Memorable Sea Day for World War II Veteran

On Friday the 11 November HMS Exploit, of the 1st Patrol Boat Squadron, had the pleasure of welcoming 95 year old WWII veteran, Able Seaman Charles “Charlie” Cook, onboard to commemorate Armistice Day.

The Ship’s Company along with three Midshipman from the Birmingham University Royal Naval Unit, took Charlie back to sea for the first time in more than 20 years.

Charlie Cook was born in Winchester, in 1916, during the Great War and from the age of 12 attended the Naval School thereafter he joined the Royal Navy. Serving in the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous at the outbreak of war, he then volunteered for the submarine service. Charlie had several near misses during his service, just 14 days after transferring to submarines, the Courageous was sunk by a German submarine, the U-29, and later, whilst he was serving in HMS Otus, the first submarine he had served in was reported lost at sea.

He served for the remainder of the war in HMS Umbra which became famous for being the only submarine that attacked a battleship and survived to tell the tale. Charlie participated in the attack on the Italian battleship Littorio, a Vittorio Vento Class battleship, which was sunk in collaboration with the RAF. T

he Littorio was sunk along with a cruiser she was in company with. Umbra also became well known for flying her skull and crossbones flag whenever she came into port. Charlie later donated his own Jolly Roger to the Submarine Museum in Portsmouth, where it can still be seen today.

During his time in the Navy, he was awarded the Malta George Cross, the Palestine Medal and he was mentioned in Despatches for his actions in the UMBRA during the engagement with the Littorio. He was also awarded the 39-45 Star, the Atlantic Star and Clasp, the African Star and Clasp, the Italian Star, the Burma Star, and the Imperial Service Medal.

After leaving the Navy in 1947, Charlie joined the Coastguard and served in stations at Porlock, St Ives, The Lizard, Barry Island and Bournemouth. He retired at the age of 65 in 1981 and he now lives at Southern Cross Nursing Home in Newbridge.

Charlie came to visit HMS Exploit with his daughter Carol in Penarth Marina, where the ship is based. From there the Ship proceeded out into the Bristol Channel and despite remaining in the relatively sheltered waters, just outside Cardiff Bay, the windy weather made for a choppy sea. When interviewed on how it felt to be back at sea by BBC Wales today, Charlie cheerfully announced that it was, “a bit rough”.

Despite the wind and a slightly bumpy ride, the former submariner and member of the coastguard seemed to greatly enjoy being back on the water, especially from his place of honour in the Captain’s chair. Upon the safe arrival back in Penarth, the Ship’s Company and students held a Armistice Day Remembrance service with Charlie watching on from his seat on the flying bridge.

It was a memorable day for all involved and a great honour for HMS Exploit and the Birmingham University Royal Naval Unit to welcome a distinguished veteran on board to help commemorate all our fallen heroes.

By Birmingham URNU 3rd year student Midshipman Victoria Summers RNR.