Silcock,+Robert


 * Robert Silcock,** Petty Officer, Mechanician, 2nd Class**,** HMS Prince of Wales**.**



//Text of the above news clipping for Robert Silcock:// //WEST RIDING MEN IN SUNK WARSHIPS// //Among those believed to have been in the Prince of Wales are Petty Officer Geoffrey Whitehead, son-in-law of Mr Herbert Richardson, Licensee of the Crown Hotel, Batley; AB Eddie Midgley, son of Mr and Mrs George Midgley of Earlsheaton; AB Peter Manning, son of the late Mr and Mrs William Manning, Vulcan road, Dewsbury; and Robert Silcock, aged 27, mechanic, eldest son of Mr and Mrs P. Silcock, Manor Cottage, Oakworth.// //(Supplied by Frank Sugden formerly of HMS Prince of Wales)//

Robert was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs P Silcock, of Oakworth, Yorkshire. From the records, it appears that Robert survived the battle with DKM Bismarck on 24th May 1941 when HMS Hood was sunk, and then survived the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales on 10th December 1941, but was killed on HM Tug Yin Ping, whilst escaping the fall of Singapore on 15th February 1942.


 * An account of the sinking of HM Tug Yin Ping:**

Captain Atkinson, RN, Captain-in-Charge Singapore, was one of the few senior British naval officers left in Singapore when the Empire Star sailed on February 12. Following the decision on January 31 to abandon the naval base and evacuate all personnel, some key staff had been instructed to remain in Singapore to assist with evacuations. Not all had obeyed this command. Despite explicit orders from Admiral Spooner to remain at his post, the officer in charge of all auxiliary vessels, Commander Bayly, sailed for Java, forcing Spooner to issue an order for his immediate arrest on the grounds of desertion.

Moving between the docks and the command bunker at Fort Canning, Captain Atkinson had continued to carry out his duties with his usual efficiency despite the growing chaos around him. A highly respected officer, Atkinson's sense of duty was such that even when he and his remaining staff were ordered to evacuate, he stayed at his post as long as possible. On the day before the surrender, he and his fellow officers finally boarded a small coal-burning tug, Yin Ping bound for Java. But they had left it far too late. The next day, as the vessel entered the Bangka Straits, a Japanese cruiser lying in wait opened fire. The first of six rounds hit the bridge, killing all but Atkinson and two others. Although the badly injured captain managed to reach the foredeck, he went down with his ship when the vessel, now burning fiercely, sank without warning.

In Memory of Mechanician 2nd Class D/KX 83208 of H.M. Tug Yin Ping, Royal Navy who died on Sunday 15 February 1942. Age 27. Son of Peter and Emily Silcock; husband of Irene Lilian Silcock, of Peverell, Plymouth. PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Devon, United Kingdom Grave or Reference Panel Number: Panel 69, Column 1.
 * ROBERT SILCOCK**

In Memory of his shipmates: Captain H.M.S. Sultan (lost in H.M. Tug Yin Ping)., Royal Navy, who died on Thursday 5 February 1942. Age 40. Son of Corbett Wadsley Atkinson and Constance Mary Atkinson; husband of Winifred Mary Atkinson, of Ethsworth, Hampshire. Awarded the Robert Roxburgh Memorial Prize, the Beaufort Testimonial and the Wharton Testimonial. PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL Devon, United Kingdom Grave or Reference Panel Number: Panel 98.
 * THOMAS KENNETH WHITMORE ATKINSON**

Rank: Petty Officer Service No: C/J 109940 Date of Death: 15/02/1942 Age: 33 Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M. Tug Yin Ping Panel Reference: 52, 1. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of David and Louisa Ritchie; husband of Helena Elsie Ritchie, of Rainham, Kent.
 * RITCHIE, LEONARD DAVID**

Rank: Ordinary Seaman Service No: C/JX 262336 Date of Death: 15/02/1942 Age: 28 Regiment/Service: Royal Navy H.M. Tug Yin Ping Panel Reference: 58, 2. Memorial: CHATHAM NAVAL MEMORIAL Additional Information: Son of William and Margaret Jenkins Walker; husband of Margaret Walker, of Balornock, Glasgow.
 * WALKER, JAMES**