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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Foad Family Kent on Saturday 28 February 09 17:47 GMT (UK)
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HMS Anking WW2
I have had terrible trouble trying to find anything detailed about this ship which was torpedoed by the Japenese in Java Waters 6.30am 4th March 1942.
I tried googling and no pictures and I couldnt find any close ups of the Chatham Naval Memorial which lists the fellow (James W Kent) I am trying to find more about.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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There are odd bits about her if you look. She was a depot and supply ship sunk by gun fire.
http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=19176
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Thank you very much, its a site I have never come across and will be useful again
Thank you
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The HMS Anking a 3,470 Tonne Base and Accommodation or ‘Depot Ship’, was Sunk during a Japanese attack on a Allied Convoy on the 4th March 1942 with the loss of one officer and 25 ratings.
On the morning of March 4th between 0640 and 0800 280 miles south, southeast of Tjilatjap, Jawa. Japanese Admiral Kondo’s re-united force (Atago, Takao and Maya with Arashi, and Nowaki) encountered and eliminated an entire convoy escorted by the Australian sloop Yarra This convoy arrived at Tjilatjap on March 2nd, but acting on instructions, turned south for Fremantle without entering the harbor.
Proceeding at 8.5 knots, they were sighted by Japanese aircraft on the afternoon of the 2nd, but no surface contacts followed, presumably because Kondo’s forces were otherwise occupied. The 3rd passed without incident. However, at 0630 hours on the 4th, however, at sunrise, the Australian sloop sighted the masts of heavy warships to the north, northeast. Her captain, Lieutenant-Commander Rankin, ordered the convoy to scatter while he stood out between them and the advancing Japanese, making smoke and opening fire with his 4” guns. These efforts were gallant but ineffective. The cruisers launched two scout planes and pounded the sloop (Atago’s gunfire was particularly effective). She was quickly set afire with a heavy list to port, but still in action. The cruisers then engaged the depot ship HMS Anking and quickly sank her. They then hit the minesweeper MMS51; followed by the tanker Francol sunk by the destroyers at 0730. Yarra lasted for almost two hours. The Yarra was the only ship left afloat, and with two destroyers were circling her and pouring fire into her she continues to fight back.
Hope this helps, two men from my local home town went down withthe Anking
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Excellent, thank you very much and happy New Year!
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With the outbreak of war with Japan, Naval movements in the waters around Java increased. On 27 February orders were given to clear all remaining British auxiliary craft from Batavia (now Jakarta). H.M.S. Anking under the command of Captain J P L Reid sailed in convoy for Tjilatap at midnight along with the tanker Francol and minesweeper MMS51, escorted by H.M.S. Yarra and the Indian sloop HMIS Jumna. Arriving off Tjilatjap at 11 am on 2 March, the ships were warned not to enter harbour., and the convoy was ordered to proceede ro freemantle at full speed as powerful Japanese forces were known to be operating in the waters south of Java.
Steaming steadily southeast at an average speed of 8.5 knots, the convoy made steady progress during the night of 2-3 March. Except for a faintly discerned shadowing aircraft sighted in the evening, there was no sign of the enemy. On the morning of the third two lifeboats were sighted. From these, Yarra picked up a number of exhausted survivors of the Dutch merchant ship Parigi, sunk by the Japanese two days earlier.
At 6.30 am on 4 March, as the sun rose the lookout in Yarra sighted the unmistakable topmasts of a Japanese heavy cruiser squadron to the north-east. The squadron consisted of Atago, Takao and Maya, each armed with ten 8-inch guns, and two destroyers. Immediately Lieutenant Commander Rankin made a sighting report, ordered the ships of convoy to scatter and, placing his ship between them and the enemy, laid smoke and prepared to engage. Yarra was outgunned and out-ranged, and the enemy ships were faster. Against such odds her task was hopeless, yet she kept fighting even as her convoy was overwhelmed and sunk, ship-by-ship.
H.M.S. Anking, which was carrying many RAN personnel was sunk first. Overwhelmed by many hits she was despatched in ten minutes. By then Yarra was on fire and listing heavily to port but still shooting. MMS 51 was on fire and was put down shortly after by a hail of close range automatic gunfire from one of the cruisers. The Francol took more punishment and still remained afloat, finally succumbing at about 7.30. Yarra, shattered by numerous hits, was the last to go. Soon after 8.00 am, Rankin ordered that the ship be abandoned. Minutes later he was killed when an 8-inch salvo hit the bridge. Leading Seaman R. Taylor, manning the last remaining gun, kept on firing until he too was killed, and the Yarra's guns fell silent. Her end, which came after close-range shelling by the two Japanese destroyers, was witnessed by 34 survivors on two rafts. All, except the Dutch captain of Parigi, were naval ratings
When Yarra sank, the Japanese made off to the north-east after picking up one boatload of survivors from Francol. A collection of boats, rafts and floats was left scattered over a wide area of sea. Towards evening, a passing Dutch vessel, Tawali, rescued 57 officers and men from Anking. However, in spite of frantic signals, she failed to sight two Carley floats, which held 14 men from MMS 51. For the next two and a half days they drifted about until picked up by the Dutch steamer Tjimanjoek on 7 March. Meanwhile Yarra's men, their numbers sadly reduced by wounds, exposure, and thirst, continued to drift helplessly. On 9 March 13 of the sloop's ratings were picked up by the Dutch submarine KlL..
