HMS Branlebas

[ROBERT HARE]

Hello,
I have just joined the forum and I am searching for any information on HMS Branlebas. I know that it went down on 14th December 1940 off the Lizard.

My Uncle, Ordinary Seaman Rupert Hare was lost. Were there any survivors? If so, are any still alive etc.
Robert Hare

[John Brown]

Robert

The Branlebas was a French torpedo boat that was captured by the British off Portsmouth on 3rd July 1940. She displaced 610 tons and had a crew of approx 92.

Have a look at this site for a photo and more info:

http://www.southwestmafia.com/forumswm/showthread.php?t=4100

Good Luck

[stontamar]

Hi Robert

I have attached a list of those reported lost on HMS BRANLEBAS. There are 101 names on the list and as John previously mentioned, the ship carried a crew of approximately 92 it would seem unlikely that there were any survivors.

Regards - stontamar
stontamar@googlemail.com

ARKLAY, George, Chief Petty Officer Stoker, P/7046, MPK

BALLS, Edgar C, Ty/Act/Gunner (T), MPK

BARROW, Stanley, Able Seaman, P/SSX 25271, MPK

BARRY, Patrick, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 61230, MPK

BATCHELOR, William H, Stoker, RFR, P/SS 123085, MPK

BEVAN, Eldred I, Able Seaman, P/SSX 19020, MPK

BLINKHORN, Walter J, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104402, MPK

BOX, Ernest, Able Seaman, P/JX 140444, MPK

BROWN, Cyprian P, Able Seaman, P/J 15442, MPK

BURNSIDE, John, Stoker 1c, P/KX 89585, MPK

BUTLER, Patrick, Stoker 2c, P/JX 201430, MPK

CAMERON, William R, Able Seaman, P/SSX 20541, MPK

CARRAHER, Walter G E, Stoker 1c, P/K 60353, MPK

CARTER, George E, Sick Berth Attendant, P/MX 59537, MPK

CLARKE, Philip J, Yeoman of Signals, P/JX 129290, MPK

COLLAS, George, Motor Mechanic, P/MX 72192, MPK

CONROY, John, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104425, MPK

COULSON, William, Able Seaman, P/SSX 30162, MPK

CUNNINGHAM, Andrew G, Petty Officer, P/ESD 12/80, MPK

CUNNINGHAM, Andrew G, Petty Officer, RNVR, P/ESD/80, MPK

CUSA, Arthur W, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 217437, MPK

DANCE, Joseph E, Stoker 1c, RFR, P/K 64751, MPK

DENNIS, Reginald L, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 132696, MPK

DOLLERY, Albert G, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 80017, MPK

DOWLING, Kenneth H, Engine Room Artificer 3c, P/MX 48551, MPK

DOWSE, Vernon C, Ordinary Telegraphist, P/JX 202432, MPK

DRAYSON, Albert C, Able Seaman, P/JX 141275, MPK

DYER, Charles J, Assistant Steward, P/LX 24122, MPK

EARL, Gordon B P, Engine Room Artificer 4c, P/MX 58506, MPK

EDWARDS, Albert W, Petty Officer, P/J 102808, MPK

FAIRBURN, Royden F, Chief Engine Room Artificer, P/M 27335, MPK

FLOATE, Vivian F H, Leading Supply Assistant, P/MX 56362, MPK

FOWLER, William H, Able Seaman, P/JX 144792, MPK

FROGGATT, Alfred, Able Seaman, P/SSX 30655, MPK

GARDNER, Norman, Act/Petty Officer, P/JX 127590, MPK

GLOAG, John, Assistant Steward, P/LX 24286, MPK

GRAHAM, Albert C, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 66286, MPK

GRAVOUIE, Kleber V F, Engine Room Artificer 5c, P/MX 71618, MPK

GREEN, Lionel, Ordinary Signalman, RNVR, P/SD/X 1028, MPK

GREENFIELD, James, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 190491, MPK

GROVES, David, Able Seaman, P/J 110459, MPK

GUILE, Stanley H, Chief Petty Officer Stoker, P/K 62905, MPK

HAMER, Richard, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104460, MPK

HARE, Rupert S, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 217649, MPK

HAY, John, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 131209, MPK

HOBBS, John S, Stoker 1c, P/KX 84009, MPK

HODGSON, Sydney G, Commissioned Engineer, MPK

HORNIGOLD, John C, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 190594, MPK

HUNT, William T, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 188846, MPK

