Hero’s memory lives on at 85th anniversary commemoration

‘His actions were not just heroic, they were selfless and grounded in a deep sense of duty to others’.
Those words were among the tributes paid to Leading Seaman Jack Mantle VC at a ceremony to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the HMS FOYLEBANK in Portland Harbour.
The armed merchant cruiser went down with the loss of 176 men when it was attacked by more than 20 Stuka dive bombers in July 1940.
Included in the dead that day was Leading Seaman Mantle, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for supreme courage and gallantry – the only VC awarded to the Navy for an act of valour on mainland Britain.
Manning an anti-aircraft gun, despite a shattered left leg and other wounds caused by bomb explosions every 40 seconds, 23-year-old fatally injured Jack stayed with his gun until the last German aircraft left.
His bravery, and that of his shipmates, was remembered in a poignant ceremony at the Royal Naval Cemetery Portland, overlooking the harbour where the deadly raid took place.
The Naval Regional Commander for Wales, the West of England and Channel Islands, Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE ADC RN led the tributes.
He said: “Jack Mantle’s courage reminds us of something timeless, that in moments of crisis it is often the acquired strength of ordinary people that shapes our future.
“His actions were not just heroic, they were selfless and grounded in a deep sense of duty to others.”
The Commodore continued: “The story of HMS FOYLEBANK is a Portland story, but is also a British story that teaches us that resilience is not just about enduring hardship it is about facing uncertainty with resolve, defending what matters and helping each other in the process.”
Portland Port organised the commemoration, which included a service at the cemetery and a buffet lunch afterwards at the port.
The Rev Tim Gomm, the Rector of Portland, led the ceremony which was attended by nearly 50 people.
They included HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley, the Mayor of Portland Town Council Charlie Flack, Crown Local Agent and Bailiff of the Court Leet, Isle & Royal Manor of Portland Gerry Hinde, Portland Royal British Legion chair Stephen Rose, Andy Matthews from Portland Community Partnership, former Naval Regional Commander Wales and Western England Commodore Jamie Miller CBE, Lt Rachel Harris and CPO Nicky Lee from Portland Sea Cadets and Yeovil Sea Cadets from TS Mantle VC,  named in honour of Jack.
Music was provided by the Weymouth Concert Brass and wreaths were laid at Jack’s gravestone, the stone inscription stating: “Because we did not choose to live and shame the country from which we sprung.”
Mr Dooley said: “As Lord-Lieutenant and as a representative of His Majesty in this county, I offer our deepest gratitude . We remember not only those who fell but all those who have served and continue to service in defence of our freedoms.”
Cllr Charlie Flack, a Royal Navy veteran, said the ceremony was a fitting way to honour Jack and all of those lost on the HMS FOYLEBANK.
“It is important that we hold commemorations like this, not only to recognise what a hero Jack Mantle was but also to stop such actions fading from the memory.”
Portland Port has operated on a commercial basis since 1996, following the port’s long and distinguished history as a naval base.
Bill Reeves, chief executive at Portland Port, said: “Our thanks go to everyone who attended this very special commemoration and to the Weymouth Concert Brass for providing music to fit the occasion.”
PANEL:
On 4 July, 1940, during the Second World War, German dive bombers attacked Portland Harbour. They were met by stiff fire from Leading Seaman Jack F Mantle manning a pom-pom anti-aircraft gun aboard HMS FOYLEBANK.
Although he was wounded, Jack stayed at his gun until the last German bomber left. He died of his wounds, and for his supreme courage and gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross – only the second to be won in or over Great Britain.