Hugh
I recently received sad news of the passing of Hugh Arnold - in raid terms Sub Lieutenant Hugh Wilson Arnold, RNVR, DSC, of Motor Launch 446. Hugh's launch, captained by Lieutenant Dick Falconar, RNVR, M.i.D, was at the tail of the port column of attacking MLs, carrying Captain 'Bertie' Hodgson's Commando party, a small medical team under Captain Mike Barling, RAMC, and a Belgian member of the Special Operations Executive, Captain D.R. de Jonghe. Hugh was badly wounded in the conflict in the estuary, and the short extract below, from my book 'Storming St Nazaire' may help convey the ferocity of the response awaiting his, and the other, small boats. The 446 was to have put her men ashore on the Old Mole, however this structure's gun defences remained in action throughout, making it impossible for Falconar to put her alongside. She succeeded in making it out of the estuary, where she was scuttled.
"Following Horlock's example was Falconar's ML 446, which was in a considerably more parlous condition owing to damage and casualties suffered earlier. At this precise moment all her guns were out of action, the Bridge machine-guns and the forward Oerlikon having jammed, and the after Oerlikon - courageously served by Ordinary Seaman Tew in spite of serious wounds - having been knocked out. Many of his own crew had been wounded and his Commando party had fared badly in the opening exchanges of fire, during which (Captain) Bertie Hodgson had been killed. With its cannon still spitting fire, the Mole very obviously remained in German hands and a change of ownership did not look likely any time soon. It was painfully clear than any attempt to close further on the structure would probably result in the loss of his ship, and this being the case Falconar too judged it wiser to put his helm over and join the other battered survivors as they attempted to find a safe road through the rain of missiles. They made smoke, but this only served to attract more fire, with the result that the Third Officer, Sub-Lieutenant Hugh Arnold was badly wounded."
Hugh's actions during the raid resulted in the award of the Distinguished Service Cross (The London Gazette of Tuesday 19th May, 1942)
Here is the 'Telegraph' notice giving details of the funeral arrangements.
ARNOLD - Hugh Wilson, DSC. Aged 92, peacefully on 17th December at Arbrook House Nursing Home. Beloved husband of Pam, loving father of Rob and Alice. Memorial Service at St Andrew's United Reformed Church, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1LG on 31st December at 12.30 p.m. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to St Nazaire Society c/o Lodge Brothers 01372 463903 or www.lodgebrothers.co.uk
UPDATE: to read Hugh's full obituary in the 'Telegraph' go to this link -
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10559235/Hugh-Arnold-obituary.html
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