Chester William Percival Thompson

A Skipper with H.M. Drifter Willing Boys, Chester died on 27th of November 1942 at the age of 37.

Chester was born at Kessingland on 8 July 1905, a son of Alexander John and Jane Elizabeth Thompson. In 1911 his family lived at 3 Lakenham Cottages, Beach Street, Pakefield, and, by 1921 they were living at 10 Lovewell Road and this was still the family home in 1939. 

By 1921 Chester was working as a fisherman. In 1931 Chester was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1938 he worked as the Second Hand on the trawler Ocean Lifebuoy and then joined the Kite. In 1939 he worked on the trawler Ellesmere before joining the Biaren (sic). 

In 1924 Chester married Winifred Eva Irene Mitchell. They lived at 18 Laundry Lane. Laundry Lane was later renamed Eastern Way.  

Chester served as a Skipper with the Royal Naval Reserve, seniority 21 December 1937. He was mobilized on 25 August 1939 and served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. On 27 August 1939 he took command of the Runswick Bay. He joined the Saint Melante on 15 September 1939 and the Darnett Mess on 19 November 1939. From 17 May 1941 he joined Kos IX and on 28 October 1941 took command of the Contender. He joined the Icicle on 20 November 1941 and took command on 23 November 1941. Chester joined the Willing Boys on 1 August 1942 and took command on 3 August 1942. 

On 27 November 1942 the minesweeping trawler Willing Boys was sweeping for mines about four miles south of Dover. The trawler was attacked by two enemy fighter aircraft. The ship sustained superficial damage but Chester was killed and one crewman was wounded. 

Chester's brother George served with the Royal Naval Reserve as the Skipper of the trawler Loch Doon and died in 1939.