General

My Grandfather

My Grandfather, William Henry Pengelley was born into poverty during September 1898 in St Peter Port, Guernsey.

When very young his mother left the family home in order to live with a soldier from the locally stationed garrison.

Will was determined to leave Guernsey and join the Royal Navy. He left school and became a Printer’s Boy at a local printer.

In 1915, as soon as he became seventeen he joined the RN as boy sailor.

This was whilst the first World War was raging…this is his story…

Boy Sailor – HMS Prince of Wales – 1916 Image courtesy Anthony Rothwell

The Talk 

Willie served from 1915 until 1938 then was called back to the Royal Naval Reserve in 1939.

He was aboard HMS Myrtle in 1919 when the ship struck a mine in the Gulf of Finland and was the only survivor from the engine-room.

HMS Myrtle was deployed as part of Operation Red Trek taking war material to the White Russians in St Petersburg.

Willie went on to see service in the Med, in China and also saw action in the Spanish Civil War.

He was present at the Battle of Narvik, Norway and volunteered to go ashore as with a section charged with destroying a German sea-plane. He survived a fire fight with German troops.

In 1942 he transferred to HMS Kimberley and survived when the ship was torpedoed.

I am proud to tell his story.

Willie, right standing – Haifa, Palestine – 1935 Image courtesy Anthony Rothwell

Where and When:

Where: St Martin’s Community Centre, St Martin’s.

When: TBC

Time: 7.00pm for 7.15pm start.

Duration: Expected to be 45 minutes then time for questions and answers.

Refreshments: Complementary tea or coffee served once event is over.

Price: £5.00 per person.

Booking: Please contact keith@guernseywalkingtours.com