Heavy Cruiser Cumberland

Cumberland

Country	United Kingdom
Ship Class	County-class Heavy Cruiser
Laid Down	18 Oct 1924
Launched	16 Mar 1926
Commissioned	23 Feb 1928
Decommissioned	1 Jun 1946
Displacement	10,000 tons standard
Length	630 feet
Beam	68 feet
Draft	16 feet
Machinery	Parsons geared or Brown Curtis steam turbines, 4 shafts, 8 boilers
Power Output	80,000 shaft horsepower
Speed	31 knots
Range	10,400nm at 11 knots
Crew	679
Armament	8x8in guns, 8x4in AA guns, 16x 2pdr pom-pom guns
Armor	3-5in sides, 4in deck, 1.5-2in gunhouses
Recommissioned	1951
Final Decommission	1959

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseCumberland was a County-class heavy cruiser of the Kent-subclass. For the most of the 1930s, she served off China with the 5th Cruiser Squadron. At the start of the European War, she was sent to Force G off South America. In late 1939, she had to self-refit in the Falkland Islands, which led to the remainder of Force G, Exeter, Ajax, and Achilles, to face German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee on their own at the Battle of the River Plate on 13 Dec 1939; after receiving the message of the engagement, she reached the River Plate at 2200 on 14 Dec, after Admiral Graf Spee had already reached shelter at Montevideo. In 1941, Cumberland served off North Africa. In Oct 1941, she joined the 1st Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet, escorting convoys to Russia until Jan 1944. In mid-1944, she was transferred to the Indian Ocean as a part of the 4th Cruiser Squadron of the Eastern Fleet. After the war, she returned to Britain on 12 Nov 1945. After several runs as a troop transport, she was placed in reserve between Jun 1946 and 1949. After refitting at His Majesty's Dockyard at Devonport, England, Britain, he was reactivated in 1951 as a trials cruiser to test new equipment. In 1956, partially disarmed, she portrayed herself in the film The Battle of the River Plate. In Jan 1959, as the oldest active ship in the Royal Navy, she was decommissioned. She was broken up by A. J. Cashmore beginning on 3 Nov 1959 at Newport, Wales, Britain.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia.

Last Major Revision: Aug 2007

Heavy Cruiser Cumberland Interactive Map

Photographs

Cruiser HMS Cumberland, circa 1928. Location unknown. Note the hull painted white.

Cruiser HMS Cumberland at Hong Kong, early 1930s.

Broadside view of the cruiser HMS Cumberland, before her 1935 refit. Location unknown.

United States Navy photo of the cruiser HMS Cumberland on the Yangtze River, China below Hankow (now Hankou), 30 May 1937.

