In Memory Of

DURING-ROWE, WALTER

Service Details
Age:
 30
Date of Birth:
 1912-08-19
Service No:
 C/NX 65
Rank:
 Chief Canteen Manager
Unit:
 H.M.S. Curacoa
Regiment:
 Royal Naval Canteen Service
Date of Death:
 1942-10-02
Cause of Death:
 30 miles north of the coast of Ireland HMS CURACOA was escorting the ocean liner RMS QUEEN MARY who was carrying 10,000 American troops of the 29th Infantry Division to join the Allied forces in Europe. RMS QUEEN MARY was steaming at 28 knots in an evasive zig-zagging course, but HMS CURACOA with her ageing engines, could not keep to the same zigzag pattern and was following a straight course. At 2:15 PM QUEEN MARY rammed HMS CURACOA, striking her amidships and cutting her in two. HMS CURACOA sank in six minutes, about 100 yards from the Queen Mary. Due to the risk of U-boat attacks, the QUEEN MARY did not assist in rescue operations and instead steamed onward with a damaged bow. Hours later, the convoy's lead escort, consisting of HMS BRAMHAM (L51) returned to rescue 99 survivors from the HMS CURACOA's crew of 338, including her captain John W. Boutwood.
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 66, 3.
Cemetery:
 CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL
Localitly:
 Kent
Country:
 United Kingdom
Additional Information
Husband of F. During-Rowe of Corsham, Chippenham, Wilts. Born Robertson, Cape Province.