Every Name A Story Content
SOUTH SHIELDS

Collins, H.B., Master, 1942
On the Tower Hill Memorial is the name of Master Henry Bell Collins, serving with the Merchant Navy who died 22/10/1942.

Captain (sic) Henry Bell Collins (Merchant Navy) of Broadway, 68 Highfield Road, South Shields, was killed at sea on the 23rd October 1942, aged 36. (The CWGC state the 22nd October). He was part of the crew of the renamed S.S. Empire Turnstone (formerly the War Arrow) which was sailing as a member of Convoy ONS-136, heading for Louisiana from the Tyne. Earlier in the month on the 10th October, the ship developed engine trouble and had to turn back on the 21st October.

She was torpedoed by U-Boat U-621 at 0.53 am on the 23rd October 1942.

An undated newspaper report, entitled Shield's Ship Captain reads:

“After several thrilling wartime escapes, Captain H.B. Collins, of Broadway, 68 Highfield Road, South Shields, has been killed at sea.

His body and those of three other seamen were picked up from a raft by another vessel after their ship had been torpedoed. They were the only members of the ship’s crew whose bodies were found.

Going to sea at the age of 14, Captain Collins became a master six years ago. While his ship was in port a short time ago it was bombed by enemy planes during an attack on the port and the captain ordered all the crew on shore but stayed on board himself in company with the chief engineer. For this act he was complimented by the Admiralty.

Torpedoed on his previous voyage, Captain Collins was adrift for four and a half days in an open boat before being picked up.

He was a member of the Hadrian Lodge of Freemasons.

A widow, Edna and Michael, aged two, survive him.” Thanks to the Shields Gazette and Harry Thompson.

Harry Thompson is the nephew of the above captain. Harry states that his uncle, Capt Collins, had first gone to sea at the age of 14, just after the end of the First World War. By age of 30, he already gained his Master's ticket, after studying at the Marine School. He married Edna (nee Main). Their first home was a flat above the then new shops at the Nook. Later they moved to Highfield Road and had a son Michael in 1940.

Harry adds: "Uncle Harry was a skipper on ships belonging to Kaye, Son and Co, on Atlantic convoy operations between the Tyne, Liverpool and America".

He further says: "The crew took to life rafts and then spent a number of days adrift in Icelandic Waters. When they were picked up, all but one man died, and he passed away shortly after".

Harry Collins is remembered at Westoe on page 16, W101.08 and at South Shields on S86.027


Roll of Honour
The CWGC entry for Captain Collins

If you know more about this person, please send the details to janet@newmp.org.uk