HMS Cocker

HMS Cocker

HMS Cocker was originally a Norwegian whaler that was requisitioned by the British Admiralty in October 1940. After conversion into an anti-submarine warfare whaler, she was re-named HMS Cocker and sent to work in the Mediterranean.

Cocker would slip out of Tobruk harbour just before dark to carry out the necessary Asdic sweep of the harbour approaches prior to the arrival of a single-funnelled freighter SS Hanna Moller. Once she appeared, Cocker and the corvette HMS Gloxinia would take up station and start the journey to Alexandria as fast as the freighter's tired old engines would allow. On the night of June 3rd 1942, the Hanna Moller did not turn up on time so Cocker continued to sweep for U-Boats. When she did turn up in the early hours of the 4th the small convoy started on its way.

According to Cockers first officer who was sleeping on a camp bed on deck: "The jangling alarm-bells jerked me back to life! As if driven by some monumental sledgehammer, an enemy torpedo rammed itself into the very vitals of the Cocker! Instantly our ship and home were no longer either. She seemed to disintegrate, almost dissolve, into the sea. A second explosion followed, probably the boilers going up, and by the light of flickering flames it was obvious that she had been blown in two, collapsing her at about midship-point into a mass of rending metal."

Cocker had been torpedoed by S-57 that apparently been laying in wait for this small convoy. It must be stated that at first it was thought that Cocker had been torpedoed by a U-Boat and not an E-Boat.

Denis Hugh Crampton, RNR Cockers Skipper wrote this letter after being rescued.

Subject:- Loss of H.M.S'. "Cocker" by Enemy Action on 4th June 1942.
From: Commanding Officer H.M.S. "Cocker"

To: Captain Local Patrols, Alexandria. Copy to S.N O.I.S.Date: 7th June 1942

On 4th June 1942 while on Escort duty from Tobruk to Alexandria with convoy "Sapper", in position 32-06' N. 24-12' E.

At 0105 Hs. While zigzagging on the Port beam of "Katie Moller" as ordered by "Gloxinia", H.M.S. "Cocker" was struck by a torpedo from U Boat on the Port side below the Bridge. A second explosion followed almost immediately, presumably the magazine.

The ship sank in two or three minutes after being struck.
The Officer of the Watch between 0000 Hs. and 0400 Hs. was Lieutenant M.Galiup, R.N.V.R. I left the Bridge at 0015, after making out the Night Order Book and leaving verbal instructions concerning disposition of Convoy, going down to my Cabin.
The force of the explosion must have rendered me temporarily unconscious I "came to" in a dazed condition to see the Signalman and Telegraphist climbing through the starboard porthole in my cabin, needless to say, I followed them.

On reaching the Signal Bridge I observed that the vessel was laying on her Port beam with everything forward of the bridge disintegrated, and on fire between the Funnel and Engine room. As I could find no one in sight left on the vessel, and her stem in the air prior to her final plunge, I dived over the side. In the water, which was thick with oil from the burst Fuel tanks; I heard L/S Stewart calling out that he had a Carley Float, the Signalman, Telegraphist and myself swan towards and hung on to it.

Coxswain Male next joined our party around the float and hearing calls appealing for assistance he promptly swan towards the callers and assisted, in turn, four men to the float. Meantime two other members of the Crew joined us making eleven in all around the float.
"Gloxinia" was seen steaming towards us and when within hailing distance she fired two single Depth Charges from the Throwers which caused two men around the float injuries.

Sometime later "Gloxinia" passed near us again and although we all "Yelled" to them and they were heard to reply, "We are coming back," no effort was made to render assistance to "Cocker" survivors.

Later "Gloxinia" and "Katie Moller" were observed heading Westward, again passing quite close to us but we called for assistance again without reply.
Two other survivors joined us around the float before daylight now making thirteen.
When dawn broke Engineman Brunton was seen on another raft a short distance away, and the Coxswain with the L/S. swam towards it and towed it towards the Carley float, we secured the two together and endeavoured to paddle shorewards. Lieutenant Bloor R.N.V.R. and A.B. Yeoell were observed on another raft a little closer inshore, no one else could be seen in the vicinity M.L. 1048 and an M.T.B. picked us up at 0645. Hs. And were taken to Tobrouk where the injured were medically treated and food and clothing provided for all. Total survivors from H.M.S. "Cocker" were found to be sixteen out of a compliment of thirty-one.

Recommendations.
Coxswain Male for the fine example shewn and complete disregard of personal safety in assisting his shipmates to the safety around the Carley float. Leading Seaman Stewart in assisting the Coxswain in the above work.
All survivors of H.M.S. "Cocker" behaved in a most exemplary manner and in particular S/D J. Trubshaw, who though seriously injured was cheerful and uncomplaining, also Engineman Brunton for his unfailing cheerfulness and untiring energy.

Remarks
May I suggest in the event of an Escort Vessel being unable to rescue survivors, she should at least release Cariey Float or Raft with a calcium Flare attached.
Lieutenant R.N.V.R.

Crampton went on to command the ASW Whalers HMS Kos XIX and HMS Arctic Explorer (FY 162). Although he recommended some of his crew for awards, none were granted or given.