Frederick Stanley
Known as Riccy.
In 1939 he was a tempory clerk at the Ministry of Labour.
He was chorister and cross-bearer (crucifer) at St Alban's Church for 15 years.
A keen footballer.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Son of Edmund and Leonora Augusta Stanley of 10 Second Avenue, Forset Town.
Siblings: Mary Ellen, William. Edmund, Leonard and Moses.
Baptised Frederick at St Alban's church on 31st May 1916.
Riccy married Violet Dring in 1940.
HMS Ajax: a light cruiser.
In July 1940 she was allocated to the 7th Cruiser Squadran for Mediterranean service. Part of Force X, which was detached from the main fleet on 11th November 1940 to sortie to the Starit of Otranto, between Italy and Albania, to provide a diversion and to give cover for the main fleet's attack on Tranto. On the 12th they rejoined the main fleet and destroyed a small convoy of 4 Italian merchantships, and 2 Italian naval vessels, RambIII and Nicola Fabrizi. The Ramba III escaped the Nicola Fabrizi an old obsolete torpedo boat put up some resistance but had to retreat badly damaged. The 4 merchantships were then attacked and sunk. From 15th Nov to 20th Nov they were involved in transporting troops from Alexandria to Piraeus, Athens and from the 23rd she was on convoy escort duties between Crete and Egypt.
The Ajax was involved in the battle of Matapan on 21st May 1941 and was hit by bombs dropped from Ju 87's. She was then used to evacuate troops from Crete between 28th May to 1st June. During this period the Royal Navy ships endured hours of bombing from the Luftwaffe dive bombers and several ships were damaged and sunk with numerous casualties. Riccy died during this action.
St Alban's Church: on the south wall there is a brass plaque dedicated to Riccy:
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF FRED "RICCY"
THE DEARLY BELOVED SON OF EDMUND AND LEONORA A STANLEY.
CHORISTER AND CROSS-BEARER AT THIS CHURCH FOR FIFTEEN YEARS.
WHO SERVED AS A A/B ON HMS AJAX IN THE BATTLES OF MATAPAN AND TRANTO.
AND WAS KILLED IN ACTION AT CRETE MAY 28TH 1941.
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser: 6/6/1941: Forest Town Sailor's Death.
A telegram was received on Tuesday by his wife informing her that her 25 year old husband, Mr Fred Stanley of 18 Second Avenue Forest Town had been killed whilst on active service with the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean. Mr & Mrs Stanley had only been married about 12 months.
Before joining up Mr Stanley was an enthusiastic member of St Alban's Church and held position of crucifer and server with great devotion.
As the Ajax had been deployed to the Med in July 1940 Riccy and Violet would have had only a few weeks of married life togather before he sailed.
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