Lot 541
A W W 11 R NAVY DESTROYER CASUALTY GROUP.
In box of issue with a condolence slip, a 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa and Italy Stars, also a War Medal. Addressed to Mr N E Hale of 25 Compton Street, Southampton, Hants. It is unclear what the 6th medal or emblem shown was, though possibly a Burma or Pacific Star. The casualty slip is named to George Arthur Hale.
Also hand written by a R Navy clerk from Dir of Navy accounts on the side of the box ... Wills 3639/1944
George Arthur Hale of the Destroyer H M S Laforey, was Killed in Action on the 30th March 1944, aged 29 years. The son of Norman and Emily Hale, of 25 Compton Walk, Southampton, Hampshire.
The well recorded actions in the Destroyer 'Laforey', took place mostly in the Mediterranean theatre of war. However at some time she also served in the Far East, searching for German 'Commerce Raiders'.
An 'L' Class Destroyer of 1,920 Tons, launched in 1941 with a crew complement of 221 Officers and Men. Her number was G99, she was after various Atlantic duties, transferred to Force H. She stood by to take on survivors, as the Carrier Ark Royal sank. It was during this time in company with HMS Hesperus, she attacked U-93. Later to serve in the Indian Ocean from Mombasa, she was quickly recalled to rejoin Force H.
It was in company with two other ships and a tug, they rescued some 927 survivors from the Carrier HMS Eagle.
Amid patrols and anti-submarine actions, she also took part in the Sicily Landings.
In company with HMS Eclipse, they attacked and forced to surface the Italian Submarine Asciargte on the 3rd July 1943 with she sank with gunfire.
It was on the 30th March 1944 that with other ships, she searched for and attacked U-223. Before she was lost U 223 fired a salvo of Torpedoes, of which three hit Laforey. Sinking quickly only 65 survivors were rescued from the 247 crew and officers.
A book published in 1957 by Petty Officer Ronald Sired a member of the crew, tells of her almost non-stop action and demise. 'Enemy Engaged' tells her story.
