Henry Jeremiah May

A Chief Stoker with H.M.S. Oakley, Henry died on 26th of January 1944 aged 41. 

Henry was born at Deptford, London, on 23 January 1903, a son of Henry Jeremiah and Florence May. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church, Deptford, on 18 February 1903 and his family lived at 30 Nelson Street, Deptford. By 1911 they were living at 111 Dale Road, Canning Town. 

On 19 April 1930 Henry married Lily Louise Savidge at Saint John’s Church, Lowestoft. Henry was a Leading Stoker with H.M.S. Whitshed and Lily lived at 52 Maidstone Road. In 1939 Lily lived with her parents at 52 Maidstone Road and by 1944 she lived at 40 Maidstone Road. 

Henry was working as a labourer when he joined the Royal Navy, to serve as a Stoker, on 19 February 1923. In 1937 Henry was advanced to Chief Stoker and in 1938 he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. In 1939-1940 he served with the destroyer H.M.S. Vidette and by January 1944 he was serving with the destroyer H.M.S. Oakley. 

On 12 December 1943 the Oakley struck a submerged wreck at the entrance to Taranto Harbour which damaged the ship’s hull and propellers. The ship was the brought into Taranto docks for repairs. 

In an accident, on 26 January 1944, Henry fell into the dry dock at Taranto and suffered multiple head and spine injuries which proved fatal.