Scales, A E (Alfred E)

Scales, A E (Alfred E)
Ordinary Seaman Alfred Scales had joined the navy on the 26th March 1942 and was the son of Mrs. M. J. Scales, of 2143 Robinson street, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He served onboard H.M.C.S. Collingwood.[1]
At 11.30 in the morning on the 5th of May 1943, Able Seaman David Rainey was passing by the ASDIC[2] hut when he heard moaning, looking in he saw Seaman Scales lying on his back on the floor. He immediately told the sick berth attendant.
Alfred Scales passed away on his way to Creevagh Military Hospital in Londonderry. He had sustained a bullet wound to the head fired from a 45 revolver that was in his possession. It was self-inflicted. There was no evidence that he had been suffering or was in anyway troubled.
His ship H.M.C.S. Collingwood was a member of escort group EG C-4 and performed the Newfoundland to Londonderry run. They escorted their convoys the entire route.
Alfred Scales funeral took place on the 19th of May 1943 at 1.30 in the afternoon. He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with Clasp.
Date of Death: 05/05/1943 (Aged 18)
Service: Ordinary Seaman, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.C.S. Collingwood
Service Number: V/10996
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, C. of E. Plot. Sec. F. Grave 36.
[1] HMCS Collingwood was a Flower class Corvette and was launched during July 1940. It would survive the war and was broken up during 1950.
[2] ASDIC: Allied Submarine Detection Investigation Committee. For detecting submarines.