William Crawford (P/JX 175139)
William Crawford served in the Royal Navy.

William was an Able Seaman on board HMS Aldenham.
HMS Aldenham in the Med.
In December 1944 HMS Aldenham was one of a number of destroyers that were engaged in the bombardment of enemy positions on the various islands in the Aegean Sea. On the 14 December, in company with HMS Atherstone, Aldenham proceeded to Slatina Cove between Olib abd Planik Islands. Their task was to silence enemy gun positions at Karlobag. This was carried out successfully and each ship fired off almost all their 4" ammunition.

Witht he enemy battery silenced both ships weighed anchor and set course for Veli Rat, where they would re-ammunition. As they passed to the NW of Planik Island HMS Aldenham struck a mine. The mine exploded almost amidships breaking the vessel in two. The two halves seperated and sank within minutes. Out of a crew of 10 officers and 179 ratings, HMS Atherstone rescued 65, LCG/12 and HDML/1162 rescued 1 each. William was among the casualties.

Able Seaman William Crawford os commemorated at Portsmouth Naval Memorial panel 82, column 1.
Sources;
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
HMS Aldenham, The Last Destroyer.
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