Able Seaman D/222314 Walter James Udy, RN, HMS Forte...

...was born the 6th of March, 1887 at Yealmpton, Devon, the son of Thomas Henry Udy and Sarah Ann (nee Dove).

On the 6th of March, 1905, whilst employed as a labourer, Walter signed up as a Boy 2nd Class for twelve years in the Royal Navy. He trained on the old “wooden wall” training ship HMS Impregnable. He then went aboard his first ship - the brand new battle cruiser HMS Lion and rose through the ranks to AB Seaman on the 26th of June 1918.

In 1907 he had married Lily Annie Davies Udy (1914 to 1951).

During his service he served on many ships and shore stations around the world and on before being pensioned off in May 1925 whilst serving on HMS Emperor of India. 

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Walter rejoined the Navy and was posted to the shore station HMS Forte at Falmouth. This being a base for coastal forces - MGB (Motor Gun Boat), MTB (Motor Torpedo Boat) and ML (Motor Launches).

Able Seaman Udy died from drowning on the 15th of September 1942 at Falmouth and is buried St Issey New Churchyard, Cornwall, beneath a non-CWGC headstone with wife Lily and son Ernest Alan Llewellyn Udy 1908 to 1941 and is remembered on the Bodmin Post Office Memorial.

The Guardian (local paper) for the 24th reported upon his death, burial and life. The paper noted that:

'Able Seaman Udy was resident at Manor Cottage, St Issey and had lost his life in Falmouth whilst returning to his boat. Having joined the Navy as a Boy, he had served through the First World War and was pensioned some five years later. Ten years prior to the Second world War he was employed by the G.P.O “outdoor staff” at St Issey and was noted as being very efficient. He was a keen gardener and too much interest in local life; being active in the local branch of the British Legion and that of the Working Men’s Institute, where he did much honorary work. He was a churchman, bell ringer, sexton, and sidesman. Whilst staying in Falmouth he was very popular with his ship’s crew. His funeral took place on Sunday afternoon and was conducted by the Reverend F.L. Simmons (Vicar). His coffin was covered by a Union flag and was carried by six A.Bs. The 7th Platoon Home Guard was in attendance under the command of Lt S Carhart.'

 The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser reported upon the inquest for Walter.

'At 10.10pm He was seen walking down a jetty to return to his ship to which he commenced his descent down a ladder to his ship. At this point he was lost to view. However, a splash was heard by a nearby sailor who rushed to the spot with a boat hook in the hope of pulling him out. Unfortunately the victim could not be seen, only his cap and a parcel floating in the water. It was established that Walter was perfectly sober. A witness stated that he thought the ladder had tilted as he descended, another officer noted that descending the ladder carrying a parcel would have bee difficult. A verdict of “misadventure”, probably due to the ladder tilting was recorded.'