HURDEN, James A, Able Seaman, P/SSX 20573, MPK

JACKSON, John E, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104731, MPK

JACOBS, Robert C, Act/Engine Room Artificer 5c, P/MX 61680, MPK

KEEBLE, Geoffrey L, Sub Lieutenant, MPK

KELLY, Martin J E, Leading Seaman, P/JX 125357, MPK

KIDD, Gerald G, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 190597, MPK

KING-WOOD, Edward J, Lieutenant, RNVR, MPK

KIRK, Gilbert G, Cook (O), P/MX 56685, MPK

KNOX, Alexander, Able Seaman, P/SSX 24375, MPK

LANGSTAFF, Sydney, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 201467, MPK

LIKELY, Herbert H, Able Seaman, P/JX 145836, MPK

LILLYWHITE, William H C, Able Seaman, P/J 11860, MPK

LOWES, Joseph A B, Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 84019, MPK

LUXFORD, William G, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 83427, MPK

MACKAY, Angus S, Signalman, P/JX 155665, MPK

MARSH, William, Stoker 1c, P/KX 82805, MPK

MARTINEZ, Pedro, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 225906, MPK

MAXWELL, Adam B, Able Seaman, P/SSX 25151, MPK

MCBRIDE, William C, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 217275, MPK

MCGINLAY, James, Stoker 1c, P/KX 88122, MPK

MCGRATH, William, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104624, MPK

MCRAE, Hugh C J, Lieutenant Commander, MPK

MILAM, Leslie H N, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 80938, MPK

MORGAN, Joseph V, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 84097, MPK

MOUZER, Charles, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 190603, MPK

NEW, William J, Leading Steward, P/LX 21469, MPK

PARKER, Charles E, Stoker 1c, RFR, P/K 58664, MPK

PERSCHKY, William H, Able Seaman, P/JX 182279, MPK

PETERS, Leslie G, Ordinary Telegraphist, P/SSX 31642, MPK

PICTON, Alfred W, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 194485, MPK

PLATER, Patrick, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 217383, MPK

POUNDS, George S, Chief Petty Officer, P/J 6267, MPK

RANSOM, Frederick J, Leading Cook, P/MX 50641, MPK

RICHARDSON, James, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 190739, MPK

ROSE, William A, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 190621, MPK

SMITH, Edward C, Telegraphist, P/SSX 26959, MPK

SMITH, Joseph E, Act/Leading Stoker, P/KX 86648, MPK

SMITH, Ralph G L, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 189202, MPK

SPIERS, Josiah, Signalman, P/SSX 20173, MPK

STANSBIE, Vincent T, Stoker 1c, P/KX 91078, MPK

STEAD, Harry, Act/Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 76610, MPK

STONER, Frank, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 59721, MPK

SWAN, Paul, Able Seaman, P/JX 225916, MPK

TURTON, Percy A, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 188977, MPK

USHER, James, Stoker, RFR, P/SS 120585, MPK

VARNDELL, William H, Stoker 1c, P/KX 85428, MPK

VOKES, Frederick J, Chief Petty Officer Stoker, P/K 28596, MPK

WARNER, Andrew, Leading Seaman, P/JX 225941, MPK

WHEELER, Joseph, Petty Officer, P/J 9422, MPK

WHITELEY, John H, Stoker 1c, P/K 59429, MPK

WHITING, Ernest H, Act/Leading Seaman, P/JX 133244, MPK

WYATT, Frederick W, Telegraphist, P/JX 198311311, MPK

Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, 1922-present
Researched & compiled by Don Kindell, all rights reserved

[paulwhitfield]

Robert, my uncle, able seaman with sub rating Quarters rating 3rd class Ernest Box jx140444 was also on the Branlebas.
I enquired about this ship in 1994 and the mod said there were 3 survivors from a crew of 99. I wonder who the Captain was and also I notice that there are 2 Andrew G Cunninham in the above list and it would be interesting to know who the survivors were.
Paul Whitfield.

[michael deveson]

Hello,
I have just joined and am searching for any information regarding l'Incomprise a French ship that my father commanded for a period in the War.I have no idea what activities the ship undertook but that it was based in Campbeltown, I think.I have seen your posting re Branlebas which was one of L'Incomprise's sister ships and think that she was based up in Scotland as well with another of the same class La Flore.

I have from my late father's bits and pieces 3 replica Tampions? which I believe came from the three ships but am unable to identify which is from which ship, and a model of L'Incomprise.