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I am trying to find info on my Uncle who possibly was on HMS Anking when she was sunk. Do you know if there is a list of the crew at the time of her sinking. I am not sure if he survived the sinking and taken captive by the Japanese. Any info you may be able to assist me with would be appreciated.
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I am trying to find info on my Uncle who possibly was on HMS Anking when she was sunk. Do you know if there is a list of the crew at the time of her sinking. I am not sure if he survived the sinking and taken captive by the Japanese. Any info you may be able to assist me with would be appreciated.
Wendy, I am sure that I have a casualty list somewhere which would be a start. Can you post or pm me his details, full name and service number would be great, and I will see what I can find.
Phil
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Hi Phil,
My Uncles name is Eric Wilde - SSX20700
Thanks
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Hi Phil,
My Uncles name is Eric Wilde - SSX20700
Thanks
Wendy, I will do some digging tonight when I get home, but your Uncle is listed as follows
Sultan, during Singapore evacuation, lost in various ships and circumstances
WILDE, Eric, Ordinary Seaman, D/SSX 20700, MPK
He may have been an survivor of the Anking, I will see what I have on file tonight.
Phil
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Hi Phil,
Eric's memorial states Sultan, but this is his pay station. He was on Tenedos, but he was lent to FSA and DSA (I do not know what this means) and he was lent to Anking 26/1/42 to 28/2/42. The last date for Eric on the Navy Ledger was 28/2/1942 and they are unable to locate him after the 28/2/42, that is why I am wondering if he was on the Anking when torpedoed. They have noted Presumed D.D 31st March 1942 HMS Sultan (Batavia) on war service.
Mum thought he was captured, escaped, caught then killed but I have not been able to verify this.
It would be nice to have more correct information.
Thanks
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Hi Phil,
Eric's memorial states Sultan, but this is his pay station. He was on Tenedos, but he was lent to FSA and DSA (I do not know what this means) and he was lent to Anking 26/1/42 to 28/2/42. The last date for Eric on the Navy Ledger was 28/2/1942 and they are unable to locate him after the 28/2/42, that is why I am wondering if he was on the Anking when torpedoed. They have noted Presumed D.D 31st March 1942 HMS Sultan (Batavia) on war service.
Mum thought he was captured, escaped, caught then killed but I have not been able to verify this.
It would be nice to have more correct information.
Thanks
Evening Wendy. HMS Anking was as you state a shore base. The interesting this about your Uncles records are that on the 28th Feb, the Anking was at sea, so I am more inclined to believe that he left the ship in Java, bit I suspecct that the only way would be to obtaon the crew agreements from the National Archives,
I will do some more digging though
Phil
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Hi Phil, How did you go with your 'digging" to see if Eric was on Anking when it was torpedoed? I think he would have been on it, as his records state he was 'lent' to the Anking until 28th Feb 1942, and as Singapore fell on 15th Feb I would be curious to know how he got back to Singapore and why. Thank you for your help.
Janet
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Hi Phil, How did you go with your 'digging" to see if Eric was on Anking when it was torpedoed? I think he would have been on it, as his records state he was 'lent' to the Anking until 28th Feb 1942, and as Singapore fell on 15th Feb I would be curious to know how he got back to Singapore and why. Thank you for your help.
Janet
Not yet Wendy, hopefully have some free time tommorrow
P
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Hi Phil, How did you go with your 'digging" to see if Eric was on Anking when it was torpedoed? I think he would have been on it, as his records state he was 'lent' to the Anking until 28th Feb 1942, and as Singapore fell on 15th Feb I would be curious to know how he got back to Singapore and why. Thank you for your help.
Janet
Not yet Wendy, hopefully have some free time tommorrow
P
Wendy, have emailed a contact of mine, who may have access to the vrew agreement
P
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Thanks Phil, I have had a lot of brick walls in the whole of my family research, and you are having one for me, I appreciate and value your help.
Janet
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Wendy, no luck I am afraid, as Hugh has come back and informed me that crew Agreements where not completed for Royal Navy Ships, but has pointed out a number of files at the national archive. Only thing is that you would need to go to Kew to view them.
As far as I am aware, there where only Survivors from the convoy that Anking was part of, and they were picked up by a Dutch Sumbarine, and taken to Columbo, Ceylon.
I think that it is more likely that your Uncle left was on board one of the many ships that left Jakarta on the 26th / 27th Feb, but not as a member of the crew hence why he is listed under HMS Sultan
P
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Thanks, that is a great help and now I know why the Navy have no record of him after the 28th of Feb 1942. He certainly was on a number of different ships during that time according to his records.
Janet
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Does anyone know if there are any extant records for this vessel. I had an uncle who went down with her and wondered if there may be anything of interest to check out. He was called John Mercer.
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im not sure if any would be interested but doing a school assignment and am using a relative of mines detailed diary of the sinking of the hms anking and his and a couple of other mens survival on a safety raft. it has some names of those who was on there too
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im not sure if any would be interested but doing a school assignment and am using a relative of mines detailed diary of the sinking of the hms anking and his and a couple of other mens survival on a safety raft. it has some names of those who was on there too
Hannah, if you come across any reference to either of thr two men below, I would be grateful to here from you, as well as see your final work.
BRODERICK, JOHN ERNEST, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300583
CLAYTON, HENRY, Stoker 2nd Class, D/KX 121022
Both men where from Widnes and perished in the sinking.
