Cecil Leonard Barber

A Skipper with H.M.L.C.T. 377, Cecil died on 4th of October 1944 at the age of 36. 

Cecil was born at Carlton Colville on 13 August 1908, a son of Arthur and Anna Barber. In 1911 his family were living at 10 Oulton Street, Lowestoft, and this was still their address in 1921.

On 8 September 1934 Cecil married Rita Mary Victoria Catchpole at All Saints Church, Pakefield. Cecil was a fisherman living at Wood Farm, Oulton, and Rita lived at 18 Carlton Road, Pakefield. 

In 1938 Cecil was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper. In 1940 Cecil and Rota lived at 9 Brunswick Street, Swansea, but later their home was at 225 Saint Peter's Street, Lowestoft.  

From 29 August 1940 Cecil served as a Seaman, then Second Hand, with the Royal Naval Reserve. On 1 June1942 Cecil was appointed Acting Temporary Skipper. He was Mentioned in Despatches for his work during the Dieppe Raid on 19 August 1942 (London Gazette 20 October 1942). 

 In 1944 Cecil served with Landing Craft Tank 377. The L. C. T. was on a voyage from Marseilles to Maddalena, Sardinia, when it was lost along with all twelve of the crew. It is possible that the L. C. T. struck a mine.