H.M.S.Hardy was completed in 1936. She was 337 feet long, 34 feet in the beam, with a draft of nearly nine feet. She was powered by two shaft geared turbines linked to three boilers, and could reach speeds in excess of thirty knots. For armament she carried five 4.7 inch Mk1X quick firing guns in single mountings, eight 0.5 inch anti aircraft guns in twin mountings, and eight Mark 1X torpedoes in quad mountings. Her complement was supposed to be 175 officers and men, but at the time of the battle she was probably carrying more than that.
On the morning of April 8th 1940, the British mounted Operation Wilfred, who's main purpose was to lay mines of the southern side of Vestfjord, together with a dummy minefield off Bud. Besides the Battleships Renown and Warspite, and the Carrier Courageous, the minelayers were to be escorted by the Second Destroyer Flotilla under the command of Captain (D) Bernard A.W. Warburton-Lee, in H.M.S.Hardy. Whilst the British were mounting 'Wilfred', the Germans had started Operation Weserbung, with the intention of occupying Norway. Thus, unknowingly, both Fleets were due to be in the same bit of sea at the same time. In howling gales and snowstorms, elements of both sides spotted each other and briefly engaged, only to loose contact in the atrocious weather.
Neither side really knew what was going on, especially the British, but the brief encounter caused a flurry of signals back to the Admiralty. They knew nothing about the events that were about to happen in Narvik, but had already had reports about German warships approaching Oslo, Trodheim, Bergan and Stavanger. The Admiralty immediately issued orders for the task Force to keep watch on Narvik and report any developments. At 1200 hours on April 9th Captain Warbuton -Lee was in the Vestfjord when he received a signal from the Admiralty telling him that some troops had landed at Narvik, and ordered him to seizee or sink their transport ships, and if he thought prudent, recapture the Town.
Capt. Bernard A.W. Warburton-Lee
Warburton-Lee, or 'Wash', as he was known to his crew, was a bit of a 'press on' character, and relished this new challenge. He decided to sail for Narvik with five Destroyers, Hardy, Havelock, Hostile, Hunter and Hotspur. But before he fully committed himself he wanted to find out a bit more about what was going on. So at 1600 hours he stopped at Tranoy and sent two officers ashore to the Pilot Station to ask around. Even though there were some difficulties with the language, it transpired that at least six warships and a U-boat had passed the Station on their way to Narvik. 'Wash' passed all this information to the Admiralty and informed them of his intention to attack the next day at high tide.
Capt. Warburton-Lee's Uniform
On April 10th 1940, at 4-30 in the morning, Hardy, Hunter, and Havelock steamed into the harbour at Narvik leaving Hostile and Hotspur to guard the back door. Arriving inside the harbour, Warburton-Lee immediately torpedoed the Wilhelm Heidkamp, the flagship of Kommodore Bonte, Senior Officer Narvik Destroyer Force. The stern was blown into the air, killing Bonte and eighty of his men. Next to go was the Anton Schmitt, which was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of sixty three men. In the ensuing battle the Dieter Von Roeder launched eight torpedoes, none of which scored a hit, but she sustained many hits herself, and later caught fire, as did the Hans Luderman. Whilst all this was going on the Hotspur, which had been guarding the harbour entrance, came alone into the harbour and torpedoed two merchant ships.
Since no German warships had been seen outside the harbour, Warburton-Lee thought he had all the Germans in the bag, (he didn't realise that there were another five Destroyers nearby) so he turned his vessels at high speed and came back into the harbour to have another go at the merchant ships, blazing away with his guns, sinking and damaging six vessels. Up to now he had been incredibly lucky with only Hotspur suffering any hits, but as Warburton-Lee gathered his forces to depart his luck started to change for the worse.
