank J, Leading Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 21432 A, MPK
SANGSTER, Alfred, Ordinary Seaman Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 226416, MPK
SHARMAN, William M, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242495, MPK
SMITH, George E, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 130883, MPK
SMITH, John, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 107932, MPK
STILL, Thomas W, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 107940, MPK
STOKER, George T, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242494, MPK
THOMSON, Robert A, Ordinary Seaman Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 214213, MPK
THURSTON, James D, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242068, MPK
WATSON, Andrew, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 185350, MPK


Survivers

[Folkert]

New list HMS van Meerlant (ex Hr.Ms van Meerlant )

HMS Van Meerlant, a former Dutch vessel, was a mine layer, sunk by a mine on 4th June 1941, off the Thames Estuary.


HMS Van Meerlant, ship loss at 4 jun 1941

ADAMS, Leslie, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240290, MPK
ADAMSON, William, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 185757, MPK
ANDREWS, George, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240148, MPK
BALL, Austin, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240372, MPK
BERRY, Alexander, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX240169, MPK
BLAIR, Donald I, Ordinary Telegraphist, P/JX 210070, MPK
CASTLE, Ernest A, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 183115, MPK
DICKERSON, Robert W B, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 99065, MPK
DOLAN, James P, Ordinary Telegraphist, C/JX 221171, MPK
DORRELL, William R S, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 191697, MPK
FRASER, John I, Leading Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 173462, MPK
GILLAM, Harry G, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 211008, MPK
GREEN, Francis V, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 101043, MPK
HAMPSON, William, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 101097, MPK
HAWES, Charles F, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 111056, MPK
JOHNSON, Basil, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 130936, MPK
KEEPER, Cyril A A, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 228707, MPK
LENNON, Thomas, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 194324, killed
MACLEOD, Murdo J, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 173143, MPK
MARSH, Jack E, Signalman, C/JX 160638, MPK
MARSHALL, Samuel E, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242460, MPK
MARSHALL, William, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 115352, MPK
MCNICHOLAS, James, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 103795, MPK
MILLER, Samuel, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 106729, MPK
MOORE, Nigel, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
MOORING, Harold, Stoker, RNPS, LT/JX 111981, MPK
NEWTON, Albert, Leading Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 197289, MPK
PALMER, Robert C, Ty/Sub Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK
PERRETT, Reginald R G, Ty/Lieutenant (E), RNR, MPK
QUICKFALL, Charles S B, 2nd Hand, RNPS, LT/JX 228137, killed
ROWLAND, Frank J, Leading Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 21432 A, MPK
SANGSTER, Alfred, Ordinary Seaman Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 226416, MPK
SHARMAN, William M, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242495, MPK
SMITH, George E, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 130883, MPK
SMITH, John, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 107932, MPK
STILL, Thomas W, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 107940, MPK
STOKER, George T, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242494, MPK
THOMSON, Robert A, Ordinary Seaman Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 214213, MPK
THURSTON, James D, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 242068, MPK
WATSON, Andrew, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 185350, MPK

[brent1106]

hi im looking for any information about my dads uncle who served on the hms van meerlant ideally i would be looking for a picture of the crew or of him i cant find anywhere on the net any pics of the crew of the van meerlant his name was BALL, Austin, Ordinary Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 240372, MPK
if anyone has any info about him please contact me on anthony-1106@hotmail.co.uk i would be so greatful

thanks anthony ball