Bennett Southwell
Encyclopedia
Ordinary Seaman Bennett Southwell GC
(1913–1940) was a member of a Royal Navy
team carrying out bomb disposal
when he was killed during the London blitz. He was awarded a posthumous George Cross
.
Southwell was born on 21 March 1913 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1939. He was posted to HMS Vernon
, the Navy establishment for bomb and mine clearance work. He was part of a team tackling an unexploded parachute mine on the 17 October 1940 during the height of the blitz in Hoxton
in the East End of London
.
Southwell and his companion, Sub-Lieutenant Jack Easton
, were called to a mine in Clifton Street, Shoreditch. The street was deserted and the 1,500 lb mine could be seen dangling from its parachute, wrapped round the chimney of a terraced house. The pair had to climb through a window into the bedroom, as the mine was blocking the door wedged between a bedstead and the collapsing chimney. Easton set about defusing the mine with Southwell passing him tools through the window. They were working in this way when the rest of the chimney collapsed, setting off the fuse which began to tick. They ran for cover in a nearby air raid shelter but the mine exploded, destroying six surrounding streets and killing Southwell instantly. Such was the damage that his body was undiscovered for a further six weeks. Sub-Lieutenant Easton survived and both men were awarded the George Cross.
Southwell's citation reads:
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
(1913–1940) was a member of a Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
team carrying out bomb disposal
Bomb disposal
Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe. Bomb disposal is an all encompassing term to describe the separate, but interrelated functions in the following fields:*Military:...
when he was killed during the London blitz. He was awarded a posthumous George Cross
George Cross
The George Cross is the highest civil decoration of the United Kingdom, and also holds, or has held, that status in many of the other countries of the Commonwealth of Nations...
.
Southwell was born on 21 March 1913 and enlisted into the Royal Navy in 1939. He was posted to HMS Vernon
HMS Vernon (shore establishment)
HMS Vernon was a shore establishment or 'stone frigate' of the Royal Navy. Vernon was established on 26 April 1876 as the Royal Navy's Torpedo Branch and operated until 1 April 1996, when the various elements comprising the establishment were split up and moved to different commands.-Foundation...
, the Navy establishment for bomb and mine clearance work. He was part of a team tackling an unexploded parachute mine on the 17 October 1940 during the height of the blitz in Hoxton
Hoxton
Hoxton is an area in the London Borough of Hackney, immediately north of the financial district of the City of London. The area of Hoxton is bordered by Regent's Canal on the north side, Wharf Road and City Road on the west, Old Street on the south, and Kingsland Road on the east.Hoxton is also a...
in the East End of London
East End of London
The East End of London, also known simply as the East End, is the area of London, England, United Kingdom, east of the medieval walled City of London and north of the River Thames. Although not defined by universally accepted formal boundaries, the River Lea can be considered another boundary...
.
Southwell and his companion, Sub-Lieutenant Jack Easton
Jack Maynard Cholmondeley Easton
Lieutenant Jack Maynard Cholmondeley Easton of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was awarded the George Cross for his gallantry in defusing a bomb which had fallen on Hoxton, in the East End of London, during the Blitz on the 17th of October 1940. Notice of his award appeared in the London Gazette...
, were called to a mine in Clifton Street, Shoreditch. The street was deserted and the 1,500 lb mine could be seen dangling from its parachute, wrapped round the chimney of a terraced house. The pair had to climb through a window into the bedroom, as the mine was blocking the door wedged between a bedstead and the collapsing chimney. Easton set about defusing the mine with Southwell passing him tools through the window. They were working in this way when the rest of the chimney collapsed, setting off the fuse which began to tick. They ran for cover in a nearby air raid shelter but the mine exploded, destroying six surrounding streets and killing Southwell instantly. Such was the damage that his body was undiscovered for a further six weeks. Sub-Lieutenant Easton survived and both men were awarded the George Cross.
Southwell's citation reads:
"The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to Ordinary Seaman Bennett Southwell."