Alfred Peterkin was the son of Alfred Gray and Elizabeth Peterkin of Wallasey, Cheshire. He initially served during the Second World War as a Temporary Sub Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve, with HMS GLENGYLE (Infantry Landing Ship), before his appointment to the submarine HMS TRIUMPH in January 1941.

Peterkin was employed as Navigating Officer under Commander W J W Woods, his Commanding Officer during 1941 who described him in a letter to his parents as “with me as my navigator for nearly a year, and absolutely first class he was. I had the great good fortune and honour to command a really magnificent ships company, and in an outstanding lot he was always in the front row…. We had a good deal of excitement during my year in command, and not a few awkward moments. I always knew I could rely on your son to do the right thing at the right time… a first class officer… a very good friend“.

He was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette of 20 January 1942) “For courage, zeal and devotion to duty while serving as Navigating, Communications and Asdic Officer during eight War Patrols in the Mediterranean Sea. This Officer’s skill as Navigator, his detailed knowledge of Merchant Shipping, his fine example and his unfailing cheerfulness were of the highest value in operations which led to the destruction of an Italian submarine, two anti-submarine trawlers and seven enemy supply ships“.

He received a King’s Commendation (see London Gazette of 17 February 1942) “For coolness and courage when, in an enemy dive-bombing attack on Malta Dockyard, a Merchantman laden with ammunition, lying alongside his ship was hit, and caught fire. Lieutenant Peterkin was Officer of the Day in H.M.S. Triumph. He organised and led a fire and rescue party on board the burning ship; and by his prompt and vigourous action did much to avoid what might have been a disaster.”

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (London Gazette of 5 May 1942) “For courage, skill and steadfast devotion to duty. In her last three War Patrols, H.M.S. Triumph made many torpedo attacks and fought two gun actions in which valuable enemy ships were sunk or damaged. All through these operations, and in four severe enemy counter attacks, Lieutenant Peterkin carried out his duties with outstanding coolness and efficiency“.

Alfred Peterkin died when TRIUMPH was lost with all hands, apparently having hit a mine in the Aegean.  He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 71, Column 1