The British Destroyers laid down a thick smoke screen to hide their departure, but as they headed out across the Fjord they ran into the five other German Destroyers as they charged into the Ofotfjord. The Georg Thiele and Bernard Von Armin came from Ballanger, and the Erich Giese, Erick Koellner and the Wolfgan Zenker sailed in from the Herjangfjord, surrounding the British Force in a pincer movement. In a fierce battle the five German Destroyers fought the five British Derstroyers with sustained and rapid gunfire. Most of the German gunfire targeted the British Flagship Hardy, which came under fire from two ships, most notably the George Thiele. The Hardy sustained several direct hits and soon burst into flames. When the bridge took a direct hit, Warburton-Lee was severely injured, but before he collapsed he ordered his Flotilla to 'keep on engaging the enemy'.
Other than Warburton-Lee, nearly everbody on the bridge had been killed except for Paymaster Lt. Geoffrey Standing, the Captain's Secertary. He awoke from the fearful blast to find his foot wounded, the ship out of control and heading for the shore at thirty knots. Since the wheel house was below him and nobody was answering his increasingly desperate orders to put the wheel over, he managed to hop down a ladder to the wheel house and alter course, enough to stop hitting the shore. When he regained the bridge helped by some seamen, he saw that they were now heading for two German destroyers. Since he could not slow down he decided to ram one of them. Luckily for all those left alive on board, whilst he was deciding which one to have a go at, one of the boilers was hit and the engines ground to a halt.
All the front guns on the Hardy were by now inoperable, but one of the stern guns was still banging away at the Germans who naturally returned fire into the burning wreck. Luckily the Hardy still had some 'way' on her which allowed Stanning to manoeuvre her into Vidrek where she ran aground. As she glided ashore still blazing furiously Stanning gave the order to abandon ship. One hundred and forty men plunged into the icy water, and in between the shell bursts from the German Destroyers, managed to clamber to safety on the shore. Warburton-Lee was still just alive when they got him ashore but died an hour later. The wreck of the Hardy lay burning until it lifted of the shore at high tide and drifted over to Skjomes where the vessel finally capsized.
Warburton-Lee was later awarded the Victoria Cross, the first posthumous V.C. to be awarded in the Second World War.
One of the many casualities
Probably the most famous of the British Destroyers in the battles of Narvik, Hardy is now just a huge debris field right close into shore. It is not really a dive, more a rummage, and you could do with a lot more time than the half hour allotted to us. Still, found a porthole, a gas mask, and many small cartidge cases.The wreck's history gives the place a certain aura, and I for one, was glad to visit her last resting place.
Visit H.M.S Hardy's last resting place
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
the picture shown of a grave is my great uncle,his brother,my grandfather fought with the 8 army,he was wounded at el almein but recovered my great grandfather never got over the death of his son and died in 1978
My father Cyril Cope who passed away in 2005 was a Leading Torpedo Man. He began the Narvik Association which went on for many years before disbanding because of his ageing years. He organised many reunions subsequent to members joining from other warships in the flottila or involved in the two battles in April 1940. There was also connections with German sailors who attended reunions. My father made two trips back to Narvik for ceremonies including the 50th Anniversary. I was privelged to accompany him on that occassion meeting members of the community including those who helped him and other survivors when they made it ashore. I followed my father’s footsteps and enlisted in the RN in 1964, retiring in 1986 as a Chief Petty Officer. Because of his apparent photograthic memory he was able to describe the events to a number of authors and media presenters. I have audio tapes of one of his interviews from which I hope to put to type and write a book about his exploits.