See all 9 photographs of Heavy Cruiser Cumberland

Cumberland Operational Timeline

23 Feb 1928	HMS Cumberland was commissioned into service.
3 Sep 1939	HMS Cumberland on passage in Atlantic to join South American Division of 8th Cruiser Squadron.
7 Sep 1939	On arrival at Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone), HMS Cumberland was deployed on trade protection duty in Atlantic became part of Hunting Group G for interception of blockade runners and commerce raiders off east coast of South America.
11 Sep 1939	HMS Cumberland on passage to Rio de Janeiro. Aircraft sighted German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee and tanker Altmark but enemy ships escaped interception.
15 Sep 1939	HMS Cumberland carried out patrol off south of Ascension Island.
25 Sep 1939	HMS Cumberland after meeting HM Cruiser Neptune and HM Destroyers Hunter and Hyperion carried out joint search for blockade runners.
5 Oct 1939	HMS Cumberland after refueling at Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone) was sent to join cruisers Exeter, Achilles and Ajax for continuation of interception patrols as Force G.
15 Oct 1939	HMS Cumberland resumed patrol between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires
10 Nov 1939	HMS Cumberland on passage to Capetown, South Africa.
18 Nov 1939	HMS Cumberland deployed with Force G ships off coast of Brazil in search for Admiral Graf Spee.
22 Nov 1939	HMS Cumberland on passage to Plate estuary.
2 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland detached for patrol between Plate and Falklands.
5 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland in company with HMS Ajax intercepted German ship Ussukuma which scuttled 400 miles south of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
12 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland under self-refit and boiler cleaning at Port Stanley.
13 Dec 1939	At the Battle of the River Plate, British naval forces damaged German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, forcing her enter the neutral port of Montevideo for repairs. HMS Cumberland was ordered to join Exeter, Ajax and Achilles off the Plate estuary off Uruguay.
14 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland joined other ships in Plate estuary off Uruguay awaiting departure of Admiral Graf Spee.
17 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland at Montevideo, Uruguay after Admiral Graf Spee scuttled.
21 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland on passage to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
24 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland refuelled and prepared for further interception duty in South Atlantic.
29 Dec 1939	HMS Cumberland sailed for patrol in River Plate area.
8 Jan 1940	HMS Cumberland on passage to Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.
11 Jan 1940	HMS Cumberland under refit in HM Dockyard Simonstown, South Africa.
13 Feb 1940	HMS Cumberland resumed interception patrol and trade defence in the South Atlantic.
1 Mar 1940	HMS Cumberland on passage to Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone).
4 Mar 1940	HMS Cumberland transferred to 6th Cruiser Squadron and continued interception and trade defence duties.
31 May 1940	HMS Cumberland joined escort at Capetown for military convoy US3 taking ANZAC troops to UK.
2 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland on passage to Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone) with Convoy US3.
7 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland arrived Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone).
8 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland was joined by HM Aircraft Carrier Hermes
10 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland's log noted that HMS Hermes was detached.
12 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland was joined by HM Cruiser Devonshire until 14 Jun 1940 when Devonshire was replaced by ships from Home Fleet including HM Battleship Hood and HM Aircraft Carrier Argus.
16 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland detached from convoy on arrival in Clyde, Scotland, United Kingdom.
29 Jun 1940	HMS Cumberland joined escort at Greenock for Middle East convoy WS1 for passage to Capetown, South Africa.
1 Jul 1940	HMS Cumberland joined Ocean Escort for military Convoy WS1 during passage to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) (Note: WS1 comprised RMS Aquitania, RMS Mauretania and RMS Queen Mary taking troops to join 8th Army in EGYPT).
1 Jul 1940	After arrival of WS1 at Capetown, South Africa, HMS Cumberland carried out unsuccessful search for the German commerce raider THOR reported in South Atlantic.
18 Jul 1940	HMS Cumberland departed Simonstown, near Cape Town, South Africa in search for the German armed merchant cruiser Thor, suspected to be off the Brazilian coast.
21 Jul 1940	HMS Cumberland reports HM Cruiser Kent joined Ocean Escort for Convoy WS1 in position 34.20S 33.00E.
29 Jul 1940	HMS Cumberland detached from Convoy WS1 on arrival in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where troops were transferred to smaller transports for onward passage. (Note: As the two liners were not required to pass through the Red Sea they went to Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) after disembarkation.)
1 Aug 1940	HMS Cumberland deployed on interception patrol and trade defense in South Atlantic.
13 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland joined escort for military convoy on passage to Dakar with HM Cruiser Cornwall.
14 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland detached from convoy escort with HM Cruisers Devonshire, Australia and HM Aircraft Carrier Ark Royal to establish patrol off Cape Verde for interception of three Vichy French cruisers attempting to reach Dakar.
