Ivan Frederick William Bennett

An Able Seaman with H.M.S. Arethusa, Ivan died on 18th of November 1942 aged 21. 

Ivan was born at Lowestoft on 16 June 1921, a son of Frederick James and Esther Maria Bennett. In 1939 Ivan’s family lived at 9 Marlborough Road.

Ivan was engaged to be married to Miss Hilda Andrews of 41 Penlee Street, Penzanze.

On 18 November 1942 Ivan’s ship, the light cruiser H.M.S. Arethusa, was an escort to the ‘Stoneage’ convoy to Malta. At 18.05 the ship was attacked by three torpedo bombers and a torpedo hit the ship causing catastrophic damage and killing 156 crew, including Ivan, and injuring 43 others. Remarkably the ship was taken in tow and towed to Alexandria.

Ivan’s brother, Roy, served with H.M.S. Hermes, and died in 1942.