My Father spoke very little of the War and as far as his Service in L'Incomprise was concerned I can only recall him telling me that:

1 The Engines were very unreliable,

2 She was built for the Med and not suited for the N Atlantic,

3 Very fast when engines running OK causing him to have to light his pipe before giving the order Full Ahead when following instructions from the Flotilla leader to avoid getting out of position,

4 That when they were seized from the French they were ordered to wear gym shoes and that one French officer overreacted and shot himself

[frank503]

Hi, Micheal, I was very interested to see your thread on the Incomprise, my Father was on this ship when it was taken in 1940. Your Father was made Captain once the ship was taken,I would really like to know if my Father stayed with the ship? He was French from the Loire Valley, I was told by my Mother that he joined the Royal Navy in 1940 and left in 1945. He died in the early 1960's age 42 so I know very little about him. If you learn anything else I would be very grateful for the information, many thanks.
Frank503

[michael deveson]

Hi Frank,

re L'incomprise, I have just discovered a chapter relating to her in a book titled "Stoker Greenwood's Navy" by Sydney Greenwood published by Midas Books.I obtained a copy from a company called Bookbarn International at a very modest price.They had others available 2nd hand.

In the book the author refers to two French sailors who remained in the crew and changed their names.

rergards,

Michael Deveson

[johnmag]

Hello,
I have just joined the forum and I am searching for any information on HMS Branlebas. I know that it went down on 14th December 1940 off the Lizard.

My Uncle, Ordinary Seaman Rupert Hare was lost. Were there any survivors? If so, are any still alive etc.
Robert Hare

Hi, Micheal, I was very interested to see your thread on the Incomprise, my Father was on this ship when it was taken in 1940. Your Father was made Captain once the ship was taken,I would really like to know if my Father stayed with the ship? He was French from the Loire Valley, I was told by my Mother that he joined the Royal Navy in 1940 and left in 1945. He died in the early 1960's age 42 so I know very little about him. If you learn anything else I would be very grateful for the information, many thanks.
Frank503

yesterday and today 24and 24 april 2010, i had in my home a friend of mines mr peter conroy , peter is the brother of john conroy who was lost on the branlebas. peter is now a young sprightly 81 years old and has photos of his brother john and at least one more of the crew a friend of john conroy i am hoping that soon peter will give me the photos so that i can post them on this site but peter has little or no computer skills so i am writting this and studying this on his behalf, but peter is eager to speak with those who have an interest in the branlebas many thanks johnmag

[jbryce1437]

Hello johnmag and welcome to the Forum, our best wishes also to Peter. It would be great if you could upload John's photos onto the site, they may stir some memories and bring forth more information.

Jim

[johnmag]

Hello johnmag and welcome to the Forum, our best wishes also to Peter. It would be great if you could upload John's photos onto the site, they may stir some memories and bring forth more information.

Jim
this is a photo of CONROY, John, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104425, MPK, john is the one sitting on the chair and an other chap named
william mcgrath is standing on the left of the picture.
MCGRATH, William, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104624, MPK
the other chap on the right of the picture i dont know his name but he did also serve on the branlebas as a stoker. maybe this will get some memories going.
these photos are courtesy of peter conroy johns brother i put them on the forum at his request. best wishes johnmag i have some more photos to post later

[johnmag]

this chap is one of the french sailors on the branlebas but i dont know his name i know that he was regarded i a nice chap by john conroy whom sailed on the branlebas and was lost on her if i get any other information i will post it up in due course, i just found out that john conroy call him tony but i will try to confirm anything i know at a later date, best wishes john mag

[johnmag]

this is a copy of the back of the postcard that was signed by the french lad i posted earlier now i dont think his name was tony but a french name i would like some of you hand writing experts to study it and give us your vies as to what is written is some of it in french? or is it english we can understand the english but a lot of the other stuff is rather smudged, also we can clearly see the name branlebas on the back of the card best wishes johnmag.

[johnmag]

this is a copy of the back of the postcard that was signed by the french lad i posted earlier now i dont think his name was tony but a french name i would like some of you hand writing experts to study it and give us your views as to what is written is some of it in french? or is it english we can understand the english but a lot of the other stuff is rather smudged, also we can clearly see the name branlebas on the back of the card best wishes johnmag. excuse the spelling it should read give us your views thanks

[johnmag]

excuse the spelling it should read give us your views thanks in this photo the 3 chaps all sailed on the branlebas we dont have any names maybe you do?
the girl is also a mystery but i do know they all were sailing on the branlebas possibly stokers

[Dimitri]

My nana's brother was BURNSIDE, John, Stoker 1c, P/KX 89585, MPK. I recall his photo at the house I grew up in. He was from Weatley Hill, Durham. The story our family knew was that the ship broke up in bad weather. She was overloaded with weight and according to my Dad, a naval architect she was top heavy as a result. I am interested in knowing as much as possible about John. As his sister, my nana was very fond of him and although sadly she recently past away, his brother Albert is still alive. Now I do know that my mum kept on writing to the French lads family, sister to be precise. They came from near Nantes, I will update this info with the exact location and names. I would like to also know how the hunt for the wreck is going, the mere fact its almost impossible to be found makes me feel she was lost in bad weather as opposed to a torpedo. It would be so good to know the truth. If you do go out and dive for her please let me know as I am a documentary maker and cameraman and would love to document it and your good selves for all the effort you have made in finding her. Best regards Dimitri (me mam married a Greek !!)