Henry Clayton was on the Repulse when it sank, but survived and made it to Singapore. When Singapore was invaded he managed to escape to Java, where he joined the crew of the Anking, only to be killed days later.
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Hi Hannah.
I am very interested in your project and would be interested in info in your relatives journals as I am looking for my uncle who was on the Anking but cannot verify if he was on her at the time of her sinking, his name is
WILDE, Eric, Ordinary Seaman, D/SSX 20700, MPK
Looking forward to the result of your project.
Janet Lea
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Hi Phil,
Ref Henry Clayton, this was my fathers older cousin and who my dad referred to as Harry. My father was brought up by Harry's family,and treated him as his brother. Dad told me of a newspaper article in the Widnes Weekly News written by a friend of Harry's in the late 70s who said. He had been with Harry at the time of the sinking.
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Hello, I have been researching my Father's war history. He was on board HMS Anking when it was sunk. He was one of two to four New Zealanders who survived the sinking. The Royal New Zealand Naval Museum has` provided me with a list of the 61 survivors which I can provide to anyone who wishes to obtain a copy. These survivors were picked up by "Sawali" and landed in Colombo.
My understanding is that my Father was sunk two or three times but I am having difficulty establishing the actual facts. He is shown as being with HMS Sultan from 22nd July 1941 but may well have been assigned to another ship whilst in Singapore. My recall is that he told me a long time ago that he was sunk off the Malaysian Penninsular and had to move through Japanese lines to return to Singapore. There are no records of what ship he may have been on. He also told me that he was evacuated from hospital in Singapore and that, his hospital ship was sunk despite there being appropriate red cross signage. Again I don't know any details of the ship. I guess he must have been picked up by "Anking" only to be sunk again.
Any additional information that can be provided about this episode would be much appreciated. Any information I can provide, please let me know.
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Hi Trotersr,
My father was a survivor of the sinking of HMS Anking in March 1942. He was RN during WW2, is still alive, and resides in Australia. The Dutch ship that picked the survivors up was called Tawali. My father would be very interested to see the survivor list that you have mentioned.
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I too would like a copy of the survivors, my uncle Eric Wilde may have been on Anking, it was his assigned ship but he was lent to other ships. Sultan was the pay station so all would have history with Sultan but were on other ships. I live in Australia but am from NZ as my mum married a RNZAF pilot but she always was trying to find her brother and what happened to him she thought he survived the sinking of his ship and was killed on land.
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Hello Wendylea and BHJ, I too am a Kiwi living in Australia. We travel to Auckland 4 or five times each year for family and friends’ catchups. Eleven years ago I received papers from NZ Navy but haven’t really done much with them until now. I am happy to send you copies if you wish – please let me know. There are about 21 pages. They include
• Exchange of emails with NZ Navy Public Relations based in Devonport
• Report from Lieut. H.C. Robjohns who survived
• Handwritten letter dated 25/7/46 from Robjohns enclosing the list of survivors who were picked up by “Sawali”
• List of survivors picked up by “Sawali”
• Two Reports of the events of the sinking from Stoker W.J. Satherley and LDG Stoker L.R. Wilson
• Copy of article which appeared in the “Auckland Star” 4/4/42 regarding a letter my Dad sent to my Grandfather
• Extract from Battle Summary dated 27th February 1942 headed “Battle of Java Sea”
• Extract from Ministry of Defence Report “War with Japan” – headings “Fall of the Malay Barrier” and “Naval Evacuation of Java”
• Letter 27/9/01 from Royal NZ Navy Museum
Wait to read if you, or anyone else, wish me to send copies of these papers.
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Hi Trotersr, I would appreciate receiving whatever info you have. However I'm unsure how we go about such things as I am new to this website and don't understand the etiquette of passing on info or addresses etc.
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Hi BHJ, I too have just joined this site so also not sure of etiquette. However, am happy to advise my telephone number and perhaps you can confirm via this site that you will call me. Number 08 8296 4653. Wait to hear from you or your Father.
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Hi Trotersr, Thanks for taking my phone call. I look forward to receiving the info. Thanks again.
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Hi Trostar,
Where abouts in Australia are you. I am in Brisbane. Phone 07 54267398. I will be in NZ in November in the South Island for some family catch ups with my Brother. Last time we were chasing my dads world war 11 history. I would appreciate anything you can post me and am prepared to pay you for postage and paper for copying.
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Hi Trotersr, I have received the documents that you sent, and have sent you a couple of follow-up emails. I have not received any response and therefore am wondering if I have the right email address. Have you received any emails from me? Regards, BHJ
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My Uncle Robert Morris Manley was a writer on the Anking does anyone have any memories of him?
