The Tragic Death of an Iron Lady

H.M.S. Neptune

On December 19th 1941 twenty one miles off Tripoli and in the dead of night the Neptune wallows paralysed in an enemy minefield. Two mines have torn gaping holes in her hull, a third wrecks both her propellers and her steering gear. She lists heavily to port. The 7,170 tonne ship has lost all power and is being buffeted by heavy seas and a strong southwesterly wind.

For the 750 men on board (which 150 were New Zealanders) , the only chance of survival is that the ship may drift clear of the minefield or be towed out by another ship in company. The crew are denied any chance at all when about 4am the Neptune hits a fourth mine. This is the killer blow. In just five minutes the ship rolls over and sinks, taking all but 16 of her crewmembers with her.

Sixteen out of 750 were on one life raft. Fifteen died through exhaustion and thirst. One man survived an Englishman one Leading Seaman John Walton who was picked up by an Italian Destroyer on Christmas Eve and made a prisoner of war in Italy until 1943 when he was released.

It is interesting to note that on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of this event December 1991 Leading Seaman Walton was guest of the ex Royal Navalmen's Association of New Zealand. He was hosted in Rotorua from the 21st - 23rd December.

Please Note: A full account of the lead-up and the events that took place prior to Neptune's final death throes are held by the Museum Curator of the Rotorua RSA (Inc) for anyone who would like to pursue them.