15 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland reports operation cancelled when French ships entered Dakar. HMS Cumberland carried out surveillance.
16 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland intercepted French mercantile Poitiers on passage to Ivory Coast.
18 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland deployed in pursuit of French warships Gloire, Georges Leygues and Montcalm with HM Australian Cruiser Australia (Note: These ships sailed from Dakar without detection. French ships were later intercepted by HM Cruisers Cornwall and Delhi. The cruiser Gloire was persuaded to go into Casablanca but the other ships went back to Dakar).
21 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland joined HMS Ark Royal, HM Battleships Resolution and Barham, HM Cruisers Devonshire, Australia and Fleet destroyers in support of Free French landing at Dakar and carried out defensive patrol offshore (Operation Menace).
23 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland provided naval gunfire support and hit by 9.4in shell from shore battery. Steam pipe fracture caused loss of electrical power and ship withdrawn from operation. (Note: 4in Magazine was flooded as a precaution.)
29 Sep 1940	HMS Cumberland returned to Freetown, British West Africa (now Sierra Leone), British West Africa (now Sierra Leone) when operation abandoned.
9 Oct 1940	HMS Cumberland relieved HM Cruiser Sheffield as escort of military convoy to Middle East.
24 Nov 1940	HMS Cumberland joined Hunting Group in search for German battleship Admiral Scheer off Brazil.
9 Dec 1940	HMS Cumberland deployed with HM Cruiser Enterprise in search for German commerce raider Thor.
18 Dec 1940	HMS Cumberland diverted with HMS Enterprise to join HM Cruiser Newcastle in renewed search for Admiral Scheer. then reported between Rio de Janeiro and the Plate. Later was also deployed to search for commerce raider Pinguin.
26 May 1941	HMS Cumberland arrived at HM Dockyard Chatham, Sheerness, England, United Kingdom. Radar equipment was fitted for aircraft warning and fire control for forward main armament. Close range 20mm Oerlikon weapons were fitted for Close Range AA defense.
11 Oct 1941	HMS Cumberland, on completion of dockyard work, carried out post refit trials.
16 Jan 1942	At Murmansk, HMS CUMBERLAND, Embarked Foreign Secretary, Sir Stafford Cripps, for return passage to UK and escorted return Convoy QP5 from Murmansk, Russia with HM Destroyers ICARUS and TARTAR.
19 Jan 1942	HMS Cumberland resumed Home Fleet duties after arrival from Murmansk, Russia.
26 Jun 1942	After repairs at HM Dockyard Chatham, Sheerness, England, United Kingdom, HMS Cumberland became part of Home Fleet cover with HM Battleship Duke of York, US Navy Battleship USS Washington, HM Cruiser Negeria and screen of 14 RN/USN destroyers for passage of Russian Convoy PQ17.
4 Jul 1942	After dispersal of Convoy PQ17, HMS Cumberland covered passage of returning Convoy QP13.
8 Jul 1942	HMS Cumberland returned to Scapa Flow with combined RN/USN covering force.
10 Jul 1942	HMS Cumberland covered passage of HM Battleship King George V from Liverpool to Scapa Flow.
14 Sep 1942	HMS Cumberland joined HM Cruisers Sheffield, Suffolk and London to cover passage and landing of Norwegian party at Spitzbergen, Norway (Operation Gearbox. Note: This deployment also covered passage of Russian Convoy PQ18.).
18 Sep 1942	HMS Cumberland landed parties at Barentsberg with HMS Sheffield and HM Destroyer Eclipse.
19 Sep 1942	HMS Cumberland on passage to Hvalfjord, Iceland and provided cover for returning Convoy QP14.
23 Sep 1942	HMS Cumberland on passage to Greenock.
31 Oct 1942	HMS Cumberland sailed from Scapa Flow in Scotland, United Kingdom with HMS Norfolk with screen of 5 destroyers. She was nominated for support of planned allied landings in North Africa.
5 Nov 1942	HMS Cumberland deployed off Azores with HMS Norfolk to cover US landings on Atlantic coast. On release returned to Northern Patrol.
21 Dec 1942	HMS Cumberland provided distant cover with HM Battleship Anson and HM Destroyers Forester, Icarus, Impulsive, HM Escort Destroyers Blankney and Chiddingfold for passage of Russian Convoy JW51B.
31 Dec 1942	HMS Cumberland returned to Iceland
21 Feb 1943	HMS Cumberland provided additional cruiser cover with HMS Belfast and HMS Norfolk during passage of Russian Convoy JU53 and returning Convoy RA53.
28 Feb 1943	HMS Cumberland experienced extreme weather conditions during which HMS Sheffield had to return to Scapa Flow after sustaining serious structural damage.
9 Mar 1943	HMS Cumberland returned to Iceland.
14 Mar 1943	HMS Cumberland deployed for Northern Patrol.
31 May 1943	HMS Cumberland joined HM Cruiser Bermuda to relieve garrison at Spitzbergen, Norway escorted by HM Destroyers Eclipse and Athabaskan (RCN) covered by HM Aircraft Carrier Furious, HM Cruiser Scylla screened by HM Destroyers Echo and Middleton (Operation Gearbox II).
7 Jun 1943	HMS Cumberland sailed from Iceland to Spitzbergen, Norway.
10 Jun 1943	HMS Cumberland arrived at Spitzbergen, Norway for Gearbox support operation.
15 Jun 1943	HMS Cumberland arrived at Thurso, Scotland, United Kingdom.
6 Aug 1943	HMS Cumberland commenced refit at Tyne, England, United Kingdom prior to transfer to Eastern Fleet. (Aircraft facilities removed. Changes in radar equipment included Surface warning Type 273 Fire-control Type 285 for forward 4in HA armament Air warning radar Type 281 with an Interrogator outfit Close range fire-control radar (Type 282) 20mm Oerlikon arrangements improved and additional mountings fitted.)