below is a list of personel on the Anking
4 March 1942
Anking, ship loss
ABBAS, Bin Bagai, Seaman, 9470 (NAP), MPK
ABERY, Kenneth, Writer, P/MX 67833, MPK
ABU, Bin H H, Sailor, 8332 (NAP), MPK
ABU, Hasan, Boatswain, NAP, MPK
ADDY, Christopher A, Engine Room Artificer 5c, C/MX 77429, MPK
AHMAD, Bin Ismail, Quartermaster, 7722 (NAP), MPK
ALDRIDGE, Henry C, Canteen Manager, NAAFI, MPK
ALLAN, Angus C, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 273828, MPK
ALLEN, Herbert J, Marine, PO/X 3791, MPK
ARABI, Bin N S, Seaman, 1500 (NAP), MPK
ARIF, Bin Ali, Quartermaster, 3697 (NAP), MPK
ARMSTRONG, Cyril, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300552, MPK
ASH'ARI, Bin S, Fireman, 8168 (NAP), MPK
ATHERTON, John, Assistant Cook, D/MX 64422, MPK
AYRES, Gordon H, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 162009, MPK
BAKER, Frank E, Supply Assistant, P/MX 70240, MPK
BARRACLOUGH, Herman, Able Seaman, D/JX 213600, MPK
BEHAN, Thomas E, Ordinary Seaman, B 3133 (RANR), MPK
BENDELL, Frank W, Ty/Leading Cook, D/MX 61579, MPK
BENTLEY, Albert, Leading Writer, P/MX 67644, MPK
BERRY, Jim, Ordinary Seaman, B 3089 (RANR), MPK
BIDERMAN, George, Telegraphist, RNVR, P/LD/X 5418, MPK
BIRCH, Joseph H, Ordinary Telegraphist, C/JX 258890, MPK
BIRNIE, John, Stoker 1c, C/KX 96768, MPK
BLOCKLEY, John H, Petty Officer, D/J 110775, MPK
BODICOAT, Arthur H, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 65721, MPK
BOH, Hai J, Engine Room Bhandary, NAP, MPK
BOH, Lee P, Fireman, NAP, MPK
BOH, Thong H, Fitter, NAP, MPK
BOOTSMA, Joseph J A, Ordinary Seaman, 3632 (NZD), MPK
BRADLEY, Jack, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300576, MPK
BRANSBY, Jack A W, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 181922, MPK
BRODERICK, John E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300583, MPK
BROWN, Samuel F, Able Seaman, D/JX 198379, MPK
BRUCE, David, Act/Shipwright 4c, C/MX 77781, MPK
BUCHAN, Robert, Act/Shipwright 4c, C/MX 77782, MPK
BULUT, Bin Nur, Seaman, 7572 (NAP), MPK
CARBERRY, John, Supply Assistant, P/MX 67595, MPK
CASTELL, Vernon H, Able Seaman, D/JX 155732, MPK
CHEK, Teo B, Cook, NAP, MPK
CHISHOLM, Robert, Stoker 1c, P/KX 98893, MPK
CLAYTON, Henry, Stoker 2c, D/JX 121022, MPK
COLES, Willie, Ordinary Seaman, B 3255 (RANR), MPK
COLLIER, William A, Leading Seaman, RFR, D/J 101138, MPK
CONNOR, Patrick J, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 275584, MPK
COOKE, Eric E, Ordinary Seaman, B 3092 (RANR), MPK
CRAMP, Clifford D, Ordinary Seaman, B 3129 (RANR), MPK
CRAWFORD, Bernard A, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 294868, MPK
CROFT, Hilton L, Ordinary Seaman, B 3240 (RANR), MPK
CROWN, George E, Signalman, RNVR, C/LD/X 4059, MPK
DARBYSHIRE, Walter, Stoker 1c, D/KX 96164, MPK
DAVEY, Leslie, Ordinary Seaman, B 3014 (RANR), MPK
DEARLING, Ralph T, Ty/Petty Officer Writer, C/MX 67194, MPK
DENNISON, Frank H, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 77863, MPK
DIN, Bin I, Seaman, 7242 (NAP), MPK
DJOEN, Yeo Tim, Cook, NAP, MPK
DOWNS, Tom, Stoker 2c, C/KX 106303, MPK
DUMBRECK, Hugh, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 269695, MPK
DUNN, Thomas W, Cook (S), P/MX 80742, MPK
EAVES, Harold, Able Seaman, D/JX 196797, MPK
ELDRIDGE, Ronald P M, Able Seaman, P/J 67486, MPK
ELLIOTT, Ernest W, Stoker 1c, D/SS 123013, MPK
ENG, Ooi A, Storekeeper, NAP, MPK
EVERETT, Albert L, Able Seaman, D/JX 190318, MPK
FLETCHER, Sidney D, Able Seaman, C/JX 247301, MPK
FROGGATT, Bert, Canteen Manager, NAAFI, MPK
GARRETT, Stanley L, Lieutenant Commander, RNR, killed
GIBSON, Alexander W G, Py/Ty/Lieutenant, RNR, MPK
GILL, Charles V W G, Signalman, D/JX 207613, MPK
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GLEESON, John E, Ordinary Seaman, B 3127 (RANR), MPK
GODDEN, William J, Stoker 1c, P/K 63794, MPK
GOH, Doh L, Steward, NAP, MPK
GOH, Don J, Steward, NAP, MPK
GOH, Jong C, General Servant, NAP, MPK
GOH, Tee A, Greaser, NAP, MPK
GREEN, Horace G, Act/Plumber 4c, C/MX 77606, MPK
HAILSTONES, William, Ty/Act/Leading Stoker, C/KX 88512, MPK
HAK, Kwai, Carpenter, NAP, MPK
HALEY, Arthur J, Able Seaman, P/JX 212433, MPK
HAMILTON, Sydney C, Engine Room Artificer 5c, P/MX 53958, MPK
HARDMAN, Robert J, Sick Berth Attendant, D/X 6979, MPK
HASSAN, Abos B H, Sailor, 8532 (NAP), MPK
HEIGHES, Walter A, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 194725, MPK
HENDERSON, Roland, Engine Room Artificer 4c, P/MX 78364, MPK
HEWLETT, Frederick J, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 279693, MPK
HIGGINSON, Douglas S, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 273875, MPK
HILL, Leonard A, Supply Chief Petty Officer, D/MX 37856, MPK
