In Wallsend (Holy Cross) cemetery is the Commonwealth War Grave of:
G.G. Heayel
Supply Assist. RN. D/MX. 57067
H.M.S. “Edinburgh”
16th June 1940 age 21
We cannot, Lord,
Thy purpose see
But all is well
That’s done by Thee.
The son of John Guard Heayel and Minora Eunice Heayel, of Barnstaple, Devon.
The North Devon Journal 20/06/1940 reports:-
Sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Heayel, of 53, Newport-road, Barnstaple, on the death of their only son, Geoffrey Guard Heayel, which took place in a naval hospital on Sunday, aged 21. Deceased had been in the Navy for three years. After leaving Ashleigh Road School, he was employed by Messrs. Gould and Son, builders’ merchants, of Barnstaple. Mr. Heayel was a member of the choir of Newport Parish Church. —The funeral, with naval honours will take place at Wallsend on Tyne today.
The North Devon Journal 27/06/1940 reports:-
NAVAL HONOURS FOR BARUMITE
S.A. GEOFFREY G. HEAYEL, R.N., BURIED AT WALLSEND ON TYNE
Owing to transport difficulties the funeral S.A. Geoffrey G. Heayel, R.N., aged 21, took place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Wallsend on Tyne, on Thursday.—The deceased, who died at a naval hospital on Sunday last week, was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Heayel, of 53, Newport Road, Barnstaple. He was buried with naval honours.
The coffin was escorted to the cemetery by thirty ratings of the ship’s company.—The service was conducted by the Rev. A. H. Howell, chaplain, R.N., and at the close three volleys were fired, followed by the general salute and the sounding of “Last Post and “Reveille.”
The family mourners present were the parents; Miss Joan Heayel, sister; Miss Eileen Henry, fiancée; Mrs. Henry, Miss E. Henry, and Mesdames Baker, Fiddick and Ranft.
Also present were Capt. C. M. Blackman, R.N.. Commander C. Wauchope, Lieut.-Commander Padfield, Paymaster-Commander K. L. Dunn, Lieut. E. Mowforth. Paymaster- Lieut. Edwards, Commissioned – Gunners Washford and T. Horrell. Master-at-arms H. Coleman, twenty able seamen, four Royal Marines, and three representatives of the supply branch in charge of C.P.O. C. Thomas. P.O. S. Coleman was in charge of the firing party. A leading seaman and a leading stoker, twelve stokers, and sixteen able seamen provided the escort. Sig. C.P.O.’s Hodges and Fiddick. Sig. P.O. Baker, L.S.A. Gunn, and S.A.s Tiso and Back were the bearers.
Flowers included a family cross inscribed, In cherished memory of a darling son and brother, from his sorrowing mum, dad. Vera, and Joan—”Thy will be done”; and Other tributes were: In sorrowful memory of my beloved Geoff, from Eileen (fiancée); From Auntie Maud and Uncle Walter and family; Uncle Frank, Aunt Olive, and Oswald; Aunt Eva, Mary, and Horace (Beckenham); Uncle Charlie, Aunt Fan, and Nell (Beckenham); Aunt Clara, Uncle Bert, and Ken (Bridgwater); Aunt Emma, Doreen and Ivy (Glasgow); Mrs. Henry and Emily (Wallsend); and Mrs. Frost (Wallsend); Mrs. Ranft and Molly (Wallsend); The Supply Branch, R.N.; The engine-room department, R.N.; Captain and officers; The ship’s company; Doreen and Phyllis Beer; Sister and nurses, Priory Ward at the Hospital; and Frank Hookway.
Geoffrey Guard Heayel is remembered in our List of Ships’ Crews.
