Percy Bennett

Portsmouth Naval Memorial Panel 68, Column 2

HMS Vortigern

HMS Vortigern was a V-class destroyer which served in both World Wars. Having operated in the South West Approaches and Mediterranean, Vortigern was deployed in August 1941 to defence duties in home waters. In November, Vortigern joined the 12th Destroyer Flotilla based at Rosyth, and deployed to escort convoys in the North Sea. On 9 December whilst escorting one convoy, Vortigern came under attack by a German seaplane off Aldeburgh. The destroyer continued her patrols and convoy escort duties all throughout 1941 and into 1942.

Vortigern was sunk off Cromer on 15 March 1942, whilst defending a coastal convoy against attack by E-boats. She was torpedoed by the E-boat S104, and sank with the loss of 147 lives the worst on any ship on the English east coast in the 2nd World War. Among the dead were Yeoman of Signals John Horry, Stoker 1st Class Percy Bennett from Carrington, Nottingham, Wireman Robert Nutt from Newthorpe, Nottinghamshire and Leading Stoker Luther Wigfield from Mansfield.

Only 14 survivors were rescued. Eleven bodies were recovered from the sea by the Cromer lifeboat H F Bailey III. There are twelve war graves in Lowestoft Cemetery from HMS Vortigern. The wreck site is designated as a Protected Place under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. (Wikipedia)

Unknown