Able Seaman Philip Elford Penton, R.N. Royal Navy. Aged 19 years. Killed in action, 25th February 1944 was a member of the 1st Coalpit Heath Boy Scout Group.
Philip was born on 21st July 1925 and was the Son of William Henry and Martha Eliza Penton of Coalpit Heath.
Joined 1st Coalpit Heath Boy Scout Group on 8th May 1939, Made patrol leader of Rhinos Patrol on 5th July 1941.
Awarded Camper, Cook And Fireman Badges on 25th August, 1941, and Missioner badge on 31st August, 1941.
Philip left the Troop on 20th October 1941 to join the Rover Crew,
Philip left the Rover Crew on 4th August 1943 to join the Royal Navy.
Rank and number: Wireman (electrician) D/JX 569583
Philip died at sea in HMS Mahratta, a destroyer that was escorting an Arctic convoy in the Norwegian sea 280 miles from the North Cape. At 20.55 hours on 25 Feb, 1944, the HMS Mahratta (G 23) (LtCdr E.A.F. Drought) was hit by a Gnat from U-990, while escorting the stern sector of convoy JW-57.
The destroyer exploded and sank within minutes. Despite of the fact, that the HMS Impulsive (D 11) and HMS Wanderer (D 74) were quickly on the scene to pick up survivors, only 16 survivors could be recovered from the freezing waters. The commander, ten officers and 209 ratings lost their lives.
Buried/Commemorated at: Died at sea. Commemorated Plymouth Naval Memorial & St. Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath.
A replica shirt will be mounted in the Westerleigh Room in Mafeking.
Sources:
https://sites.southglos.gov.uk/war-memorials/people/philip-elford-penton/
https://wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?30665
https://wrecksite.eu/peopleView.aspx?156993