HMS Warwick crew remembered 80 years after Cornwall sinking

Sailors who died when their Royal Navy ship was torpedoed off Cornwall's coast are being remembered 80 years on.

Devonport-based HMS Warwick was attacked near St Ives on February 20, 1944, by a German U-boat while protecting British vessels.

The destroyer sank following the attack and led to the deaths of 66 crew.

To mark the 80th anniversary, relatives of those who died will attend a church service in Cornwall to pay their respects on Sunday.

St Merryn Church near Padstow, where six of the deceased are buried, will host the service from 11:15 GMT.

More events will take place across the country on Tuesday (February 20) on the anniversary of the sinking with members of the Royal Naval Association, Royal British Legion, family and friends gathering at war graves and memorials.

Among those at the church service on Sunday will be John Puddicombe, whose grandfather Horace Ford was among the sailors who died.

The 64-year-old from Ottery St Mary served in the navy himself for 11 years.

He said he believed it was important to remember those who had lost their lives and pay respect to the service they gave to their country.

Mr Puddicombe, who is the archivist for the HMS Warwick Family Association, said: "They did their duty and although maybe you know not 100% willingly, I think they all knew it was for the good of the country, and they know it was the right thing to do."

He added that the service will be emotional for him to be a part of and said he would likely "shed some tears" when he reads out the names of 11 sailors who died.

The last surviving crew member, Ken Holmes, passed away last year at the age of 99.

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