Frederick Charles Stebbings

An Engineman with H.M. Trawler Joseph Button. Frederick died on 22nd of October 1940 at the age of 38.

Frederick was born at Oulton on 20 February 1903, a son of Samuel and Emma Eliza Stebbings. In 1911 his family lived at Oulton Street, Oulton. Later their home was at 8 Meadow Cottages, Oulton, Lowestoft. 

Frederick enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 16 March 1933, and re-enrolled in 1938. 

In 1933 Frederick worked on the Golden Lion, LT 619. Then he joined the Reed, LT 270, as Chief Engineer. In 1935 he re-joined the Golden Lion, as Engineer, and in 1936 returned to the Reed, again as Chief Engineer. In 1938 and 1939 Frederick worked on the drifter Feaco. 

Frederick was mobilized and posted to the Royal Naval Patrol Service on 28 September 1939. He served on the 'Suma' in January 1940 before joining the 'Joseph Button' on 31 January 1940.  

Frederick was mentioned in despatches 1 January 1941 under the 'general citation' for outstanding zeal and upholding the standards of the Royal Navy.

Joseph was serving on the minesweeping trawler when it was mined and sunk 5.75 nautical miles off Aldeburgh. Four of the crew, including Joseph, were killed.  

Frederick's brother Bertie served in the Royal Naval Reserve and died in 1916.