I am trying to find out about what happened to HMS Moorfowl on the 5th September 1944, as in my local Cemetery there is a headstone with a casualty who 'died through enemy action' while on board. The only detail I can find, from CWGC, is that he died at Dover Harbour and that he was a 'civilian'. Is this a case of the boat crews being classed as Civilians even though they were doing their duty to the Country, just like Balloon Barrage Boat crews who are all classed as civilians. Any help is appreciated
The only detail I can find, from CWGC, is that he died at Dover Harbour and that he was a 'civilian'. Is this a case of the boat crews being classed as Civilians even though they were doing their duty to the Country, just like Balloon Barrage Boat crews who are all classed as civilians. I think so temptage. According to my copy of 'Lenton & Colledge' (Part 5 Auxiliary Support Vessels) ........boom defence vessels wore the white ensign of the Royal Navy ......... mooring vessels wore the blue ensign of the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries
Just thinking about my previous answer regarding civilian / military status of mooring class crew. Truth is I just don't know what the answer is. Is it possible that William Hutchings actually was a civilian working at Dover rather than being a crew member? 15th/16th August 1940 HMS Moorstone was attacked and sunk in Alexandria harbour. One crew member was killed. If we find out who that was then it could help with the whole status question.
Regarding MOORSTONE - a difficult one - no mention of these ship types in the MN DAS register, nor would I expect to find them there being admiralty vessels. The only person that I can come up with is Antonio Kamm a Maltese seaman killed in Alexandra 15th August 1940 - CWGC has this:http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/3169362/KAMM,%20ANTONIO Naval History has this: Impregnable HOWARD, Philip G, Boy 2c, D/JX 164058, died KAMM, Antonio, Seaman, Maltese civilian, killed HMS IMPREGNABLE was a training stone frigate in 1940 so was not a factor unless one of accountancy only. Regards Hugh
Thanks Hugh. This one is a puzzle. A few things I've learnt tonight. 1. The RFA historical site does have info on mooring vessels of the Trinculo class but nothing on the Moor / Moorburn class. 2. Its Roll of Honour does not mention anyone from a Moor class ship. 3. RFA ship casualties on the CWGC are recorded as Merchant Navy or Royal Navy. 4. RFA Moorfield, 1000 ton mooring vessel of the Moorburn class has one casualty on the CWGC. Elias Barnett: Merchant Navy. http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2349585/
A look at the following my give an answer to the original question. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=C4121745 Roger
I have since found from his burial records that he was the 2nd Engineer on the HMMV (HMS) Moorfowl. Most importantly is says he was Merchant Navy. His headstone states he was killed due to enemy action.
UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 Name: Antonio Kamm Event: Death Death Date: 16 Aug 1940 Cause - Aerial Bomb Explosion TD
Phillip Howard - appears to have middle initial 'G' and 'J' Name: Phillip J. Howard Event: Death Birth Date: abt 1924 Death Date: 15 Aug 1940 Death Age: 16 Death Place: R.N.H. Plymouth Ship: Impregnable UK, British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 Name: Philip Gordon Howard Event: Death Birth Date: 15 Sep 1923 Birth Place: Islington, Devon. Death Date: 15 Aug 1940 Death Age: 16 Name: Philip Gordon Howard Event: Death Death Date: 15 Aug 1940 TD
[/QUOTE] To answer your question after 11 years (!), on the 5th September 1944 Dover was subject to intense shelling from France. Over 70 shells hit the town that day. 2nd Engineer William Hutchings of the Moorfowl was killed by shell splinters.