HILLMAN, Gerald, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 63628, MPK
HINDER, Carl R, Able Seaman, P/JX 212434, MPK
HIOW, Hoh K, Number One Fireman, NAP, MPK
HIRST, Harry, Able Seaman, D/JX 190327, MPK
HO, Tee S, General Servant, NAP, MPK
HOGG, Frank, Leading Signalman, P/JX 149382, MPK
HOH, Tee Y, Fireman, NAP, MPK
HOSKINS, William H, Stoker 1c, D/KX 95985, MPK
HOWELL, John T, Able Seaman, C/JX 160102, MPK
HUGHES, Richard, Able Seaman, D/SSX 17423, MPK
IDRIS, Bin S, Seaman, 9430 NAP, MPK
IRVINE, Robert J, Ty/Act/Stoker Petty Officer, D/KX 81091, MPK
JEFFERY, Cyril A F, Ordinary Seaman, PA 1947 (RANR), MPK
JOHNSON, Alan, Ordinary Seaman, B 3125 (RANR), MPK
JOHNSTONE, Raymond J C, Ordinary Seaman, PM 3653 (RANR), MPK
JONES, Elwyn, Supply Assistant, C/MX 76326, MPK
JONES, Emlyn, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 162885, MPK
JOO, Lee Ah, Number Two Fireman, 1389 NAP, MPK
KASEH, Bin H, Deck Bhandary, 9171 NAP, MPK
KASIMI, Bin Y, Seaman, 5529 NAP, MPK
KEEGAN, John R, Ordinary Seaman, PM 3254 (RANR), MPK
KEENAN, Reginald J, Ordinary Seaman, B 3232 (RANR), MPK
KEK, Loi K, General Servant, NAP, MPK
KELLY, Stanley, Shipwright, W 1219 (RANR), MPK
KENG, Ooi Ah, Water Tender, NAP, MPK
KENT, Frank, Ty/Act/Stoker Petty Officer, D/KX 85740, MPK
KENT, James W, Ordinary Signalman, C/JX 269705, MPK
KHENG, Cheng J, Steward, NAP, MPK
KIANG, Lee J, Engine Room Bhandary, NAP, MPK
KIM, Lee C, General Servant, NAP, MPK
KING, John C, Stoker, W 1825 (RANR), MPK
KOH, Teng M, Cook, NAP, MPK
LAMB, Ronald E, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 226756, MPK
LANE, Frederick J, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 226756, MPK
LEE, Ah Sai, Fireman, NAP, MPK
LEE, Ah Wah, Fireman, NAP, MPK
LEE, Francis H, Sick Berth Attendant, RNASBR, P/X 7732, MPK
LEE, Joon H, Fireman, NAP, MPK
LEE, Stanley, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (E), RNR, killed
LEITCH, John W, Ordinary Seaman, 3121 (NZD), MPK
LIM, Meng K, General Servant, NAP, MPK
LITTLEJOHNS, Leonard E, Supply Assistant, D/MX 82853, MPK
LOH, Ah K, Water Tender, NAP, MPK
LOH, Ah W, Fireman, NAP, MPK
LOH, Niah F, Steward, NAP, MPK
LOI, Sai L, Fireman, NAP, MPK
LONG, Let S, Fireman, 3211 NAP, MPK
LORAM, Donald C, Leading Writer, RNVR, D/X 50, MPK
LOVEDEN, Thomas, Marine, PLY/X 759, MPK
LUPTON, Peter, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 66802, MPK
MACKIE, Edward D, Ty/Leading Writer, C/MX 68487, MPK
MANAF, Bin Y, Deck Bhandary, 9539 NAP, MPK
MANLEY, Robert M, Writer, P/MX 69925, MPK
MASWAN, Bin I, Sailor, 9276 NAP, MPK
MAULE, Peter R, Act/Blacksmith 4c, C/MX 77546, MPK
MAXWELL, Arthur, Able Seaman, C/SSX 26227, MPK
MCMILLAN, John N, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 222858, MPK
MCPHEE, Angus C, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2286 (RANR), MPK
MELVILLE, Malcolm, Lieutenant, Malayan RNVR, killed
MERCER, John, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 15713, MPK
MILLAR, James, Ty/Lieutenant (E), RNR, killed
MITCHELL, Reginald, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 76603, MPK
MOHAK, Bin Y, Seaman, 5337 NAP, MPK
MORRELL, Sydney, Assistant Cook, P/MX 80761, MPK
MORREN, John McN, Ty/Lieutenant, RNR, killed
MOUSLEY, Alex F A, Ty/Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 145616, MPK
MUHAMMAD, Ali B Y, Quartermaster, 9209 NAP, MPK
MUHAMMAD, Arifin B T, Seaman, 5046 NAP, MPK
MUHAMMAD, Bin S, Seaman, 8943 NAP, MPK
MUHAMMAD, Hashim B A, Seaman, 9541 NAP, MPK
MUHAMMAD, Saleh B H M, Seaman, 8963 NAP, MPK
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NA, Din B A J, Deck Bhandary, 9540 NAP, MPK
NAYLOR, John J, Stoker 1c, D/KX 106477, MPK
NEVILLE, Jack, Ty/Lieutenant, RNZNVR, killed
NICHOLSON, Frederick S, Canteen Assistant, NAAFI, MPK
OLDFIELD, John E, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2084 (RANR), MPK
OLVER, Francis, Ty/Act/Warrant Supply Officer, killed
O'NEILL, Charles, Ty/Lieutenant, RNR, killed
O'SHAUGHNESSY, Leo E, Paymaster Lieutenant, RNR, MPK
PADIL, Bin B, Sailor, NAP 9308, MPK
PANG, Seon S, Fireman, NAP, MPK
PANG, Wee K, General Servant, NAP, MPK
PART, Maurice, Chief Engine Room Artificer, D/M 38768, MPK
PATEMAN, George E, Writer, P/MX 71329, MPK
PATERSON, James K, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2058 (RANR), MPK
PENYCATE, Albert H, Assistant Steward, C/LX 27229, MPK
PETERSON, Norman H, Leading Cook, PM 2513 (RANR), MPK
PHILLIPS, Gordon A, Chief Petty Officer Cook, D/M 36598, MPK
PHILLIPS, William F, Ty/Lieutenant (E), RNR, MPK
PONG, Tee G, Fireman, NAP, MPK
POSENER, Edward A, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 279227, MPK
PREECE, Francis V, Assistant Cook, D/MX 60985, MPK