[Greig64]

Robert, my uncle, able seaman with sub rating Quarters rating 3rd class Ernest Box jx140444 was also on the Branlebas.
I enquired about this ship in 1994 and the mod said there were 3 survivors from a crew of 99. I wonder who the Captain was and also I notice that there are 2 Andrew G Cunninham in the above list and it would be interesting to know who the survivors were.
Paul Whitfield.

Hi Paul,
Not sure if you are still reviewing this website as this is an old post. My Grandfather was Andrew G Cunningham, I believe he is listed twice, once under his RNVR official number and then once againas he was issued another on full moiblisation hence the duplication. My family were informed there were no survivors which is not the case, no cause of the loss was ever relayed to my family either. They believed it was torpedoed, however many years later my Aunt bumped into an old shipmate of his by pure chance who was in the same convoy and immediately behind Branlebas. He said there was a raging storm, the ship rolled and went down bow first in a very short space of time. I am ex-RN myself and have been in those waters in Decemebr...not a place for a shallow draught vessel! It would be interesting to know if the wreck is found or if there is any damage, my Father sadly passed away last year but his 3 sisters and I would be keen to hear of any updates Kind Regards Greig A Cunningham

[david lacroix]

hello, here are some details on the type of torpedo Melpomene they are tw built ship of 600 to escape the limitations of the Naval Treaty, their weakness is that the boilers were too big for their shells, this induces fragility of the shell because of testing at full speed, bent at the bridges of boilers, they were too busy in the high (100 mm turret, too much structure etc.) of more such ships were not designed for the Mediterranean, but to stay a short distance from the side by the end of the évacutation Dunkirk, navy Natinal to regret didn't avour had all ships of this type

There is two very good book in french on these vessels
les torpilleurs legers francais 1937 1945 marc saibene marines edition 2004

les torpilleurs de 600 tw du type melpomene charles salou lela presse 2004

[redsullian]

Hello Iam trying to find out about my nans first husband Gilbert G Kirk P/MX 56685 MPK who was a cook on H.M.S. BRANLEBAS. I know the ship sank in a storm off Eddystone 14/12/1940 & through reading posts on your site what probably happened. My problem is after finding out about the boat i know very little about him. I would be greatful if someone could either tell me something or put me in the right direction. Many thanks Matt

[jbryce1437]

Hello redsullian and welcome to the Forum. His service certificate will answer a lot of the questions that you may have. Is your Nan still alive? (I ask only to point out that she could obtain a copy of his records for free, as the next of kin at the time of his death, otherwise you would probably have to pay the £30 fee for the record). She could apply for a copy of his service certificate and you will find information on how to obtain a copy on this thread http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7485
with additional information here
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/ServiceRecords/MakingARequestForInformationHeldOnThePersonnelReco rdsOfDeceasedServicePersonnel.htm
Jim

[redsullian]

Hi Jim Thanks for the links & help my nan is a sprightly 96 y.o. & still going strong. Have applied to the mod so fingers crossed i get the missing info kind regards Matt

[Dave Hutson]

Hi Jim Thanks for the links & help my nan is a sprightly 96 y.o. & still going strong. Have applied to the mod so fingers crossed i get the missing info kind regards Matt

Good luck in your search Matt - she must be some lady and long may she be so. Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Dave H

[redsullian]

Hi got information regarding Gilbert Kirk ok from mod thanks within a week all present & as far as we know correct. I went to find out about the post left by Vicky & although couldn't find article/letter about Wilfred Sealey i did find this in the letters column from a answer given about the Branlebas Taken from "Histoire du Torpilleur en France" by Henri Le Masson The destroyer Branlebas foundered in heavy seas on December 14,1940, 25 miles south-south-east of the Eddystone lighthouse. Her loss attributed to the poor design of her hull. The Admiralty was apparently so concerned about the structure of these ships that three sister vessels, La Flore, La Cordeliere, and L'Incomprise were never recommissioned

[Friend of the sea]

this is a photo of CONROY, John, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104425, MPK, john is the one sitting on the chair and an other chap named
william mcgrath is standing on the left of the picture.
MCGRATH, William, Stoker 2c, P/KX 104624, MPK
the other chap on the right of the picture i dont know his name but he did also serve on the branlebas as a stoker. maybe this will get some memories going.
these photos are courtesy of peter conroy johns brother i put them on the forum at his request. best wishes johnmag i have some more photos to post later

William McGrath was my sister in laws father, she was only 3years old when he died and has only seen one photo of him,she will be very pleased to see this photo thanks to your uncle for allowing this to be posted.