Memorial for crew killed in submarine collision

Sixteen crew members who died when a submarine sank in an accident more than 80 years ago have been commemorated with a new monument.

On the evening of the 19 July 1941, the HMS Umpire was travelling to Scotland as part of a convoy, but it became separated after an engine failure and collided with a trawler near Blakeney in Norfolk.

A memorial was unveiled on Saturday - the 84th anniversary - at All Saints Church in Mundesley, Norfolk.

Cdr Tom Herman, from the Submariners Association, told BBC Radio Norfolk: "The boat would have been at a steep bow angle. The water would have been rushing in. It would have been absolutely terrifying."

The HMS Umpire, which measured 197ft (60m) long, had a crew of 33 and was heading north to Scotland as part of a convoy because of the risk of attacks by German forces.

However, the submarine suffered engine failure and an escort was detached to stay with it.

"Not surprising, a brand new boat often had some difficulties and they began to fall behind the convoy," Cdr Herman said.

As a southbound convoy approached, HMS Umpire became separated from its escort. While it tried to get out the way, its "fate was sealed" when the bow of an armed trawler, the Peter Hendricks, collided with the submarine.

"She began to sink immediately. The four on the bridge, the captain, the navigator and two lookouts were thrown into the sea, and the rest of the boat sank very quickly in about 60ft (18m) of water," Cdr Herman added.

The body of Sub Lt Stephen Godden, who was 25 at the time of the incident, is buried in the graveyard of All Saints Church.

Cdr Herman said: "The Norfolk branch of the Submariners Association felt that Godden, the navigator - who washed ashore at Mundesley and is buried there - should have some company from the rest of his shipmates."

The wreck of HMS Umpire lies on the seabed, designated under the Protection of the Military Remains Act 1986, where it continues to be visited by divers.

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