29 Nov 1943	On completion of dockyard work at Tyne, England, United Kingdom, HMS CUMBERLAND carried out post refit trials in North Sea.
21 Mar 1944	HMS Cumberland carried out offensive sweep in Indian Ocean with HM Battleships Queen Elizabeth, Valiant, HM Battlecruiser Renown, HM Aircraft Carrier Illustrious, HM Cruisers London, Gambia and Ceylon screened by fleet destroyers. (Operation Diplomat).
27 Mar 1944	HMS Cumberland met US Task Group 58.5 (Aircraft Carrier USS Saratoga and destroyers USS Cummings, USS Dunlap, and USS Fanning) SW off Cocos Islands with ships of Eastern Fleet.
31 Mar 1944	USS Saratoga, HMS Cumberland, USS Cummings, USS Fanning, USS Dunlap, and ships of the Royal Navy Eastern Fleet arrived at Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
4 Apr 1944	HMS Cumberland and joint RN/USN force returned to Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
19 Apr 1944	Admiral Sir James Somerville's new Eastern Fleet launched a devastating raid on the oil refinery at Sabang in Sumatra, Dutch East Indies with aircraft flown from the carriers HMS Illustrious and USS Saratoga escorted by HMS Cumberland, HMS Renown, USS Cummings, and others.
17 May 1944	The oil refineries at the Wonokromo district of Surabaya, Java, Dutch East Indies and the nearby Braat Engineering Works were struck by British and American carrier aircraft struck by carrier aircraft of the Royal Navy’s Eastern Fleet made up of carriers HMS Illustrious and USS Saratoga escorted by HMS Cumberland, HMS Renown, USS Cummings, and others.
26 Jun 1944	HMS Cumberland deployed on patrol in Indian Ocean and called at Fremantle, Australia.
25 Jul 1944	HMS Cumberland, along with Eastern Fleet for offensive operation against targets in Sumatra including HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Valiant, HMS Renown, French battleship Richelieu, HM Cruisers Nigeria, Kenya, Ceylon and Gambia and screened by five fleet destroyers, bombarded Japanese positions at Sabang (Operation Crimson).
8 Sep 1944	HMS Cumberland exercised with HM Battleship Howe, HMS London and HMS Gambia.
14 Sep 1944	HMS Cumberland provided cover with HMS Howe and Eastern Fleet cruisers during air operations by HM Aircraft Carriers Victorious and Indomitable carriers on Sigli, Northern Sumatra (Operation Light).
17 Oct 1944	HMS Cumberland bombarded airfields on Nicobar Islands with HM Cruisers London, Suffolk and Fleet destroyers as Task Group 63.2 (Operation Millet. Note: This was a diversionary operation during the US assault on Leyte and included attacks on Japanese positions).
19 Oct 1944	HMS Cumberland under unsuccessful attack by torpedo carrying aircraft.
1 Jan 1945	HMS Cumberland under refit by HM Dockyard Simonstown, South Africa.
3 Mar 1945	HMS Cumberland carried out post-refit trials off Capetown, South Africa. On completion, took passage to resume Fleet duties at Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka. Ship would be joined renamed East Indies Fleet.
8 Apr 1945	HMS Cumberland joined Task Group 63.2 with HMS Queen Elizabeth, French Battleship Richelieu and HMS London screened by 5 Fleet destroyers to cover air reconnaissance flights by HM Escort Aircraft Carriers Empress and Khedive at Port Swettenham (now Port Klang) and Port Dickson, Malaya (now Malaysia). (Operation Sunfish).
11 Apr 1945	HMS Cumberland bombarded targets at Sabang, Sumatra (now Indonesia) during offensive sweep against shipping in Indian Ocean as part of Sunfish.
27 Apr 1945	HMS Cumberland joined Task Force 63 with HMS Queen Elizabeth, French battleship Richelieu, HM Escort Aircraft Carriers Shah and Empress with HM Cruisers Suffolk, Ceylon and Dutch cruiser Tromp escorted by five fleet destroyers for attacks on Nicobar Islands. (Operation Bishop. Note: This was a diversion during assault on Rangoon (Operation Dracula).
29 Apr 1945	HMS Cumberland bombarded Car Island and Port Blair of the Nicobar Islands.
1 May 1945	HMS Cumberland continued bombardments on airfields at Port Blair and Car, Nicobar Islands.
2 May 1945	HMS Cumberland made further bombardments of shore targets at Port Blair and Car, Nicobar Islands.
3 May 1945	HMS Cumberland joined Task Force 68 with FS Richelieu, HMS Shah, HMS Empress, HMS Ceylon and three fleet destroyers for attacks on shipping off coast of Burma.
6 May 1945	HMS Cumberland rejoined East Indies Fleet to provide cover during air strikes on the Andaman Islands.
10 May 1945	HMS Cumberland deployed in TF61 with HMS Queen Elizabeth, FS Richelieu, HMS Cruiser Royalist, Dutch cruiser Tromp, HMS Hunter, HMS Khedive, HMS Shah and HMS Emperor of 21st Carrier Squadron. Destroyer screen comprised HM Destroyers Saumarez, Venus, Verulam, Virago, Vigilant, Nubian and Rotherham (Operation Dukedom - For interception and sinking of Japanese ships evacuating forces from Burma).
11 May 1945	HMS Cumberland detached with FS Richelieu and destroyers to be in position 50 miles ahead of main body of TF61 in 6 Degree Channel.
14 May 1945	HMS Cumberland detached to escort carriers during air search for shipping off Sumatra. (Operation Mitre. This ship was not involved in the later sinking of Japanese cruiser Haguro which was 50 miles away from the position in which she was intercepted by fleet destroyers.)
15 Aug 1945	HMS Cumberland sailed with Eastern Fleet for Malayan assault (Operation Zipper. Note: The planned assault Landings were delayed due to pressure from the United States and indecision in London for political considerations associated with return of service personnel from the Far East in the Python Scheme).
16 Aug 1945	HMS Cumberland on passage to Rangoon, Burma.
27 Aug 1945	HMS Cumberland deployed in Indian Ocean off Sumatra to assist in military operations after the Japanese surrender.
4 Sep 1945	HMS Cumberland arrived at Singapore.
1 Jun 1946	Cumberland was decommissioned from service.

