b. 29/08/1912 Nynehead, Somerset. d. 12/01/1950 Chatham, Kent.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 12/01/1950 Chatham, Kent.
Francis W Hine AM
Francis was born on 29th August 1912 in Nynehead, Somerset, the son of Francis John and Alice Hine (nee Gulliver). He was baptised on 3rd November 1912. At the age of 16, he joined the Royal Navy as a Boy, and transferred to the Submarine Service in February 1934, and spent the majority of the rest of his service in submarines, apart from 18 months as a POW between August 1943 and May 1945. He married Maude Amelie Margaret Nicholas in Weymouth, Dorset in 1935 and they had two daughters.
AM CITATION:
After the men had been divided and the water tight door between the after end and the engine room had been closed, Chief Engine Room Artificer Hine took charge of the escape arrangements for the men in the engine room. This duty he performed faultlessly, taking care that the limited number of escape sets were allotted to the weakest swimmers and ensuring that the least experienced men were carefully reminded of the correct drill. Chief Engine Room Artificer Hine was the last man to leave the engine room and it is known that he reached the surface in safety but was not picked up. The conduct of all who went down in the submarine was in full accord with the ‘great traditions of the Royal Navy but the splendid example set by Lieutenant Hindes and Chief Engine Room Artificer Hine was beyond praise.
BURIAL LOCATION: BODY LOST AT SEA.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: PRIIVATELY HELD.
Acknowledgement:
Allan Stanistreet – Image of Francis Hine AM.