PREECE, John W, Able Seaman, D/JX 155126, MPK
PRICE, Frederick W, Chief Petty Officer Cook, D/M 38609, MPK
PRICE, Selby E, Stoker, 23227 (RAN), MPK
QAMR-UD-DIN, Cassab, 6334 NAP, MPK
RADFORD, Robert A, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 294856, MPK
REID, Andrew, Leading Seaman, C/SSX 18577, MPK
REID, Thomas, Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist, D/J 69364, MPK
RICHARDS, Cyril, Supply Assistant, D/MX 67831, MPK
ROBERTS, Henry H, Stoker 1c, P/KX 117961, MPK
ROBERTSON, Ian, Ty/Lieutenant Commander, RNR, killed
ROSS, Donald A, Engine Room Artificer 5c, C/MX 77405, MPK
RUBLEY, Benjamin, Act/Able Seaman, C/JX 262232, MPK
RUSSELL, Eric E B, Py/Supply Assistant, 3100 (NZD), MPK
SAUNDERS, Douglas, Stoker 1c, RFR, P/K 60138, MPK
SIM, Hok, Act/Steward, NAP, MPK
SMITH, Arthur S, Stoker 1c, C/KX 91115, MPK
SMITH, Ernest E, Able Seaman, D/JX 135374, MPK
SMITH, Ernest E, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2086 (RANR), MPK
SMITH, Leslie G, Engine Room Artificer, D/MX 51780, MPK
SMITH, Philip W, Sub Lieutenant, RNZNVR, MPK
SNAPE, Albert A B, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 241338, MPK
SOON, Ah Joon, Fireman, 3854 NAP, MPK
SPENCER, Thomas, Stoker 1c, P/KX 100419, MPK
STAY, Oliver, Signalman, RFR, P/J 45517, MPK
STENNING, Kenneth J, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 275585, MPK
STEVENS, Arthur G, Ty/Act/Stoker Petty Officer, C/KX 77574, MPK
STOCKMAN, Robert R, Writer, D/SMX 350, MPK
STUART, Frank H, Ordinary Signalman, P/JX 259627, MPK
SWANSON, John R, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2815 (RANR), MPK
TAK, Wong, Chief Cook, NAP, MPK
TAN, Fong L, Chief Cook, NAP, MPK
TAN, Fuan W, Fireman, NAP, MPK
TAN, Kheng L, Fireman, NAP, MPK
TAN, Meng F, Electrician, NAP, MPK
TAN, Pit S, Steward, NAP, MPK
TAN, Thin F, Steward, NAP, MPK
TAYLOR, Frederick A, Chief Petty Officer, P/J 59416, MPK
TERRY, Edward C, Stoker 2c, D/KX 109534, MPK
THAM, Lai P, Fireman, NAP 3077, MPK
THOMAS, Arthur, Stoker 1c, P/KX 99156, MPK
THOMAS, Herbert G D, Supply Assistant, D/MX 71670, MPK
THORLEY, John, Ordinary Signalman, D/JX 252929, MPK
TONG, Chong K, Steward, NAP, MPK
TRELEVAN, Cyril A, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 54392, MPK
TRUDGEON, Claud G, Regulating Petty Officer, D/M 39612, MPK
TUANG, Kheng S, General Servant, NAP, MPK
UPTON, Albert E, Leading Stoker, D/KX 81699, MPK
WAH, Loh A, Fireman, NAP 3847, MPK
WAKANNO, Cornelius, Seaman, 7975 NAP, MPK
WALL, Denis, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 237265, MPK
WALTER, Charles E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 279833, MPK
WANG, Ngee J, Fireman, T.124, MPK
WARDE, Charles C G, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 67568, MPK
WARING, Harold, Able Seaman, D/SSX 14819, MPK
WARWICK, Dennis S, Supply Assistant, D/MX 65133, MPK
WATSON, Charles S, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 274401, MPK
WATSON, Eric J, Ordinary Seaman, PA 2180 (RANR), MPK
WATT, Peter A, Able Seaman, D/JX 139164, MPK
WEE, Ah K, Donkeyman, NAP 1793, MPK
WEE, Nee F, Steward, NAP, MPK
WELCH, Stanley, Stoker, D/KX 114813, MPK
WHITE, Leslie J, Supply Petty Officer, D/MX 45847, MPK
WHITE, Walter W, Able Seaman, D/JX 130970, MPK
WHITTLE, John, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 299246, MPK
WILLIAMS, Robert M, Supply Assistant, P/MX 70280, MPK
WILSON, Arthur, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300798, MPK
WINTER, Howard E, Leading Supply Assistant, P/MX 80886, MPK
WISE, William H, Petty Officer Telegraphist, C/J 68060, MPK
WOOD, Arthur, Able Seaman, D/SSX 25582, MPK
WOOD, Cecil J, Ty/Sub Lieutenant (E), RNR, killed
WOON, Ah C, Fireman, NAP, MPK
WYATT, Robert A, Ordinary Seaman, P 2222 (RANR), MPK
YEO, Ah Nam, Sailor, NAP, MPK
YEO, Chin F, Steward, NAP, MPK
YEO, Pit Boon, Fitter, NAP, MPK
YEO, See B, General Servant, NAP, MPK
YEO, Suan K, Barkeeper, NAP, MPK
YOH, Ak N, Sailor, Chinese civilian, MPK
YONG, Hoh K, Steward, NAP, MPK
YONG, Suan K, Steward, NAP, MPK
YOXALL, Edward J, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 294895, MPK
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Hi, My father was a survivor of the sinking of HMS Anking. He will be 90 in January and has no memory of any names of those on the ship. His recollection is that there were many more on board than what has been estimated. He says that anyone who could get on the ship tried to do so before it left harbour. It was full of soldiers, sailors and airmen from many allied nations. The list you are showing involves those who were killed or missing in action. I think it only lists those who were assigned to the ship rather than those who were actually on board. BHJ
