Cradoc DOUTHWAITE 1924 – 1944

P/JX 403928 Ordinary Telegraphist Cradoc Douthwaite, RN HMS Raleigh Castle, died 2 January 1944 aged 19 and is buried at St. John’s [Mount Pleasant] Cemetery, Newfoundland, Canada[1] and is commemorated on the West Auckland War Memorial.

Family Details

Cradoc Douthwaite was born 1924,[2] the son of Sidney and Edna Douthwaite.  In 1939, Sidney and Edna lived at 19 Front Street, West Auckland where Sidney worked as a coal miner [hewer].  Cradoc was not recorded.[3] In 1945, Sidney was the steward of West Auckland Workmens Club, Front Street.[4]

Service Details

The service details of Cradoc Douthwaite have not been researched.  It is assumed that he was at St. John’s, Newfoundland as part of the coastal defence.  He died of natural causes “tubercular Meningitis non pulsor”.[5]

Burial [6]

P/JX 403928 Telegraphist Cradoc Douthwaite is buried at grave reference section A, plot 6 grave G, St. John’s Joint Service Cemetery, Newfoundland, Canada.  St. John’s harbour was used as a naval base during the Second World War and the city was also the HQ of the Newfoundland Area of the Atlantic Command and a strong defence post.  St. John’s [Mount Pleasant] Cemetery has been amalgamated with the former Joint Services cemetery.

REFERENCES

[1] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[2] England & Wales Birth Index 1916-2007 Vol.10a p.505 1924Q2 Auckland

[3] 1939 England & Wales Register

[4] England & Wales National Probate Calendar [Index of Wills and Administrations] 1858-1995

[5] UK British Army & Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 ship Avalon record 528/44

[6] CWGC