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HMS Branlebas World Naval Ships Forums Archive

HMS Branlebas

Posts 1 to 27

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

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: [url]http://www.southwestmafia.com/forumswm/showthread.php?t=4100[/url] Good Luck

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 [email]stontamar@googlemail.com[/email] 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

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.

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

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

Am interested in HMS Branlebas as my uncle Commissioned Engineer Sydney G. Hodgson went down the ship. I saw that someone mentioned that they didn't think there were any survivors. There were 3 - 1 Briton Wilfred Sealey-sparker- and 2 Frenchmen. The Portsmouth Evening News had a letter published in November 1981 which sparked off a lot of interest in the ship. As a result, the British survivor was interviewed and his story printed along with another ratings story who left the ship before her ill fated sailing. Copies of these articles can be obtained from Portsmouth City Library who hold the newspapers archives. The exact date needed is 14th November 1981 I think.

Hi Vicky, A very warm welcome to the Forum. We have someone else researching your ship here ... [URL]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288&highlight=Branlebas[/URL] Might be of interest to you, although it was sometime ago.

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

[QUOTE=ROBERT HARE;505]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[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=frank503;55225]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[/QUOTE] 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

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

[QUOTE=jbryce1437;112392]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[/QUOTE] 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
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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
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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.
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[quote=johnmag;118911]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.[/quote] excuse the spelling it should read give us your views thanks

[QUOTE=johnmag;119028]excuse the spelling it should read give us your views thanks[/QUOTE] 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
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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 !!)

[QUOTE=paulwhitfield;24783]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.[/QUOTE] 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

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

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

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 [URL]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7485[/URL] with additional information here [URL]http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/Personnel/ServiceRecords/MakingARequestForInformationHeldOnThePersonnelRecordsOfDeceasedServicePersonnel.htm[/URL] Jim

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

[QUOTE=redsullian;1720952]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[/QUOTE] 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

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

[QUOTE=johnmag;118908]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[/QUOTE] 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.

My Uncle,Leading Cook Fred Ransome went down on HMS Branlebas which was lost in a storm on 14th December 1941. If the ship was reported lost on that date how long would it be before the next of kin were told and having been told the ship was lost would there be any sort of delay before it would be confirmed someone was lost prsumed dead?

Hello Mick and welcome to the Forum. I have moved your post to an existing thread on Branlebas and I hope someone can help you with your query. Jim

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