Bombing of HMS Gloucester

On 11 January 1941, while supporting Operation Excess (several coordinated convoys), Gloucester and sister ship Southampton came under attack from Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" dive bombers from StG 2 while leaving Malta.

Gloucester was hit by a 250-kilogram (550 lb) bomb which failed to explode after penetrating through five decks. Southampton was hit by at least two bombs and caught fire; heavily damaged and without power, the ship was scuttled by torpedoes from the light cruiser Orion.

Junkers Ju 87R Stuka 4.StG2 (T6+AM) over the Mediterranean 1941

HMS Gloucester January 1941 (Navy History net)

Of the 9 killed 7 were Royal Marines:

BASFORD, Ronald H, Sub Lieutenant, RNVR (SA), killed

BASSETT-BURR, Robert, Marine, PLY/X 3447, killed

GREEN, Edmond H, Marine, PLY/X 2303, DOW

JESSON, Alec A, Marine, PLY/3487, killed

LEWIS, Arthur R, Marine, PLY/X 2393, killed

O'LEARY, Morris M, Marine, PLY/X 2413, killed

PHELAN, John J, Leading Seaman, D/J 106536, DOW

WALKER, Harry, Corporal, RM, PLY/X 1433, killed

WHITELEY, Roy, Marine, PLY/X 1623, DOW

HMS Gloucester was later sunk by German dive bombers on 22 May 1941 during the Battle of Crete with the loss of 722 men out of a crew of 807, including 90 Royal Marines.

Related RM 'Dits'

1. Loss of 90 RM on HMS Gloucester

2. Fight for survival - The Stuka bombing of HMS Illustrious

References/ Further Reading:

1. Naval History.net - HMS Gloucester