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P/KX 111377
Stoker 1st Class
Percy James Reading
United Kingdom
Royal Navy Unit
H.M.S. Dunedin
Service document copy was supplied by Royal Naval records for the standard fee under the Freedom of Information Act.
Born at St. Pancras, London 25th September 1920
Pre war trade was given as Timber Porter
Served:-
Royal Arthur - 9th July 1940 as Stoker 2nd Class
Victory 2 - 14th August 1940 as Stoker 2nd Class
Dunedin - 20th October 1940 as Stoker 2nd Class
Dunedin - 8th June 1941 as Stoker 1st Class
Died
24th November 1941
When H.M.S. Dunedin was torpedoed in the South Atlantic by U-124, commanded by Jochen Mohr. Three torpedoes were fired, two torpedoes hit within seconds of each other, at around 1326 GMT, the first striking amidships, wrecking the main wireless office, the second further aft, probably near the officers’ quarters. The first hit sent the ship lurching to starboard, the second caused even greater damage dismounting the after 6in gun, and blowing off the starboard screw. Immediately men began to abandon ship, jumping over the side to the Carley floats and any available debris. Dunedin turned on her beam ends and sank in about seventeen minutes. According to U-124’s war diary, Mohr moved in before Dunedin sank and fired a fourth torpedo, but missed.
419 men lost their lives in the sinking.
Loved Ones
Mother Mrs M Reading of Kentish Town, London
Memorial
Panel 55, Column 3.
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
Condolence slip and medal box photos supplied by George Willoughby
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