If there is anyone who would like to assist me in my efforts to put on paper the dramatic events of the first battle of Narvik. As well as the subsequent aftermath of those fortunate enough to get ashore before being pick up by another RN warship please contact me at roncope@ bt internet.com. This is a story of bravery about one of (if not the first) important sea battles in the 2nd World War. When the commanding officer Warburton – Lee was postumously awarded the first Royal Naval VC . It is also a story of the bravery offered by a number of the community in Narvik whom under potential severe repercussions were still prepared to assist the survivors . Ron Cope
my grandfather was a stoker on hardy he went overboard when the ship went aground he told us that the germans were shooting at them in the water he had his friend i think his name was geordie howie i dont know if i have the name right.
but he could not swim so my grandfather assisted him i cant remember if he said he was wounded or not but he was killed by a gunshot from shore my grandfather got out by grabbing at a scrambling net from a passing british ship his name was frederick mckenna and he went on to serve on edingburgh being torpedoed and reported missing only to return months later he also served on duke of york being present when it sank sharnhorst at the battle of the north cape he was also present at the japaness surrender on the us battleship missurie he died 16 ago and he was my hero i still miss him
My father, Harry Rogers ( 92 today, as I write ) survived the sinking of the Hardy but only just. He received shrapnell in his lung and was cared for and nursed back to health by a Norwegian family for whom he is forever grateful. He still has the shrapnell in his lung as it was too dangerous to operate and I suppose it is a permanent reminder of that epic day for which he still has vivid memories. I think my Dad is either extremely lucky or unlucky as he also survived the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales in the South China seas. As you can imagine he has enough genuine stories to write book, but I guess he just wasn’t the literary type. His escapades have however provided a few newspaper clippings over the years.
My father, Harry Rogers, is a fortunate survivor of HMS Hardy as he was wounded with shrapnel in his lung but was looked after by a Norwegian family who undoubtedly saved his life.
Harry is 92 years of age now but can still recount his memories which also include him surviving the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales.
I am not a Naval man myself, but if you would like to get in touch then maybe through my father I can assist with your research.
Thank you for your responses. I have had E Mail from Tony above. and have replied to him. This will be a long ongoing task in the initial stages of research.
Paul your grandfather’s account is very similar to my father’s. keep in touch. roncope@btinternet.com.
regards Ron Cope
hi there.ive been looking at you tube on the battle of narvic and ive come across your comments here,,,my dad was on the hardy sadly he died a long time ago but ive always remembered him talking about his time on the hms hardy..i do have some old pics and things…tony ask you dad does he remember robert mcatamney (bobby),he was from carrickfergus co.antrim n.i. its very sentimental all this to me..please let me know..thank you.kate..
ulsterkate@hotmail.com
I have had a number of responses to my comments including interesting accounts and photos not only from Roger but also Kate Kennedy and David Woolley whose father’s were also HMS Hardy survivors. Roger’s nephew is a serving officer who recently visited Narvik on a warship and placed reef’s on the captain’s and ship company’s graves. The photos provided by Kate and David have been sent to Roger to show his father and provide an opportunity to make contact. This is early days but I am very pleased that these contacts of sons and daughters of survivors has led to much emotional pleasure. yours aye Ron Cope
I have typed over 12 A4 size pages of the 1st Battle of Narvik and the subsequent story of the how the local Norweigian community went out of there way risking their lives to get the survivors repatriated back to UK. This as described by my father on an audio transcrpt a number of years ago. It sounds as though he wanted to have the story told of the sailors perspective rather than that of either a war strategist or naval historians point of view. Of which there are many reports. Paul and and Vince from previous comments if you want to have more in formation or contact with survivors familes contact me on roncope@btinternet.com. I would also be very interested in any info you may be able to provide me. Thanks Ron Cope
Thank you Peter Mitchell for this web site ..do you have the exact latitude and longitude for the remains of Hardy ? Ron Cope.
Thank you Pete for your swift reply and any information would be very interesting and helpful.
My apolagies to Tony in two of my above comments..where I called him Roger. Paul Davies did you know Daryl Harries ..son in law of Lillian (nee Mantle ..as in picture of Hugh Mantle’s grave) has been in contact with me.
I have completed 15 a4 size pages of my father’s account. The last paragraph ends with a brief account of eighteen year old Hugh’s death. Ron Cope
I have an interest in HMS Hardy as my uncle who was Acting Leading Gunner Alex Hunt who was unfortunately killed in the first battle of Narvik.
