John Arthur Murden

HMS Charybdis

HMS Charybdis, a Dido-class cruiser, gained six battle honours during her service: Malta Convoys 1942, North Africa 1942, Salerno 1943, Atlantic 1943, English Channel 1943 and Biscay 1943. In late 1943, the British authorities were aware of the approach of the German blockade runner, Münsterland, which was carrying an important cargo of latex and strategic metals. The British reacted by executing Operation Tunnel, a standard operation whereby available ships would attempt to intercept. Charybdis was assigned to the operation on 20 October, and on 22 October the British force put to sea.

With Charybdis were the fleet destroyers HMS Grenville and Rocket, and four Hunt-class destroyers: Limbourne, Wensleydale, Talybont and Stevenstone. Münsterland's escorts consisted of five Type 39 torpedo boats of the 4th Torpedo Boat Flotilla. At 1:38 am, T23, under the command of Friedrich-Karl Paul, spotted Charybdis, which was hit on the port side by two torpedoes out of a salvo of six fired by T23 and T27. Limbourne was also hit during this action and was later scuttled by HMS Rocket. The German force escaped unharmed.

Charybdis sank within half an hour, in position 48°59′N 3°39′W, with the loss of over 400 men including her captain George Voelcker. Four officers and 103 ratings survived. Münsterland was eventually forced ashore and destroyed west of Cap Blanc-Nez on 21 January 1944 by fire from British coastal artillery after she ran aground.

Soon after the sinking, the bodies of 21 sailors and Royal Marines were washed up in Guernsey. The German occupation authorities buried them with full military honours. The funerals became an opportunity for some islanders to demonstrate their loyalty to Britain and their opposition to the Nazis: around 5,000 locals attended the funeral, laying some 900 wreaths – enough of a demonstration against the Nazi occupation for subsequent military funerals to be closed to civilians by the German occupiers.

Other members of the crew are buried in Jersey at St Helier (38), and in France at Dinard (96), St Brieuc (47), Ile de Brehat (1), St Germain sur Ay (1) and St Charles de Percey (2). The wrecks of Charybdis and Limbourne have been located. Charybdis was found in 1993, lying in 83 metres of water. (Wikipedia)

Among the dead were Engine Room Artificer 4th Class Thomas Harper, Signalman Donald Corridon from Bulwell, Nottingham, Stoker 1st Class Dan Gilbourne from Brinsley, Nottinghamshire and Ordinary Seamen Ernest Hallam from Mansfield and John Murden from Nottingham.

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