JOHN VINCE
Born: 3rd May 1923, Ipswich.
Died: 29th January 1945 – Accidentally hit by shells from H.M.S. ‘Euryalus’ during Kamikaze attack.
Residence: 171, Woodville Road, Ipswich.
Occupation: Messenger.
Rank: Able Seaman; Service Number: C/JX 318479.
Regiment: Royal Navy, H.M.S. Illustrious.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 81, I.
Chatham,
Kent.
Father: John Vince, born December 1894, Ipswich. A General Labourer.
Mother: May Elizabeth Vince (nee Wheeler (1st marriage Airey)), born December 1887, Ipswich.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939
John was a Messenger and living with his parents at their family home – 171, Woodville Road, Ipswich.
John, a General Labourer.
May, unpaid Domestic Duties.
29th January 1945
The targets for Operation: ‘Meridian Two’ were the oil refineries of Pladjoe (Royal Dutch Shell) and Soengi Gerong (Standard Oil), both of which lay across the Musi river at Palem. Both refineries were in Japanese possession since their capture in 1942. During the raids on Soengi Gerong the Japanese retaliated with a Kamikaze attack on the Fleet with 12 bombers (all shot down). H.M.S. ‘Euryalus’ provided cover during the second series of attacks. Two AA shells landed on H.M.S. Illustrious’ 11 men killed and 22 other casualties.
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