Having read into the battle, many years ago, my family were told, from a person that was on the ship with my uncle, that it was my uncle that stayed at his post firing the stern gun.
If there is anybody that has any information on my uncle, I would appreciate it.
Thank you
Keith Greenslade
I am interested to hear from you Keith. As you can see from my previous comments, I have had contact with various families of survivors and ship mates who lost their lives. I have now completed typing my father’s transcript. Although he did not mention your uncle’s name his account described the battle in detail..including guns continuing to fire till the end. Also as a fellow seaman (branch rating) he would have known him. If you contact me on roncope@btinternet.com. I could pass on your request to Tony Rogers whose father Harry Rogers is the only remaining survivor I have found so far. In the meantime go to BBC’s WEBSITE WW2 PEOPLES WAR/STORIES and there is an account of the battle. I wait with interest as to whether someone else makes a comment including knowledge of your Uncle. Regards Ron Cope
Thanks Keith for your E Mail all the way from New South Wales Australia. I have a friend who lives in Newcastle, just south of you. I visited her five years ago. I will send on your message to Tony Rogers and reply by E Mail shortly. My original comment on this site has resulted way beyond my expectations. Welcome to the family links of those shipmates on HMS Hardy. Ron Cope
Paymaster Commander Geoffrey Stanning was my father.
He was never sure that he had done the right thing in beaching HMS Hardy, but I am convinced that his actions saved many lives.
Rosemary, I was very pleased to see you responding to this brilliant website which has brought together a number of families of those killed or who were fortunate to survive. Referring to my own past comments I have now completed typing my father’s transcripts he left to me in 2003. Obviously he mentions your father and in our past discussions he had much admiration for your father’s leadership prior and after abandoning ship. I would be most grateful if you contacted me on roncope@btinternet.com.
On another note..I have had a query from the family of Hugh Mantle (who at eighteen was the youngest sailor killed on Hardy) as to whether there is going to be a memorial service on 10th April 2010. To my knowledge there is nothing planned. However 2010 is the annual anniversary so a service could be arranged at some stage this year at Hardy’s home port of Devonport. Please contact me by E Mail if there is anyone interested in such an event. Ron Cope.
John… an amazing story that adds to the events of that historical day of 10th April 1940. We look forward to you joining the family links I have so far had the pleasure to be in contact with. I have made a considerable effort in the last month to make aware of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle in Narvik to a number of regional and national newspapers. The response as been better than I originally thought possible. Initially I focussed on regional newspapers in the areas of my original family links. This has expanded to national newspapers. Hopefully this will result in an increasing number of those associated with the Narvik making contact. Watch out for April 2010 ‘Navy News’ where there will be a special supplement featuring the ‘Battle of Narvik’. I am still looking for those who would be interested in a special ‘Memorial Service’ this year at HMS Drake Barracks. I can also inform you that Harry Rogers (the so far only remaining survivor of Hardy I have found) is doing well and hopefully shortly will be featured in the Middlesborough Gazette. Finally great thanks goes to Peter Micthell on this ‘website’ who has been awesome. Ron Cope.
Having just read a story in the Western Morning News I was facinated as I knew my father was on board HMS Hardy and survived but was killed in a RTA in 1956. The only reference the family had was a news paper report which i have copied (part) below, I hope it may be of interest to others.
Bernard Mostyn Kennedy (Born Cwmbran Sth Wales)…. eventually to become a signaller in the Hardy. When that ship was sinking at narvik, Mostyn saw that his pal Gunner Geoffrey Bailey hah had half his hand blown blown away.
He pushed Geoffrey through 200 yards of icy, bullet-riddled water to shore. After receiving help from Norwegian villagers, they made snowshoes out of lifebelts and struggled to an American hospital 16 miles away.
Later, when a British destroyer was spotted, Mostyn signalled a message with a small torch. In a borrowed boat, they pulled out to the ship (which turned out to be the Ivanhoe) and were taken aboard.
