b. 18/08/1920 Bacup, Lancashire. d. 09/11/1942 off North Africa.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 08-09/11/1942 off North Africa.
James W Thorpe AM
James was the eldest of three boys born to Walter and Lily Thorpe (nee Skeats), born in Bacup, Lancashire on 18th August 1920. He was educated at Tunstead C of E School in Shacksteads, Rossendale. He worked as a shoe designer prior to joining the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1938. He became a Sick Berth Attendant and served on HMS Broke. He was also awarded the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star and War Medal 1939-45.
AM CITATION:
In a hazardous operation off the North African Coast, H.M.S. Broke came under heavy fire. Many of her company were wounded. Sick Berth Attendant Thorpe showed great courage in tending the wounded and getting them to places of greater safety. He himself was then badly hit, but he spent his last strength in the care of others, working till.he could no longer stand. He died of his wounds.
BURIAL LOCATION: BURIED AT SEA. ON PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL PANEL 77 COLUMN 2.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
Acknowledgement:
Carol Pollard – Image of Thorpe AM name on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.