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8th April 1940On this day:
If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.
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Remembering those who died this day.
- McReynolds Norman. LAC. (d.8th Apr 1940)
- Roope Gerard Broadmead. Lt.Cmdr. (d.8th April 1940)
- Wiltshire Reginald Glyndur. Ord.Sea. (d.8th Apr 1940)
The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
please
Add a Name to this List
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Want to know more about the 8th of April 1940? There are:29 items tagged 8th of April 1940 available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War. |
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Stories from 8th April 1940
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Ord.Sea. Reginald Glyndur Wiltshire. Royal Navy, HMS Glowworm . (d.8th Apr 1940) Reginald Wiltshire served on HMS Invincible and was killed in action on 8th April 1940, aged 19. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial in Portsmouth.
He was the son of Aaron C. and Beatrice Wiltshire. s flynn
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Lt.Cmdr. Gerard Broadmead Roope. VC. Royal Navy, HMS Glowworm. (d.8th April 1940) Gerard Roope was killed in action on the 8th of April 1940, aged 35. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial in Portsmouth, he was the son of Gerard and Florence Roope, husband of Faith D. Roope, of Richmond, Surrey.
The citation in the London Gazette of 6th July 1945, gives the following details:- "On 8th April, 1940, H.M.S. Glowworm was proceeding alone towards West Fjord, Norway, when she met and engaged two enemy destroyers, hitting at least one of them. The enemy broke off the action and headed north. Lieutenant-Commander Roope, though appreciating the intention of the enemy to lead him on to his supporting forces, gave chase. The German heavy cruiser, Admiral Hipper was sighted closing the Glowworm at high speed, and an enemy report was sent, which was received by H.M.S. Renown. Because of the heavy sea it was not possible for the Glowworm to shadow the enemy, and the Commanding Officer decided to attack. Ten torpedoes were fired without success; then the Glowworm, badly hit and her speed reduced, closed and rammed the Admiral Hipper. As she withdrew the Glowworm opened fire again, and scored one hit at 400 yards range. Badly stove in forward and riddled with enemy fire, the Glowworm heeled over, and the Commanding Officer gave the order to abandon her. Shortly afterwards she capsized and sank; only 31 out of her complement of 149 were saved. The Victoria Cross is bestowed upon Lieutenant Commander Roope in recognition of his great valour." s flynn
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LAC. Norman McReynolds. Royal Air Force, 269 Squadron. (d.8th Apr 1940) My dads brother, Norman McReynolds joined the RAF and loved to fly.
Very sad I never got to meet him as he was shot down west of the Shetlands. Others crew members that were on board, PD Aldous, GH Scott, GA Verlaque. Their names are inscribed on the Runnymede Memorial at Egham, Surrey. I am posting some pictures in hope that others may see a family member. Susan Walker
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