28/07/2025
I’m in the process of creating a tribute to the 18 crew members of HMS Saucy all from Brixham, 18 of 26 possibly 28 of the 29 crew lost when the Tug they were aboard in the Firth of Forth hit a mine and sank on 4th September 1940, I know there is a plaque commemorating these men on the old market house, but I would like to pay tribute myself with this creation and maybe bring this little bit of history alive.
Here is a picture of the work in progress, the next piece of the jigsaw is more sign writing ti include the names of the Brixham sailors and a little bit about the occasion. When it is complete we will do a special afternoon tea and invite family members from the crew names listed here to come along and sign their names alongside their relative on the life ring in remembrance.
Please get in touch in you would like to be involved or sign the ring, the Tea date will be announced shortly.
“Remembering the Men of HMS Saucy”
Among the treasures in our collection is a humble but powerful relic – a life ring from HMS Saucy.
Saucy was a sturdy rescue tug, built to tow and assist stricken vessels during the Second World War. On the 4th of September 1940, she was operating out of Liverpool when disaster struck: she hit a German-laid mine off the Mersey Bar. Within minutes the little tug was gone.
Of her 29-strong crew, 25 men were lost. What makes this tragedy close to our hearts here in Brixham is that 15 of those who perished were Brixham men – local seafarers who answered the call of duty and never came home. Names such as Skipper Richard Dore, Mate John Dore, brothers Henry and William Smale, and so many others are still remembered by families in our town today.
This life ring stands as a silent witness to their courage. Next time you visit The Chart Room, pause for a moment and think of Saucy and her brave crew – ordinary Brixham men who made the ultimate sacrifice at sea.
Here’s a fact‑checked list of the 18 men from Brixham aboard HMS Saucy lost on 4 September 1940, as listed on the memorial plaque unveiled at Brixham Harbour in 2004 – based on records from the Imperial War Museums and other reliable sources :
• John William Clift
• Thomas William Coysh
• Seymour William Crang
• William Herbert Cudd
• Sidney Foster
• Stanley Edward Gardener
• Cyril John Harvey
• Leonard Turner Harvey
• Roy Harold Harvey
• Charles Henry Launder
• Vincent Medway
• Thomas Lovell
• Samuel John Ronald Piper
• Harry Edward Nicholls
• Charles Edward Roberts
• Edward William Pulham
• Ralph Edwin George Stamp
• John Alfred Seaward
All were from Brixham, and seven were related, including the three Harveys from the same family
Feel free to give any information which may help the research prior to the unveiling in September
