NZ 2073 Leading Stoker Richard Neill Summerell, 10/1920-13/7/1943.

 

Photo from the "online cenotaph."

Richard Summerill served on the HMNZS Leander, a light cruiser, from 1940 until the Battle of Kolombangara, during the Guadalcanal Campaign, in 1943.

The Battle was an attempt to disrupt what was known as the "Tokyo Express" - one of many Japanese attempts to reinforce and supply their troops in the Solomon Islands by using destroyers as fast transports.  Four such destroyers carrying 1200 men were escorted by a light cruiser and five destroyers.  The Japanese force was reported by Allied coastwatchers.

Sent out to meet the Japanese force was an Allied one of two US light cruisers, the HMNZS Leander, and ten US destroyers.  The Allied force had the advantage of numbers and also of ship-borne radar.  The Japanese had no radar but could detect radar transmissions.

Radar contact was made at 1a.m. on July 13.  The Allied ships were not well coordinated as a group and collisions almost occured when the ships turned to avoid Japanese torpedoes.  Leander had to turn wide to avoid another ship and was hit by a torpedo near one of the boiler rooms.  The ship lost power with the boiler room flooded and all of the room's crew killed instantly.  Water flooded further and all electricity and telephones failed as Leander listed to port.

Fortunately, the Japanese did not reappear after the first engagement, which left their cruiser burning and sinking, and damage control parties managed to restore communications, patch holes and shore up bulkheads.  An 18 hour voyage, escorted by US Navy ships and aircraft, saw Leander back at base at Tulagi.

The progression of official notices regarding the fate of Richard Summerell would indicate that his remains were found in the Leander's boiler room after return to New Zealand.  At Devonport base, volunteers searched the damaged area for their crewmates.  Two bodies were found which could be identified by their identity discs and they were buried at Dunedin.  The other remains were buried at Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, with a stone bearing the inscription "Unknown Leander."

 

Photo from "NZ History"

LEADING STOKER SUMMERELL

Leading Stoker Richard Neil Summerell, a son of Mrs I. Summerell, of 718 King street, who has been reported missing, presumed killed, was born at Dunedin in October, 1920. He was educated at The Normal, Dunedin North Intermediate, and King Edward Technical High Schools. For four years before he enlisted in the Navy in 1940 he was employed in the office of the Co-operative Dairy Company of Otago. At school he won cups for running and tennis, and afterwards played Rugby with the Union Club third grade team. He was also a member of the North End Boating Club.   -Evening Star, 31/7/1943.

BEREAVEMENT NOTICES

SUMMERELL. Mrs Summerell, Mr and Mrs Ranger wish to thank kind relations, friends, and business people, also Mr Wilson, for expressions of sympathy, letters, and telegrams in the loss on active service of their son and brother, Neil.   -Otago Daily Times, 31/7/1943.

FOR THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE

SUMMERELL. — On July 15, 1943, at sea, Leading Stoker Richard Neil Summerell, R.N.Z.N., dearly loved only son of A. I. E. Summerell, 718 King street, Dunedin; aged 23 years. “Sadly missed.” —Interment at Dunedin. Funeral intimation later. — R. McLean and Son, funeral directors.  -Otago Daily Times, 3/8/1943.

FUNERAL NOTICE.

SUMMERELL — The friends of the late Acting Leading-stoker Richard Neil Summerell, R.N.Z.N., are invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave the residence of his mother (Mrs A. I. E. Summerell), 718 King street, on Monday, the 9th inst., at the conclusion of a service commencing at 3 p.m., for the Anderson's Bay Cemetery. — K. McLean and Son, funeral directors.  -Evening Star, 7/8/1943.

Andersons Bay Cemetery, DCC photo.