Captain David Howlett on the SS Tewkesbury

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posted on 2024-06-05, 17:54 authored by Their Finest Hour Project Team

Captain David Howlett was first mate on the SS Tewkesbury when she was torpedoed in February 1941 en route to South America. He commanded one of the lifeboats that was in the water for over 11 days before being rescued. During this time, Captain Howlett fought off an attack by a large shark with a fire axe. For this and for helping offload a UXB on a merchant ship alongside his ship in Scotland, he was presented with the MBE in London by the King.

History

Item list and details

1. Letter from ships owner to Mrs Howlett confirming the loss of the ship 2. Two telegrams to Mrs Howlett from Captain Howlett confirming he is safe 3. His medals 4. Photo of the Captain, his wife and parents at Buckingham place to receive his MBE 5. Photo of Captain Howlett at the premier of the film 'The Cruel Sea' which he advised on a written description of the shark attack

Person the story/items relate to

Captain David Howlett MBE

Person who shared the story/items

Mrs R. Shott

Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor

Grandfather

Type of submission

Shared at Porthcawl Museum, Bridgend on 11 July 2023.

Record ID

92205 | PMU017

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CC BY 4.0

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