James Ernest Peck

A Skipper with H.M. Trawler William Stephen. James died on 25th of October 1943 at the age of 36. 

James was born at Penzance, Cornwall, on 29 August 1907, a son of James and Elizabeth Kate Peck. By 1911 his family were living at High Street, Kessingland. By 1921 his family were living at 61 Beaconsfield Road, Lowestoft, and later they lived at 60 Waveney Crescent.  

James served with the Royal Naval Reserve from 31 March 1932. He worked on the trawler Constant Friend, LT 1172, and from late 1932 with the trawler Watchman. 

In 1932 James was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1939 he was an extra Skipper with the fishing trawler Watchman. 

From 21 November 1940 James served as a Seaman with the Royal Naval Patrol Service. He was granted a 'hurt certificate' on 1 December 1941. James was advanced to Second Hand (Chief Petty Officer) on 22 January 1942 and received his Anti-Submarine and Minesweeping Badge on 6 May 1942.

James was promoted to Acting Temporary Skipper on 1 May 1942 and from 17 September 1942 served with the Trawler William Stephen. 

On 25 October 1943 the William Stephen was attacked and sunk by German motor torpedo boats off Cromer. 

Note: The correct name of the trawler was William Stephen (pennant FY 806) not William Stephens as shown in some records.