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Sheila Reap says:
2 May 2010 05:45:48 AM

I am finding the information on the HMS Cumberland interesting. I do believe my father was on that ship. Is there anyway I can find out? yours sincerely.

2. Fay Kennedy says:
6 Sep 2010 01:25:59 AM

My father was a stoker on the Cumberland during WW2. He is 87years of age and I would like to have a photograph of the cruiser and a book on it to give him as a present. Can you help?

3. Cec Lowry says:
1 Nov 2010 05:40:46 AM

My uncle was on the Cumberland during the 30's and 40's. I am only now trying to find out more. I have an original postcard of the ship from that time. If anyone would like a copy, let me have an e mail address.

4. Roger Key says:
12 Dec 2010 10:19:11 AM

My father Robert william Key was on HMS Cumberland at the Battle of the River Plate

5. Wendy Cumner says:
7 Jul 2012 12:13:45 AM

My father Leonard Carter was also on HMS Cumberland at the Battle of the River Plate. He is now 90 years of age but still remembers much about his time onboard and many of his ship mates.

6. Carol Logan says:
3 Jan 2013 02:03:47 AM

My Father was on the Cumberland, Horace Underwood also at the battle of the River Plate

7. Anonymous says:
19 Apr 2013 02:42:53 AM

My late husband served on hms Belfast, Cumberland and Resolution as well as Duchess and Encounter. I know he participated on arctic convoy opperations and would very much like to know which of these ships it was likely to be. He worked in the gun turret and his name was William Harry Finch. He joined the navy in 1932 as a boy at HMS Gangees,Shotly, and left in 1957. Can you help please?

yours Eileen Finch

8. David M Sergeant says:
9 May 2013 11:12:11 AM

My father was on the HMS Cumberland . He was a signalman . He went to Simonstown and it was as a result of his going there that made him want go and settle in South Africa
I see mention HMS Belfast is that the one that is in London ??
When we lived in Port Elizabeth SA My father had some photos of the Graff Spey going down and when the film Battle of the River Plate .was shown and they were displayed outside the cinema. My father told me stories but I cant remember all as I am now 70 yrs old now Thanks David Sergeant

9. Tara Tough says:
25 May 2013 11:24:35 AM

My grandfather, William Tough was a stoker on the HMS Cumberland & the HMS Tarantula. I have pictures he took from his time serving on these ships(30's, 40's). Pictures of each boat on the water. Picture of a trophy cup won by the HMS Cumberland in 1931 (Yokohama Bowl at Wei-Hai-Wei). Picture of the crew of the HMS Tarantula(not sure what year).

10. John Bowles says:
31 May 2013 06:19:09 PM

My grandfather John Bowles joined in 1942 and served on HMS Cumberland he spent 14 years in the navy and was a leading signalman. He died on 27th May 2013 aged 86 RIP

I also have information on Peter Bowles and Sidney Bowles both also served in the navy during the war

11. brian wilde says:
4 Jun 2013 11:58:11 AM

My father Arthur Wilde was a RM Bandsman on the Cumberland from 1939-1943. I knew that he was at the battle of the river plate.But he never ever mentioned that he was on the Cumberland for the arctic convoys.

