Hedley Owen Balls

A Leading Steward with H.M.S. Cocker. Hedley died on 4th of June 1942 at the age of 21. 

Hedley was born at Lowestoft on 1 April 1921, a son of Charles Albert and Elizabeth May Balls. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 22 April 1921 and his family lived at 39 Kimberley Road. By 1939 his family were living at 10 Minden Road and Headley worked as a shop assistant (provisions). 

During World War Two Headley served on board H.M.S. Cocker. His ship was torpedoed and sunk, east of Tobruk, by a German motor-torpedo boat.  

Note: On some records his first name is given as Headley. 

See: Royal Naval Patrol Service (harry-tates.org.uk)

Hedley's uncle, Owen Hedley Balls, died in 1918 whilst serving with the Royal Fusiliers.