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I am in possession of a letter received by my grandmother who passed away a few years ago. It is from her brother who was serving aboard the HMS Repulse as an Able seaman, it is the last correspondence she had with her brother before he died.

Clarence survived the sinking of the Repulse which went down along side the HMS Prince of Wales as part of Force Z. He was taken to Singapore to recover and was then given duties on another ship, HMS Giang Bee.

HMS Giang Bee took people aboard as part of the general evacuation around 6th - 8th February 1942. They departed Singapore as the city crumbled under shelling and air raids. The ship turned back, apparently to rescue a British official, and left again. At some time after this, the ship came under attack, and sank several hours later. Some survivors headed for Sumatra, and then eventually reached Java, trying to avoid the invading Japanese. They were unfortunately captured.

The Giang Bee left Singapore harbour. It was not long before the ship was overtaken by a squadron of Japanese warships. Passengers were given an hour to abandon ship before the vessel was bombarded and sunk.

It is possible that Clarence was killed as the Japanese ships opened fire to stop the Giang Bee, or he may have gone down with the ship, or even died in one of the lifeboats on the way to Sumatra.
Record of the Giang Bee:
Patrol vessel HMS GIANG BEE (R, 1,646 tons, Commissioned 1908)
Lost or destroyed to prevent falling into enemy hands Singapore area, February 1942.

The letter

I shall try to work out the best I can what the letter reads
--------
D/JX 50.s Mess
HMS Repulse
c/o GPO
London

My dearest Lorna

To thank you so very much for your letter which I received the other day. But I have not been able to answer it before but of course I know you understand my position.

Well Lorn, I know that you have been having a very warm time of it up in London. I have been very worried about you. All I wish is that you are safe and well. My own idea about you is that should not have left home, but of course you have your husband to think of.

Well dear, I hope that you are keeping well, also your companion ‘Daisy’ it must be good to know that her husband is safe and well even though he is a prisoner of war and I hope they will be together again once more.

Mum told me you were expecting a baby, and my hopes are with yours. So good luck Lorn and my heartiest congratulations. Netta and I will be getting married soon I expect. I will let you know when. But of course mum does not know that I intend to get married, so I don’t wish her to know just yet.
I will tell her myself as soon as I know for sure, and of course I will tell you as well.

Well Lorn I will be up to see you the first chance I may get, I have not been ashore for seven months now, and im sure I have not the slightest idea when I shall get some leave. Soon I hope anyway.

Well my dear I must say cheerio for now. Sending you all my love from your ever loving brother CLAR xxxxxxx

p.s Keep your chin up

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