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Hello Hannah1, If that diary has any information regarding Leslie Davey (my great uncle), I would dearly love to read it. He was a wonderful man. My mum and her 3 sisters received beautiful dressed dolls, plus clothes and hats from him before he left for the war. Thank you in advance. Valgrant
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BHJ Hello, Does your father remember much about what happened. We have been told different things from different people. My Great uncle Leslie Davey was on the ANKING on the fateful day. My only surviving aunt, would love to hear anything about what happened. He was a wonderful man.
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Hi Val, In January 1942 my father was transferred from HMS Danae to HMS Anking as the senior rating for the telephone system. HMS Anking left Tanjong Priok with a convoy under escort from HMAS Yarra. He was asleep on the open deck on 04/03/42 when it all commenced. HMS Anking was the first in the convoy to sink from the shelling (3 Japanese heavy cruisers plus destroyers). He was one of the fortunate few to clear the ship and get to a lifeboat. 56 survivors from the lifeboat were picked up by a Dutch merchant ship later in the day. They arrived in Colombo 10 days later. Other records show 2 more survivors from HMAS Anking who were interned by the Japanese until after the war. Info on Anking can be found at www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=19176. Info relating to HMAS Yarra, and therefore the action on 04/03/42, can be found at www.navy.gov.au/hmas-yarra-ii You'll need to scroll down to find the relevant information. My father remembers little else apart from the heroic, yet futile, response of HMAS Yarra. bhj
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Thank you so much for that information BHJ. I will give a copy of this to my aunt. Although it is a very sad article, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride knowing how my relative played a part in trying to keep our coutry safe (as with your father - I too hold a sincere sense of pride for him).
Kind regards
Val Grant :)
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Hi All,
I believe my Great Uncle was on the HMS Anking, I believe this is him KEEGAN, John R, Ordinary Seaman, PM 3254 (RANR), MPK. Not sure if anyone on here has any information on him, my Nanna always tells me he was he favourite brother and she would love to know more information on him :-) It has been wonderful reading all the other posts so far!
Lisa
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Hi Janet,
My uncle was on HMS Anking and got onto a life raft which drifted for many days, it overturned as they were nearing an Island and all but a couple drowned, including my uncle. I can't seem to understand the site well enough to contact Hannah but have worked out I can message you! Did Hannah come back with any information? My uncle was Geoffrey Suffling Cross and was a Royal Navy Surgeon. One of the survivors from the life raft was Arthur Topping (I think that's the name) and he was captured by the Japanese and spent the rest of the war in a POW camp. He survived that and very kindly after the war contacted my grandmother to let her know what had happened to Geoffrey, since he had been reported missing. If Hannah has an account of all this I would love to see it,
Very best wishes,
Jane
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Hi Val,
I am messaging you as well as Janet to see if Hannah shared the diary. My uncle Geoffrey Suffling Cross got onto an HMS Nanking life raft with some others, it drifted for days and eventually overturned as they neared an island, there were about two survivors (not my uncle) one of these Arthur Topping ( I think) contacted my grandmother very kindly, after he survived Japanese POW camp to let her know what happened to her son. I think Geoffrey may well have been on the raft with Hannah's relative, so I would love to hear more about the diary.
best,
Jane
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Hannah I would be very interested to heAr more.Geoffrey Suffling Cross , my uncle got onto an HMS Anking life raft but drowned when it overturned near an island. One of the survivors ( Arthur Topping- I think that's the name) got ashore and was then in a Japanese POW camp. After the war he kindly contacted my grandmother to let her know what had happened to her son Geoffrey. I think Geoffrey may have been on the same raft as your relative, so I would love to hear more about the diary.
