Photo: Geordie at War Project

On the 4th July 1940 HMS Salmon (Cdr. Edward Oscar Bickford, DSO, RN) departed her base to patrol off Skudesnes on the south west coast of Norway. She was sent signals on the 9th, 11th and 12th July, the final one ordering a return to harbour. None of these signals were acknowledged. Later it became known that one of the signals routed her across a minefield which at the time was unknown to the Admiralty. There is also a possibility that she was attacked by aircraft, but mining is the most likely somewhere in position 57º20'N, 05º00'E. Declared overdue on the 16th July 1940.

Wilfrid Martin Lavery is remembered on our List of Ships’ crews.

H.M.S. Salmon
The CWGC entry for Able Seaman Lavery