HMS
H42
(1917
-
1922)
On 23 March 1922, HMS H42 (Lt D Sealey) was conducting Spring exercises off Gibraltar when she surfaced 120 feet ahead of the destroyer HMS VERSATILE which was steaming at 20 knots on passage for the UK. H42 was too close to allow the destroyer to take effective avoiding action and she struck the submarine, almost cutting her in two. The submarine was lost with all hands.
On 23 March 2022 a plaque was unveiled at Europa Point to commemorate the loss of the submarine and crew.
PEOPLE WHO DIED WHILE SERVING IN THIS UNIT
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Here is the poem, kindly transcribed by Barbara Dowell
The loss of H.M Submarine-H42
Twas on the 23rd March in 1922
That submarine H42
Was lost with all its crew.
When six and twenty sailors
British all of them.
Were sent down to the bottom by
A destroyer’s cruel stem.
Seven miles from Europa
Within sight of the coast
We could not see but still we knew
Each man died at his post.
From Captain Sealy downwards
The youngest boy as well
Went down to meet his maker
Inside that awful shell.
Who thought that when we saw them
Ashore the night before
That when we wished them all goodnight
We’d ne’er see them no more.
Upon a few destroyers
An attack they was to make
They steamed out in the early morn
Close in mail stones wake.
Not one had thought of danger
Everyone’s heart was light
It’s at the captain’s orders
She made her dive alright.
Then she carried out her practice
And came up straight away
H.M.S Veselate was rushing [sic – was Versatile]
A few short yards away.
To avoid the sad disaster
Alas there was no room
And twenty six of Britons sons
Had gone to meet their doom.
We knew that every man had gone
Not one could we save
As British sailors they all went
Down to a sailor’s grave
No tombstone marks their resting place
But as the ships pass o’er the scene
The men on-board send up a prayer
For that ill fared submarine.
The sea again has gained her toll
Oh will she ever cease?
God’s will be done and may their souls
Forever rest in peace.
Ms. Dowell, as a sub veteran myself, and an avid reader of all print, being able to read your Great Uncle’s poem memorializing the tragic sinking of the HMS H42, and loss of life, would be an honour to be shared. Honours to your Great Uncle for his service.
I have a hand written book of poetry that I inherited from my Great Uncle George who served in the British Army.
In this book is a poem written by a soldier that witnessed the sinking of the Submarine H42. Is this something that you would be interested in ? If so please get in touch with me.
Kind regards
Barbara Dowell