My thanks to Ron Cope for the information it has helped to fill a few gaps, best wishes Lance G J Kennedy CC.
My name is Edith, so named after my mother. Being the elder of Cyril Cope’s 4 children, my father one of the survivors of the Hardy. Ron the above being my youngest brother. I was born in 1942 during the aftermath of the sinking of HMS Hardy. I live in Plymouth and have seen for myself the ensign brought back from HMS Hardy. In the Western Morning News (issue 6th April) local to Plymouth there is a great tribute to HMS Hardy. Like the comment left above by Rosemary Barnes, I too think the choice to ground her was the right one. The great navy tradition of my family is being carried on by my 2 sons and my grandaughter. As a little tot, I was once a welcomed visitor down the mess deck of HMS Hardy then HMS Rodney, when they were in port here in Plymouth.
My name is Nichola, proud grandaughter of Cyril Cope. I miss my grandads stories but most of all i miss him. All the above heros will live on in our children and will never be forgotten.
I found the previous comments very interesting with the exception of a small error made by the diver in the film. Years ago in the mid- sixties my brother-in law,who lives near Ballangen,told me that the “Hardy”,lying on her starboard side, was being cut up by an Italian salvage team and being transported away in barges,thus the large debris field the divers had explored had been created by the salvage team and was not the result of her heroic battle.
Further to my previous comment. In 1972, as guests of Mr Cyril Cope,my wife and I attended the London reunion of the survivors of the first battle of Narvik. There I met the widow of Capt.Warburton-Lee V.C. [Mrs Elizabeth Sutherland] who told me that a shooting trophy belonging to her late husband had fallen through from his cabin and been lying for years in the bottom of the ship. The Italian Salvage Team found the trophy,cleaned it up and returned it to her.
hi my name is Bill Cameron,I am a nephew of the late Bobby McAtamney. My uncle Bobby was a quiet & select person,Also a member of crew on the HARDY,I remember reading a story about him in an old Belfast Telegraph my mother used to keep,(my mother was Bobby,s sister) The story told of Bobby coming home to a hero,s welcome in his hometown of Carrickfergus after his ordeal at sea,Indeed he was a hero in my eye,s and the Whole family circle,And also one of the best Tenor,s one could listen to.(R.I.P. HERO.)
There is another survivor of the 1st Battle of Narvik… he had his 90th birthday a couple of months back. I have a copy of the story he wrote as he returned to the UK on the MV Franconia along with the evacuated troops from Norway. When the shell hit the bridge and the coxswain killed he took the wheel. Lt Stannard ordered him to steer to ram the Germain destroyer but it was realised she was sinking and he ordered him to run her ashore(yes Rosemary they saved a lot of lives). Les Smale who was then a A/B was in 1960/1 my buffer on HMS Cavalier. He was awarded a BEM and a finer Englishman you will not find. He still lives in Devon.
I am currently producing a booklet (by hand on my computer) about it and some other survivors stories. Can I use the picture of the Hardy on her side please?
I have 2 photos of HMS Hardy taken in June 1945 after she had been stripped by the Nazis of anything of value. Are these of interest…?
Barry
I have now located two survivors of Hardy still alive so Les Smales will be the third. I seem to remember my father mentioning his name. So far I have made contact with 14 families of those whom were either mortally wounded or fortunate to survive. I would be very interested to hear from Les or his immediate family. With regards to using the photograph of Hardy as shown beached get in contact with me as I have queried this with some one who has used it as well as other material.
Jeremy
Yes I would be interested to see the two photographs. Especially to go along with other information I have gathered regarding ‘what happened to Hardy and some of its contents.
Ron Cope ‘roncope@btinternet.com’
Message for Rosemary Barnes. I am still collating information from families associated with HMS Hardy which now stands at 16. However, so far I not been able to make contact with families of those officers on board at the time of Narvik. I would not like my book to be just about ‘the lowerdeck’ sailors experiences. I am trying to make contact with Captain Warburton – Lee’s family. Whilst I know he was a Welshman in fact he lived north of Shrewsbury, Shropshire and there are grandchildren in the Wrexham area.
