Gratitude

Able Seaman Ronald Keenan C/JX 155544

H.M. SUBMARINE THUNDERBOLT, ROYAL NAVY
who died age 20
on 13 March, 1943.
Son of James and May Keenan,
husband of Doris Keenan
of Wallsend, Northumberland.

"The Admiralty regrets to announce that HM Submarine Thunderbolt must now be considered lost."

HMS Thunderbolt was depth charged off Sicily by Italian CVT Cicogna

At 2210 on Friday 12th March, 1943 the Italian merchant ship Esterel was torpedoed two miles north of Capo San Vito. Following the attack the torpedo boat Libra was ordered to seek out the submarine responsible - HMS Thunderbolt.
The Libra made contact with the Thunderbolt that night and carried out seven depth charge attacks with no result.
On Sunday 14th March the Italian corvette Cicogna obtained a contact and shortly after 0734 a periscope was sighted 2000 yards off the corvette’s bow. At 0845 the periscope was again sighted, this time less than 10 feet away.
Depth charges were launched at once and the corvette increased its speed and turned for another attack when an explosion lifted the submarine’s stern out of the sea at an angle of 90 degrees. The submarine sank through a discharge of air and oil.
A further two depth charges were dropped resulting in air bubbles, oil and smoke appearing on the surface where the submarine had sunk. The Cicogna remained on station for an hour but no further contact was made.

ref. used: www.rnsubmus.co.uk

In memory of my Uncle, Ronny.

We never met.

You died too young; before I was born.

R.I.P.

You are not forgotten.

With grateful thanks for your sacrifice. 

Your loving niece,

Pat.

RUPERT BROOKE

(In Memoriam)

I never knew you save as all men know

Twitter of mating birds, flutter of wings

In April coverts, and the streams that flow --

One of the happy voices of our Springs.

A voice for ever stilled, a memory,

Since you went eastward with the fighting ships,

A hero of the great new Odyssey,

And God has laid His finger on your lips.

By: Moray Dalton