Herbert George Gregory – Royal Navy, HMS Intrepid

Able Seaman Herbert George Gregory – Royal Navy, HMS Intrepid

Birth and Family Background

John Gregory and Sarah Ann Ridd
marriage certificate
Parish Church of Llangynwyd

Herbert George Gregory was born in 1917 at Gowerton. He was the son of John Gregory and Sarah Ann Ridd, who were married in 1892 at the Parish Church of Llangynwyd.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the Gregory family residing at 12 Castle Street, Mumbles. John Gregory (38), born in Aberdare, was employed as a coal miner (hewer), while his wife Sarah Ann (36), born in Mountain Ash, undertook household duties. Their children were Beatrice (16), a domestic servant; Sidney (14), a coal hewer’s helper; John Henry (11); William James (8); Florence May (5); and Alice (2), with those of school age attending school.

1921 Census

By the time of the 1921 Census, the family had moved to 43 St Paul’s G.V., Gorseinon. John Gregory (48) was recorded as employed, while Sarah Ann (47) continued to manage the household. Their children at this time were Sidney (24), a colliery haulier below ground employed by Cae Duke Colliery Co., Loughor; William James (18), a coal hewer employed by Swansea Navigation Colliery, Gorseinon; Florence May (15), undertaking household duties; Alice (12); Percy (8); Hadyn (6); and Herbert (3), with the younger children attending school.

1939 Register

The 1939 Register records Herbert George Gregory living at 716 Mumbles Road, where he was employed as a general labourer.

Naval Service

Herbert George Gregory served in the Royal Navy, attaining the rank of Able Seaman. During the Second World War he was posted to HMS Intrepid, an I-class destroyer commissioned in 1937, which undertook escort, patrol, and fleet-screening duties in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

By 1943, Intrepid was operating in support of Allied naval operations during the Italian Campaign, following the invasion of Sicily and landings on the Italian mainland.

Loss of HMS Intrepid – 26^th September 1943

HMS Intrepid

On 26^th September 1943, HMS Intrepid was operating in the Aegean Sea, an area rendered especially hazardous after the Italian armistice, when German forces intensified naval and air activity and laid extensive minefields. While on operations, Intrepid struck a German naval mine, causing catastrophic damage. The explosion led to severe structural failure, and the destroyer sank rapidly, leaving little opportunity for escape.

As a result of the sinking, 35 officers and men were killed, including Able Seaman Herbert George Gregory. Survivors were rescued by accompanying vessels, but those lost in the initial explosion had no recoverable remains. The incident underscores the persistent danger posed by naval mines, which continued to claim Allied ships even in the later stages of the war.

Commemoration

Herbert George Gregory
Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent
credit - findagrave

Able Seaman Herbert George Gregory has no known grave, and his name is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent, which honours sailors of the Royal Navy who died during the Second World War and whose burial places are unknown.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records

His death is also recorded in the British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, confirming his loss while serving with the Royal Navy during the Second World War.