Message for Paul Hamill / Vince Davies. Hopefully you still come to this website. Should you wish to have your family member mentioned in any future book – time is running out. Ron Cope
Barry Knell I am pleased to learn that Les Smale is alive and well at the age of 90. I first met Les 20 years ago when,as two ex-shotley boys, we joined the “Ganges Association” local group in Exeter. We subsequently lost touch when the group folded in 1999. I have an excellent article about him entitled “An Able Seaman” written by the late Capt. John Wells R.N. and published in “The Naval Review” of Nov. 1995, it describes his exploits aboard the “Hardy”, however I doubt if it could be used [ in full or part] again due to copyright law.
My Grandfather was the Chief Stoker Edward T Stiles (Stormy) on HMS Hardy during that fateful day he unfortunately died from his wounds on the morning of the 10th May 1940. Having been taken ashore and then carried to the Madame Christiansen’s house.
I had the pleasure of meeting both your father and mother in 2000 a long story. As i recall when i visited your father he had quite a lot of newspaper cuttings and memorabilia about the battle and photos of HMS Hardy beached, Your father also told me that HMS Hardy was broken up for salvage.
There is a photo of Hardy in Grand harbour held in Plymouth’s Naval history department unfortunatly it is not dated.
I don’t know if you have them but there were two books published about the 1st and 2nd battles of Narvik:
Narvik and After by Lord Stabolgi and Narvik battles in the Fjords by Capt Peter Dickens. I believe that your father had some input to this book.
Thanks Mike As you are aware I have already sent you an E Mail… being thankful that finally not only have I made contact with you but also possibly the Stiles family in Canada. As you know Cyril and my mam Edie met you all at reunions and their home in Exeter. Cyril and Edie spending a holiday in Canada as the Stiles family’s guests and a wonderful time they had.
I have both those books you mentioned and because after the war we moved on and into 1970’s Peter Dicken’s book (a great grandson of Charles Dickens) is probably the nearest to a true account. I say this due to the Lord Stabolgi book being printed at the end of 1940. So in my view for obvious reasons he was not given from his contacts in the Admiralty sufficient information.
However, if there is anyone who would like me to send an attachment copy of relevant pages of both Battles of Narvik from Peter Dickens book. Although some ‘Narvik’ friends I have contact with decided to purchase the book for posterity reasons.
Another authoritative account of the Norwegian Campaign is ‘ The Doomed Expedition’ by T.Adams. I was fortunate to meet Jack (has he liked to be called) in1990 .the 50th Anniversary in Narvik. He was a very interesting character from South Wales I believe. I am still looking into geting a copy. It seems going onto the ‘Amazon’ website you can still purchase the books mentioned. Ron Cope (’roncope@btinternet.com’).
Message to Barry Knell. To say thanks.. I have made contact with Les Smale. You’re never too old to go onto the internet as Les is proving. He is in good health and I am looking forward to increasing my research material.
Thanks also goes to Bill Sanders whom through my father I have known for years..and also like Les a finer man you will never find.
Barry if you have any material of interest I would be more than grateful to receive. Regards Ron Cope
Message for Vince Davies
Hugh Morris Mantle was the uncle of my wife, and both her, my mother-in-law and I would like to get in contract with you regarding your family connections. Please contact me through this site or my email address. darylteddybear@aol.com
My daughter, Nicola Mulryan, is the manager of the Narvik/Ofoten Tourist department and has edited the english version of the Destination Narvik Tourist Informatin Guide. In the current issue of the guide is a photograph of the graves of some of Hardy’s crew. Some of your correspondents may be interested in this.
Her contact e.mail address is nicola@destinationnarvik.com and website link is DestinationNHarvik. Regards Don Mulryan