HM Trawler Beech – 22nd June, 1941
In the early hours of 22nd June, 1941, the minesweeper, HM Trawler Beech, was lying at anchor in Thurso bay, her crew taking a well earned rest from their regular duties. Some of the crew were still ashore enjoying their time away from the cramped quarters on the small vessel, the remainder were on board, asleep or on watch, unaware of the doom that was rapidly approaching.
At about 2:30 a.m. a German bomber suddenly appeared out of the mid-summer twilight over Scrabster Brae. It swooped down towards the Beech, released its bomb load and sped away, skimming over the wave tops. Seconds later its bomb detonated against the minesweeper, blowing it to pieces, and with it all those on board.
We remember the crew of HM Trawler Beech:
Lieutenant ARTHUR PATRICK COCKS, R.N.V.R.
2nd Hand JOHN BRODIE, R.N.R.
Seaman THOMAS GILMOUR GALE, R.N.P.S.
Seaman JAMES MAIN, R.N.P.S.
Ordinary Seaman RONALD VIVIEN BROAD, R.N.P.S.
Ordinary Seaman WILLIAM GRAHAM LONDON MACDONALD, R.N.P.S.
Engineman CHARLES STEPHEN, R.N.R.
Stoker 2nd class GLYNDWR MORRIS JENKINS, R.N.P.S.
Stoker Arthur PATRICK O’NEILL, R.N.P.S.
Stoker WILLIAM LEEFE SIMPSON, R.N.P.S.
Able Seaman SIMEON JOSEPH WINES, R.F.R.
