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Able Leading Seaman Jack Mantle

Discussion in 'A Soldier's Story' started by Jim, Jan 15, 2007.

  1. Jim

    Jim Active Member

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    Seaman Jack Mantle

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    The sense of isolation of Britons in July 1940 combusted into anger and defiance against brazen Nazi air attacks. Some like Able Leading Seaman Jack Mantle, 20, (above), from Wandsworth, London, were especially courageous. Anchored off the SE breakwater within Portland Harbour, auxiliary AA ship "FOYLE BANK" (Capt H P Wilson) was attacked by 33 Ju87 dive bombers and apparently hit by a total of 22 bombs. With one of the attackers shot down, she sank to the bottom with 176 men killed out of a total crew of 19 officers and 279 crew. Leading Seaman Jack Mantle, gunner in the "Foyle Bank", continued firing a 20mm pom-pom gun although mortally wounded and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. He died at his gun post, shooting to his bitter end.
    4 July 1940



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    From 1940 an heroic artists impression of the action of A 20mm pom-pom gun
     

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