12. Michael McDonnell says:
30 Jul 2013 10:38:23 PM

I am trying to write the story of the late husband of my elder sister to give to her on her 90th birthday on 6 August 2013

I do have some details about the time of his service on the Cumberland but would really like to have any personal details and b ackground about the time of his service from June 1939 to October 1943 when he was on the Cumberland .
His name was Chief Ordnace Articifer John Frederick Terence MOSS born in Middlesborough.
Any information grealy appreciated.

13. Pam Richardson says:
11 Sep 2013 08:00:12 AM

We believe our uncle Arthur Potts was on board but have very little information. We think he was a stoker.

14. Faye Holloway says:
19 Sep 2013 01:28:51 PM

My grandad Sidney Holloway was a Stoker on the HMS Cumberland. He was awarded the Burma Star.

15. Faye Holloway says:
20 Sep 2013 12:25:44 PM

I found out today that my grandad was actually an Engine Room Artificer onboard the HMS Cumberland. His funeral was today and he had a lovely Burma Star send off.

16. Christine Butler says:
8 Oct 2013 06:32:18 AM

My father, Leonard Harry Farrow,now deceased, was on the Cumberland during 1942 , he was a Chief Petty Officer would love any information.

17. Tara Tough says:
6 Nov 2013 05:27:24 PM

I now have my grandfather's service records.

William Tough was a Stoker 1st Class on the HMS Cumberland from Feb 1930-Jan 1933(5th Cruiser Squadron, China Station).
Was on the rowing team that won the Yokohama Bowl at Wei-Hai-Wei 1931. (I have a pic of trophy).

Also I have a picture of the gravesite of a fellow shipmate of my grandfather which reads:

"In Memory Of James Platt Stoker 1st Class HMS Cumberland Died at Wei Hai Wei 10th July 1930 Aged 27 years. Erected By His Shipmates"

If anyone knows this person?

18. Jane Rose says:
26 May 2014 10:49:59 AM

My Dad was on the Cumberland, he was a chief stoker, i have an old photo of him in uniform and a photo of the ship.

19. Jane Rose says:
20 Jun 2014 12:50:25 AM

I didn't put my dad's name above its John Colwell. If anyone finds any information I would be grateful. I know he was also on the Cumberland battle ready at the river Plait. I only have a photo of him in his uniform when he was on the Pembroke I think training and one of the Cumberland ship. He has sadly passed away now, but I would love to find out if anyone else knew him. Thanks

20. Anonymous says:
4 Aug 2014 02:37:52 AM

I have a large painting of H.M.S. Cumberland, dated 1928. I also recently acquired an album of photographs taken by a crew member (most likely and officer) in China during 1933 and 1934, including some gruesome ones of executions. I am putting together a collection of items relating to H.M.S. Cumberland

21. Geoff Blake says:
11 Aug 2014 08:33:52 PM

My father Nelson Blake served on the Cumberland in 1942 when it was on Arctic Convoy duty. He had fond memories of the ship and I have many mementos including a piece of the timber railing.
Geoff Blake

22. Hugh Bennett says:
13 Sep 2014 04:30:40 AM

Was there a Will or William Smith on the ship HMS Cumberland during 1944

23. William J Ford says:
14 Sep 2014 02:42:06 AM

This was rather interesting as my father William Ford was a Royal Marine stationed on HMS Cumberland from the 13th September 1946 until the 18th November 1946 when he was transferred back to Plymouth Division. He had spent most of his ship board life on HMS Duke of York in the Pacific, where he was in the British Escort party when the Japanese signed the declaration of surrender on USS Ulysses. I hadn't realised that this must have been a wind down time for him and I would be interested if anyone has any ideas as to where the ship actually was between his time on board her.
To the lady - Sheila Reap - wanting to know whether her father was on board this ship, she only needs to look at her fathers Certificate of Service record. It's all listed on there.

24. Anonymous says:
8 Dec 2014 12:14:29 AM

My work colleague's father was stationed on HMS Cumberland throughtout WW2. I have been informed that his photo collection is very extensive and was given to the Ottowa war museum. I would suggest this might be a point of reference to follow up with research and enquiries. The surname is Bloch-Hansen.

