The December meeting of Beverley First Probus Club was doubly special: first, because we were able to enjoy a superb pre-Christmas lunch, and, secondly, because we were to be enthralled by a very moving account from one of our own members of a memorable wartime incident in which he was closely involved.
The speaker was Don Mitchell, and, coincidentally, the day of his talk was also his 88th birthday, but 69 years ago he was celebrating his 19th birthday in far less congenial circumstances, as a Leading Radio Mechanic aboard the fleet destroyer “ Matchless”, taking part in protection duties with convoys sailing between Scapa Floe and thee Kala Inlet in Northern Russia.
In the summer of 1941, when Hitler attacked Russia, Stalin appealed to Churchill or help. Despite objections from the Admiralty, Churchill insisted that supplies should be sent. As a result, we provided almost all the warships needed for protection. There were no problems till the Germans realised what was happening, and put out many warships. Weather conditions were atrocious: waves 30 feet high, whipped up by strong gales, and ice up to 6” thick, so that bare hands would stick to guard rails and take off the skin. The Germans came out only in short spells, but inflicted considerable damage: HMS Edinburgh was sunk with 26 tons of gold aboard. (This has recently been salvaged).
But there two things that the Germans did not have: an efficient radar system, and Ultra (the Bletchley Park system that broke the German Enigma code) As a result of these, we knew exactly what the German fleet’s movements were, and take appropriate action.
In December 1942, the German warships came out to attack a convoy being shadowed by 5 destroyers. Smoke screens put the enemy off, and they turned tail, much to Hitler’s annoyance. He had heard the news via the BBC! In anger he ordered his fleet to disperse and head for the Baltic, but Admiral Doenitz persuaded him to change his mind, and the battleships Tirpitz and Scharnhorst remained .
In December 1943 the Germans decided to attack convoy JW 55 B, but Ultra had revealed that Scharnhorst and 5 destroyers had come out on the 25th. Contact was made on the 26th, but only 3 shells hit the battleship. However, one of these destroyed its radar. It turned north, but its 5 destroyer lost contact because of foul weather. When our ships made contact 800 shells were fired. The destroyer HMS Duke of York picked it up and fired 3 salvoes, but 14” shells were ineffective against the thick steel of the Scharnhorst. However, its speed had been considerably reduced because one salvo had hit the forecastle. 35 torpedoes were then fired and 11 hit. At 19.45 on 26th December 1943, the Scharnhorst sank, with the loss of over 1900 lives. Don’s ship, with others, was helping to rescue survivors, but had to abandon this task when news came that U- boats were coming. They had to plough through debris and survivors to seek safety themselves. A very harsh decision, but in some ways an act of mercy. Only 36 of the Scharnhorst’s crew survived
The news broadcasts by the BBC about the incident gave most of the credit to HMS Duke of York, ignoring the part played by the other 3 cruisers and 4 destroyers that had played such a vital part in twice “turning” the Scharnhorst. The crew of Matchless, and of the other ships, were, as Don put it, “most dischuffed”.
Their Christmas celebrations were, understandably, delayed till 2nd January, when their Christmas dinner consisted of one slice of bully beef (known as “corned dog”, not unreasonably!) and 4 “hard tack” biscuits.
This abridged account of Don Mitchell’s amazing and thrilling story cannot give adequate recognition to the full glory and heroism it revealed. It was a most heart-warming, humbling and memorable talk.
Any retired professional or businessman who would like to consider joining the Club is invited to contact the Secretary, Mike Welch (tel: 01430 872797). We meet for lunch at Tickton Grange on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and with our ladies for coffee there on the first Wednesday.