Torpedoed and sunk 30 June 1942
The HMS Medway (F 25) was the first large submarine depot ship designed and built for the Royal Navy, commissioned at Devonport in July 1929. The ship sailed for China station together with six O-class submarines to replace HMS Titania (F 32) and her L-class boats, remaining there until April 1940, when she was sent to the Mediterranean, arriving on 2 May in Alexandria. She was based there to operate the 1st Submarine Flotilla.
At 08.24 hours on 30 Jun, 1942, HMS Medway (F 25) was torpedoed and sunk by U-372 off Alexandria. The ship with the commander of the 1st Submarine flotilla, Capt. P. Ruck-Keene (CBE, RN), on board was escorted by HMS Dido (37) and seven destroyers. Much valuable equipment was lost with her, but 47 of her stock of 90 torpedoes floated clear and were recovered. The small HMS Talbot (F 06) moved from Malta to replace her at Beirut, changing her name to HMS Medway II.
Roll of Honour
"Lest we forget"
Their name liveth for evermore
LEE, Gunner (T), ERNEST GEORGE. 23rd September 1940
QUAIFE George [Thomas] Chief Petty Officer P/J 93794. Died 30th June 1942. Age 39. Husband of Winifred Mary Quaife. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.