Harry Underwood
Date of birth: 1922
Date of death: 3.11.1943
Area: Knottingley
Regiment: Royal Navy
Family information: Son of John Edward Underwood and Frances Elizabeth nee Priestley
Rank: Able Seaman
Service number: C/JX/352142
War Service
Harry Underwood served on HM MTB 617 RN and died in surface action off Denmark on 3rd November 1943 age 21.
Part of RN coastal forces, on HM MTB628. MTB’s were Motor Torpedo Boats used to attack German convoys (E Boats) and carry out clandestine raids and landings, as well as pick up secret agents. His body was brought back and buried in Knottingley Cemetery on 9th November 1943 in the family grave 5654.
Pontefract & Castleford Express 12 November 1943 p4
“KILLED IN ACTION
The funeral took place on Tuesday at Knottingley of Harry Underwood (21) son of Mr and Mrs H Underwood, formerly of Pinfold, Cudworth. His ship was torpedoed on the Belgium Coast.”
Pontefract & Castleford Express 19 November 1943 p6 (with photo)
“LOST AT SEA
Able Seaman Harry Underwood, whose death at sea was reported last week, was the only son of Mr and Mrs J E Underwood of Blue Bell Cottage, Forge Hill Lane, Knottingley. Mr Underwood was well known in Knottingley as the Secretary of the Knottingley Infirmary Committee, and a member of the Knottingley Services Welfare Executive Committee. Able Seaman Underwood was 21 years of age and joined the Navy in March 1942 as a gunner in the Motor Torpedo Boats. In civilian life he was in the employ of the LMS Coy., at Cutsyke, and earlier was with Messrs Bagley & Co, Knottingley. Mr and Mrs Underwood have received a letter from his Petty Officer, on behalf of the ship’s company which says “He was a grand chap, well liked by everyone on the ship.” The funeral service at St Botolph’s was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev W Musgrave) and four naval ratings acted as bearers. There were many wreaths and floral tributes, including one “from all depts of the LMS Castleford.” on the day he was buried his fiancee, Miss D Rushworth, after attending his funeral, suffered a second bereavement in the death of her mother, as the earlier.”
Family Life
Harry Underwood was born in the third quarter of 1922 and his birth was registered at Barnsley. He was the son of John Edward Underwood and Frances Elizabeth (nee Priestley) who married in the first quarter of 1920 and their marriage was also registered at Barnsley.
