Mayman, J R (John Robert)

Mayman, J R (John Robert)

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Telegraphist John Mayman was the son of John William and Jane Lydia Haylett Mayman, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

John was found in the River Foyle on the 2nd of Feb 1943 at berth 19 in the harbour. It was estimated that he had been dead around 4 weeks. He had drowned.

John’s ship, H.M.S. Rother[1] only went into service during April 1942. Early in its service it was involved in the rescue of 3 seamen from the British merchant ship Port Hunter.

The three sailors from the ship had been lucky as they were sleeping on deck when Port Hunter was struck by two torpedoes that had been fired by U-Boat U-582.[2] The ship immediately exploded (it was carrying explosives) sending them into the air and away from danger. At the same time 87 other crew, gunners and passengers were killed. It sunk within 2 minutes, damaging the U-Boat in its death throws.

Date of Death: 30/12/1942 (Aged 27)

Service: Telegraphist, Royal Naval Volunteer (Wireless) Reserve, H.M.S. Rother

Service Number: C/WRX 318

Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, C. of E. Plot. Sec. F. Grave 30.


[1] H.M.S. Rother was Frigate of the River class, it would survive the war, finally being scrapped during 1955.

[2] U-Boat U-582 was sank by American aircraft during October 1942. 46 men lost their lives.

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