25. nichola caddick says:
23 Dec 2014 02:39:06 PM

My grandfather and his brother were on the HMS CUMBERLAND I know 1941 42 his brother was killed i am looking for a picture for my gtandchildren as he has passed away now, he wasCADDICK JOHN 21. AB.C/JX279891cant find help anywhere :
Please help

26. Stan Slogrove says:
1 Feb 2015 06:03:45 AM

My father, CPO Lawrence Charles Slogrove, RNVR (SA Division) served in HMS CUMBERLAND as a Chief Gunner's Mate, captain of Y turret if I remember correctly. South Atlantic and Russian convoys.

27. Darren Bradshaw says:
14 Jun 2015 03:20:42 AM

My late father was on the Cumberland through ww2. He did not like to talk about it much. But said bits and pieces. His name was Alfred Bradshaw and was sometimes called Cecil.

28. Michael Adkins says:
8 Aug 2015 04:47:56 AM

My grandfather Les Ashworth was a Royal Marine stationed on HMS Cumberland during WWII. He was on board during Cumberland's escort runs for shipping sailing to Norway and Russia etc. Our family shares his photo albums from his time aboard.

29. Louise Coates says:
20 Sep 2015 07:36:27 AM

Have a photo of my Grandfather in navy uniform wearing H.M.S. Cumberland tallyband in his cap, he was a gunner in the Navy in WWII. His name was Wilfrid John Buffham.

30. Charlotte says:
10 Dec 2015 12:44:17 PM

Hi everyone, am hoping these posts are still read, it's been a while! My Grandad served on H.M.S Cumberland and I was lucky enough to obtain some information from him before he passed away at 90 odd :-( I also have pictures at Wei-Hai-Wei and all the crew etc if anyone is interested? My Grandad's name is Percival Frank Rich (sometimes referred to as Percy or Frank). Thanks all, any information you could possible share would be greatly appreciated.

31. Anonymous says:
29 Dec 2015 10:13:36 AM

my dad was on the ship peter mclone ww22 does any one remember him he served on two more ships but carnt remember where will i find on what ship he also served on

32. rod tait says:
22 May 2016 06:53:31 PM

my father was on the Cumberland in ww2.he was first gunner so I am told.Would like a crew list to see his name on it.Many thanks.

33. Len Nie says:
12 Jun 2016 11:43:46 AM

Have just found a photograph album of my Dad's time on HMS Cumberland. Some pics of Graf Spee and time spent at Wei Hei Wei. The album is dated 1937 - 1939. there are some pics of shipmates but no names except 'Tankey'.
Fascinating insight into his time aboard.

34. Charlotte says:
10 Dec 2016 04:50:33 PM

Len Nie, do you have an email address? I would be really interested in seeing some of your pictures and maybe connect my Grandad to them as i strongly believe he was on board the ship at the same time. Perhaps I have some pictures you haven't seen? Thank you, hope to hear back.

35. Tracey says:
17 Dec 2016 03:22:44 AM

My granddad served on the Cumberland to the end of the war. He was a stoker name of William Humphreys and he was definitely on the artic convoys. I think he joined in 1942.

36. d o'neil says:
27 Jan 2017 02:01:44 AM

my father joined hms cumberland
1928 he was seaman ernest o'neil
he recorded his trip to china in his
manual ofseamship vol11

37. Barbara says:
21 Apr 2017 05:02:13 AM

My father, Stanley Holden served on the Cumberland during WW2. I am trying to find his service records but I am having difficulty. He may have lied about his age to join up!!! As I've said he is Stanley Holden and his actual date of birth is 24 Feb 1926. He was born in Salford but lived on The Wirral in New Brighton when he joined the RN. if anyone can help or knew my father I would really like to hear from you. Thank you.

38. chris says:
9 Sep 2017 01:38:58 PM

i am looking for information regarding my grandfather who served on the hms Cumberland during the 2nd world war.
his name was john rennie from Airdrie in Scotland. he was also known as Jackie.
its my mums 70th birthday soon and would love to be able to give her something memorable as she was a daddy's girl growing up

39. Ron Cummins says:
8 Nov 2017 05:35:44 PM

My father was on HMS Cumberland during her trip in to the Indian Ocean. i have photographs of him in Capetown, Ceylon and India. Two of the photographs identify two friends as Bill and Danny.

