Parkinson, John - Ordinary Seaman

(No soldier photo available)

H.M.S. Aldenham,

Royal Navy

Died 14 December 1944

Age 19

H.M.S. Aldenham was a destroyer of 1,000 tons. She was built at Cammell Laird's yard, Birkenhead, in 1941 and commissioned in 1942. She saw much active service in the Mediterranean, escorting several of the convoys which battled their way through German and Italian submarine and air attacks to get supplies to Malta. She later assisted British troops resisting the invasion by German forces of the islands of Kos, Samos and Leros, in the Dodecanese area of the Aegean Sea. She was, however, on patrol in the northeast Acriatic, off the Italian coast, when she struck a mine and sank. Five officers and 116 ratings died. Ordinary Seaman John (known as Jack) Parkinson was one who lost his life.

Jack was the son of Fred and Ethel Parkinson. He was aged 19. He attended St.James' Church and School.

Jack is named on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire. The Memorial is situated on Southsea Common, overlooking the Promenade. It is an obelisk and serves as a leading mark for shipping. It commemorates almost 10,000 sailors of the 1914-1918 War and the 1939-1945 War extension bears almost 15,000 names of those who have no grave but the sea. Jack's name is on Panel 84, Column 1.