William John Kilbourne

HMS Hartland formerly USCGC Pontchartrain (1928), a Lake-class cutter belonging to the United States Coast Guard launched on 16 June 1928 and commissioned on 13 October 1928. After 13 years service with the US Coast Guard as USCGC Pontchartrain, this vessel was transferred to the Royal Navy as part of the Lend Lease scheme and renamed HMS Hartland.

In November 1942, while taking part in Operation Reservist, she was sunk by gunfire from the French destroyer Typhon off Oran Harbour. Thirty-four of the ship's company, including Leading Seaman William Kilbourne from Radford, Nottingham, were killed. (Wikipedia)

His body was not recovered and William is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial (Panel 68, Column 1).

CWGC Additional information: Son of Joseph and Millicent Kilbourne; husband of Hester Harriett Kilbourne, of Old Radford, Nottingham.