IN March 1944, during World War Two, submarine HMS Stonehenge was undertaking its second patrol in the Indian Ocean.
With 50 crew aboard, the S Class P232 vessel was patrolling on the back of the successful sinking of two Japanese ships.
But it – and the crew – were never seen again.
Reported overdue on March 20, 1944, the Stonehenge has never been found.
It is believed the sub probably hit a mine and sunk.
HMS Stonehenge was lost in March 1944
Eight decades later, a charity that supports veterans and other vulnerable homeless people in Wiltshire, organised a special remembrance service at the stone circle.
Staff and supporters of the charity, Alabaré, were joined at Stonehenge by representatives from across the military and civilian communities for a service of prayer and remembrance to mark 80 years since the loss of HMS Stonehenge.
“As a national charity supporting veterans, Alabaré organised this event to commemorate the submarine and are grateful to English Heritage for the opportunity to gather at the iconic site which is the submarine’s namesake,” a spokesperson said.
“We are grateful to Sarah Rose Troughton, Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, for speaking at our event and to The Rt Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury and Alabaré patron, who led our service of remembrance.
“Our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us today for this poignant event.”
Thank you for this service and the posting of the article. It is nice to know that the lost are still remembered. Robert Crowther, Leading Seaman, my mother’s older brother (my uncle) was lost at sea on the Stonehenge.
I wish I had known of this, my mums 1st cousin Petty Officer Richard Henry Neale, was lost at sea on HMS Stonehenge. Can any tell me, was the service recorded, and if so is a DVD available ? May God bless their souls. TIA.