Very best wishes,
Jane
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My uncle Able Seaman Albert Louvain Everett served on HMS Prince of Wales and was picked up by HMS Anking after PoW was sunk. The family heard nothing more about him except the usual telegram. I wondered if anybody has any info on him. I expect there was no survivors from Anking.
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My uncle was on HMS Anking and was on a life raft which had one survivor Arthur Topping I think. I am hoping Arthur's relatives might have some information. Good luck with your search
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Hello Wendy,
Came across your query whilst researching Tawali. My Father was on this ship and it sailed via Ceylon to Simons Town, Cape of Good hope, South Africa. I don't know if the survivors disembrked in Ceylon or elsewhere. I also find getting accurate information is difficult
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My uncle, George Hutchinson was on HMS Anking. I have just been to Singapore and been to Changi where we always thought that he was imprisoned. I was given a document from the curator at Changi completed by my uncle that states that he was captured on 24 March 1942. Under the name of camp or hospital it says Watis, Djockakart, Bondoeng, Java from 24.3.42 to 8.7.43 there is then another place - Wakayana, Ikuno, Japan from 16.11.43 to 10.3.45. As you can see there is a gap of 20 days from when the Anking was sunk and also a gap of 4 months from one camp to another. Our family were always under the impression that he was a POW at Changi and this could still be the case although maybe for only a short while before being sent to either Java or Japan. One of the very few things that uncle spoke about was that a Dr had to take out the appendix of someone using a penknife whilst they were on Tenko. Another thing he said was that one of the camp helpers asked him where he came from and he answered, Yorkshire. From that day the helper called him Mr Yorkie. He also made his children stand at the side of the road every morning, bow to him and say good morning Mr Yorkie. He, of course, could not reply. Does anyone have any info regarding my uncle.
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I am like others trying to find out about my father, Marine Thomas Loveden. He was a survivor from HMS Repulse. It has was reported that he was serving on HMS Anking when she was sunk. I know there were a number of survivors and wonder if he actually survived the initial sinking but died later.
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I have a copy of the report of the senior surviving officer HMS Anking rescued by MS Tawali if anyone would be interested in seeing it. It is dated MS Tawali 11 March 1942. No names are mentioned except one in the last paragraph:
... the magnificent work performed by the Dutch Red Cross Sister Mevrouw van Otteren. There was no doctor on board. About 20 officers and men from Anking alone were suffering from shrapnel wounds, fever and minor injuries. She worked day and night dressing wounds and generally making us comfortable with the willing assistance of many other Dutchmen on board.
The report to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies was accompanied by a list of known survivors from HMS Anking, but I have no copy of that.
The report is in the papers of my father who was a survivor of HMS Repulse and had reached Batavia before boarding Anking. My father's name was not on the list of people given by a previous correspondent.
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This is a copy of my late Father's (Charles Arthur Topping) diary.
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This is a copy of my late Father's (Charles Arthur Topping) diary.
im not sure if any would be interested but doing a school assignment and am using a relative of mines detailed diary of the sinking of the hms anking and his and a couple of other mens survival on a safety raft. it has some names of those who was on there too
Hannah, if you come across any reference to either of thr two men below, I would be grateful to here from you, as well as see your final work.
BRODERICK, JOHN ERNEST, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 300583
CLAYTON, HENRY, Stoker 2nd Class, D/KX 121022
Both men where from Widnes and perished in the sinking.
Henry Clayton was on the Repulse when it sank, but survived and made it to Singapore. When Singapore was invaded he managed to escape to Java, where he joined the crew of the Anking, only to be killed days later.
My first posting for many years not sure I am doing this properly
My father in law Hiram Southgate worked for the Naafi he is included on the diary list he made it to the village and was then captured by Japanese and taken to a coal mining Pow camp .We have never found anything before of him on any listing Probably as he was Naafi.
Great to finally see some definite information . He gave only scant details.
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Hello Arthursmaid,
Welcome back ! If you remember your old profile I can help you connect to it.
Regards
Sarah
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MAXWELL, Arthur
RN. Able Seaman. C/SSX 26227. Died 04/03/1942. HMS Anking. SS Anking, on British Admiralty service, left Batavia on 27/02/1942, for Fremantle. On 03/03/1942, she was intercepted by Japanese cruisers and sunk by gunfire about 200 miles east of Christmas Island. Sixteen survivors were picked up 4 days later. Son of William and Teresa Maxwell, Larne. Chatham Naval Memorial, Panel 55
A single listed item on the Internet.
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21 days,
Thanks for posting the excerpt from your father's diary. My great-uncle was Leading Seaman (Richard / Dick) Bridge who was on the lifeboat with your father and it is unfathomable what these sailors endured.
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Hello, my father was a survivor of the sinking of HMS Anking. He was a New Zealander. I have a copy of an account of the battle and sinking. Also, I have a copy of the list of survivors. These documents were obtained from the NZ War Museum. I am happy to provide copies to anyone interested.
I found details of the sinking in a book "The Escape from Singapore" written by Richard Gough and am interested to know of any other publications which might provide information on my father's time based in Singapore, before the invasion and of his escape to Batavia, and sinking of HMS Anking. His name is George Stanley Trotman
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Spadge Richard (dick) bridge was my grandad I’m more than happy to help with anything you need from this part of the family thanks to you I’ve found he was on the anking and many other things feel free to message me