40. Chris Godfrey says:
16 Nov 2017 10:28:16 AM

My grandfather Arthur Edward Stanley Martin was on the Cumberland when they chased the Graf Spee (battle of river plate). I have pictures of the ship being scuttled by members of the crew. He was CPO and worked on the guns but was sought after for his ability to splice metal hausers. Born 1902, died 1981

41. James hanlon says:
25 Nov 2017 07:22:27 PM

Looking for info on my grandads warship hms Cumberland and have loads of pictures of him and crew from 1938 onwards if anyone would need any pics.i have loads of pictures maybe your family on them call 07502393877 James thanks

42. neal ajcobs says:
28 Feb 2018 02:46:35 PM

My father, Sub-Lieutenant Philip Jacobs served on the Cumberland during the war. I remember photos he had when I was a kid. I don't have them any more. Would love to see what others have. Thanks.

43. Phil Jones says:
23 Mar 2018 03:51:24 PM

Bought a few boxes of tools at auction today, North Norfolk, and amongst them were two diaries belonging to Harry.... who I'm guessing was a ship's carpenter during the war - he references taking Sir Stafford Cripps back from Russia. A Doncaster man, I'd love to know his surname at least.

44. Sam Watson says:
4 Apr 2018 04:07:48 AM

The HMS Cumberland Association may be able to help in any research questions and activities of the ship during her 31 years in the Royal Navy.

Sam Watson
Chairman

45. Jeffrey Sweeting says:
10 Apr 2018 09:47:58 AM

Herbert William Sweeting served on Cumberland during 2nd world war. I am his son and am trying to find our more info about this.

46. Michael Slade says:
1 Jul 2018 08:18:38 AM

My father in law served on HMS Cumberland
Robert Lionel Webb CJX132708 was Chief Yeoman of Signals CPO
Was awarded the DSM but have no idea why. Any information would be much appreciated

47. raymond barnes says:
10 Sep 2018 08:52:15 AM

Dose anybody remember cgm barnes on russian convoy s

48. Kay-jay Courtney says:
12 Nov 2018 05:15:12 AM

My grandad was a first stoker on hms Cumberland during ww2 this was his 3rd and final ship he was on in world war 2 before he returned home.
His name was Walter Albert want from Brotton north Yorkshire.
Anyone with similar story or additional information I would be grateful to share your knowledge.
Thank you

49. John Taylor says:
22 Nov 2018 12:55:55 PM

My father was also a stoker on HMS Cumberland durin WWII. He was on board when as part of Force G which Included Exeter, Ajax, and Achilles was involved in the Battlr of the River Plate in 1939. The presence of these vessels bought about the scuppering of the German pocket Battleship Graf Spee.

50. Alan Dyer says:
4 Dec 2018 06:50:50 AM

My uncle, Sidney Staines, was also a stoker who served on board for the duration and was on duty for the run from the Falklands to River Plate. He also escorted my father's troop ship to West Africa before they knew each other and ended up marrying sisters.

51. Michael McDonnell says:
30 Jan 2019 02:59:26 PM

My late brother in law John Frederick Terrence Moss served on the Cumberland from July 1939 to July 1943. He was a Chief Ordnance Artificer. I still have the Argentine notes he collected after the battle of the River Plate

52. Richard Newell says:
24 Dec 2021 02:33:21 AM

I understand Cumberland was my late Dad’s first posting after finishing Royal Marine basic training in September 1939, joining the vessel in Vancouver, Canada aged 17 years and 4 months.

53. John Andrew Taylor says:
28 Oct 2022 01:56:20 AM

My father, Alfred John Arthur Taylor aged 25 and joined the Royal Navy at the start of WWII. I believe he trained aboard HMS Pembroke before joining HMS Cumberland July 1939. As far as I am aware he was a stoker. As I understand it
he was on duty for the run from the Falklands to the River Plate.

54. Jane Rose says:
29 Jan 2023 10:56:41 AM

My dad was John Jellicoe Colwell. We know he was a chief stoker. We know he was battle ready river plait. Thst is all.

55. david james godfrey says:
1 Jul 2023 04:24:34 PM

my fathers uncle was a stoker called Alfred John Arthur Taylor. i have a photo of him in navy uniform and a postcard of the Cumberland sent to his sister Winifred. My relatives born/lived in Goffs Oak/Cheshunt

56. john marshall says:
18 Jun 2024 01:21:52 PM

Stanley Marshall Stoker 1st class sailed on HMS Cumberland from Dec 15th 1927 to Dec 3rd 1929.

57. Michael Delahunt says:
4 Aug 2024 12:48:53 PM

My Grandfather served in the engine room on HMS Cumberland for the entire war. He was from East London, South Africa. His name was William Abrey. Does anyone know if there is a full crew list anywhere?

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